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Writer's pictureElisa Cool Murphy

How to Have a COOL Yule in New Orleans

Updated: Jun 19

Aka a few of Team Cool Murphy's Favorite Things

"Garlands on galleries and extra hot toddies. Carriage rides with sleigh bells driv'n by mules with thick bodies. Carrols sung by church choirs that groove as they sing. These are a few of Cool's favorite things!


When the street floods. When my tire thuds over a pothole. I simply remember my favorite things, like Christmas in New Orleans!"


Y'all already know that I'm a total nerd for the holidays. And, I'm a firm believer that we are "spoilt" here in New Orleans by our extra-long season. It starts with Krewe of Boo and ends as they play out the final stage of Jazz Fest. There's something magical that rolls in with the first fog in October and evaporates in a haze of sweat and daiquiri above the fairgrounds when the last gate closes.


It's no surprise my team agree. The fireworks, bonfires, and songs sang into the night. The excuse to cuddle up even closer to those you love over romcoms, warm "dranks," and dancefloors. And the food. The FOOD!


So we've pulled together a list of Team Cool Murphy's favorite things about Christmas in New Orleans.


Below you'll find each of our favorites, beginning with a very special invitation from us all.



You're Invited: Pup Pics with Santa - Dec. 18th, 10am - 2pm

You'll find our individual favorites below but our shared favorite event is when we get to spoil you and your pooch each December. Come by Nola Bark Market in Bywater on Sunday the 18th from 10am to 2pm and get your furkid their pictures with Santa this year.
See anyone you know? (from left to right: Santa's Helper Sara Skjerli, Mrs Cool Murphy Claus, Santa "Matt Murphy" Claus

Last year we raised more than $1,000 for Take Paws and we're hoping you'll help us beat that number this year. Pictures are donation based and will be sent to you digitally so you can post your pup before Christmas Day.


This event is family friendly. Pups in costumes or in the nude, your call. We'll be decked out in Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Elf Costumes to add to the merriment.






 

Sara Skjerli's Favorite Things

West Bank based Sara's works all over New Orleans, but her home and her heart can be found in Algiers. Her list includes some favorites on both banks and even the bridge!


1. Algiers Bonfires and Concert. This favorite tradition can be enjoyed from the East Bank or the Ferry but it's best experienced front and center at Algiers Point. Much like runway lights, giant, artistic bonfires light the way for Papa Noel (that's Cajun for Santa Clause). These sculptures are too pretty burn, and yet they how they do! Meanwhile music from local bands and choirs serenades onlookers. This event happens the first weekend in December each year.


2. NYE Fireworks on the Point. You may know that NOLA likes to set the Mississippi ablaze in a multi-barge firework show every New Years Eve. But did you know that the two best places to watch this show are actually on (and en route to) the West Bank? Best bank locals know to bring a warm beverage to Algiers Point for the best views.


"It may the only time of year I'm fully grateful for the bridge!"


Sara's favorite twist? Prior to the big show neighborhoods and towns across the Metro-area set off smaller firework displays. Sara can be found driving friends and family across the bridge for a birds eye view of the Holidays that would have Kevin McCallister jealous.

3. Christmas Tree Lighting at the Roosevelt. There's tree lighting and then there is trees lighting. The Roosevelt knows the difference. Drop by each year when they flip on the lights. Or go any day after and walk the halls in awe. It's great for all ages. But if you've got young ones in tow be sure to check out their events like Teddy Bear Tea. It's a memory maker.

4. Children's Hospital Christmas Parade. The Christmas parade may be an event that benefits the kiddos but it is for all ages. It's a great time to check in with some of your favorite krewes during the Holidays and this year the parade upped its game. Ladies and gentlemen we now have balloons!! Yep, along with bands, dance groups, and more, our parade now has its own Macy's parade style balloons.


5. Joan of Arc Parade. If the Algiers Bonfires kick off the start of the Christmas season, the Krewe de Jeanne d'Arc marching past our city's Joan of Arc statue down on Decatur Street in the Quarter marks its end. This parade tells the story of St Joan of Arc from start to finish and occurs on January 6th which is the 12th (and final) day of Christmas and the kick off of Carnival Season.


Jess Rocco's Favorite Things

Mid City based Jess loves spending time in her own backyard. But, she is also a foodie and loves how her home's centrally located location makes it easy to get almost anywhere quickly. Here are a few of her favorite holiday haunts.

1. Miracle on Magazine. Every Christmas season bars up and down Magazine Street flex their creative side by decking their halls and crafting custom beverage and snack menus. Jess's favorite? Barrell Proof. Their level of cheer just can't be beat and the strong proof bevvy's make it impossible for anyone to stay a Grinch for long.


2. Zony Mash Arts Bazaar. If multi-tasking is on your Christmas to-do plan, you can enjoy local brews and check items off your shopping list at Zony Mash. It's open three Saturday's in December from 1pm to 5pm where it's Holiday themed. Enjoy yourself while you shop. Not every gift run needs to be a chore!


3. Snake & Jakes Christmas Club Lounge. The best part about Snake & Jakes is, well, a lot.


"It's unpretentious, fun. And it's open late!"


Snake & Jakes is your quintessential dive bar where judgement is left at the door. But Jess's favorite is that it's decked out for Christmas all year long. And is therefore, a Holiday must in Jess's book.


4. Hot Tin. The best place to stop in after touring the lights on St Charles? Hot Tin, a penthouse turned intimate bar experience is the speakeasy themed spot above the Pontchartrain Hotel. Why? Not only is their drink menu spectacular, but their roof top perch allows you to enjoy a 270 degree view of the lights of New Orleans all year long.


