In New Orleans, the holidays aren’t just celebrated—they’re performed. As the city’s streets glow with festive lights and brass bands warm up their instruments, this season’s celebrations promise a symphony of sound, color, and community that only the Crescent City can deliver. This year, the spotlight shines on a beloved local tradition that turns historic landmarks into concert halls and riverfront parks into stages for fireworks and funk.
French Quarter Festivals, Inc. (FQFI) has announced the return of Holidays New Orleans Style for 2025, a vibrant series of free, family-friendly concerts and a New Year’s Eve celebration designed to capture the city’s signature blend of music, culture, and spirit. Presented in partnership with NewOrleans.com, the festivities kick