5. A's Toy Soldier Christmas Trees. If making Christmas tree memories outside of a bar, restaurant, or big box store matters to you, Jess understands. She loves picking up her tree each year at A's on 1546 Allen Toussaint. The rows of trees will transport you to a Hallmark movie. Plus they're super helpful when it comes time to pack up your tree AND get it on or in your vehicle too!



Brittany Jasper's Favorite Things

Central City based Britt is a bit of a performer and loves all things theatric. If it's got shiny lights, live action, or a bit of drama count her in. Here are a few of her favorite things.

1. Movies on the Back Lawn. The Chloe isn't just nice to look at, she's nice to unwind with too. Back on her Back Lawn is a big screen with plenty of room to spread out your blanket, order something seasonable, and snuggle up with your boo. It's a Wonderful Life streams this year on December 22nd at 6pm. Piety + Desire is supplying the drinking chocolate. Spike yours with goodies from the bar.


2. Krampus NOLAauf Parade. Alpine monster, Krampus, may seem to be the stuff nightmares are made of but Brittany promises he's got a warm and merry heart deep down. She loves watching the pageantry and costuming behind the spectacle. And loves that it brings neighbors from neighborhoods across town to experience some of the best of Bywater each year.


3. Celebration in the Oaks. As a former stage manager in Chicago, Brittany has an appreciation for what it takes to put on a show. She adores the lights and fun at Celebration in the Oaks each year in City Park.


"The train!!! Flying by all the twinkling lights is a must for me each year!"


You may agree with Brittany but you may not know that Celebration in the Oaks is also important. It's the biggest fundraiser City Park has each year. So go get your choo choo on and feel good about contributing to a good cause too!


4. Hot Cider and Broad Street Pop Ups. Broad Street Cider serves up micro brewed cider and mead all year long, but they turn up the heat for the Holidays. Drop in for your hot cider stay for the merriment then explore the variety of Pop Ups in the mom and pop shops up and down Broad Street. Short on gift ideas? Broad Street Cider has a cider club. Think of it like a wine club but with cider and mead instead!


5. Christmas Bar Crawl. Sometimes the show is in the people watching. And, New Orleanians know how to put on a show. New Orleans has several crawls to choose from including the Running of the Santas which takes place Saturday, December 10th and starts at Generations Hall at 2pm. We also have TWO Santa Cons this year December 10th at Republic at 10am and Bourbon Street Drinkery at 1pm on December 17th.



Elisa Cool Murphy's Favorite Things

Elisa's home is in the Marigny/Bywater Railroad Corridor, or as Elisa likes to say "Mywater." Her holiday past times involve story telling, whimsy, quality time, and a whole lot of magic.

1. Mass at St Augustine. If you're feeling like the meaning of Christmas is getting lost in the packaging look no further. Father Emmanuel and the choir at St Augustine will set you straight and set your mindset soaring. Elisa knows because she sings in the St Augustine Soulful Voices Choir and has served on its restoration board.


"There's a sense of intense and sacred magic you get every time you step foot in the door. It's built on generations of faith, friendship, and soul. And to say it's intense compared to its surroundings is really saying something in a place like New Orleans."


Worried about not being local, Catholic, or religious enough to attend? Don't be, All are welcome every Sunday.


2. Caroling at Hotel Peter & Paul. This tradition has been happening in the Marigny for eons but recently took harbor in a new home, the former sanctuary turned event space at Hotel Peter and Paul. The Faubourg Marigny Improvement Association hosts this event each year and doors are open to everyone. The space is incredible and the talent is always someone you don't want to miss. But the neighbors are what makes this extra special to Elisa.


3. Lights on the Lake & Xmas Boat Parade. Elisa's lived a lot of places and in a lot of climates too. Her advice? Lean in! It's why she loves rocking Hawaiian shirts and Santa hats and toasting decorated sail boats from the banks and bars along Lakeshore Drive. Get your phone camera ready, this one will give your friends up north some serious FOMO.


4. Creole Christmas Home Tour. Love a good home tour? Same! And we're spoiled with several this time of year. The Creole Christmas Home Tour happens each year following Christmas when things aren't quite so rushed. It transports its visitors through time, showcasing five, French Quarter Historic Homes, all decked in era-approriate holiday decor. The self guided tour begins at the Jackson Square facing 1850 House, includes The Herman Grimma, The Gallier House, and the Beauregard Keyes House and gardens. It ends with the Creole Christmas story and refreshments. The event is hosted by Friends of the Cabildo. The proceeds benefit the Louisiana State Museum.


5. Private Dining in Bubble Tents. It wouldn't be Elisa's list with out a heavy dose of fun. It doesn't get more fun than dining in a Christmas Village, under fake snow, in a fake igloo, while costume characters drop in to say hello. Add crazy good fajitas and margaritas and you've got a party. If this Christmas you're looking to show someone special a good time, look no further than The Velvet Cactus. Call ahead for reservations.



At Team Cool Murphy, we love New Orleans. If you're looking for even more ways to love the holiday's in New Orleans, check out last years list of A Few of Cool's Favorite Things. And, be sure to subscribe to our weekly email which features more of our favorite events each week!






 

Voted Neighborhood Favorite by Nextdoor, Team Cool Murphy is a top-producing, licensed real estate team based in New Orleans, brokered by Cool Murphy, LLC.


Celebrated for her next-level creative approach to real estate, Elisa Cool Murphy is an award-winning, top-performing agent in New Orleans and the founder and leader of Cool Murphy, LLC.


Contact Her -

Facebook: @homeinneworleans

IG: @coolmurphynola

YouTube: @coolmurphynola

phone: 504-321-3194





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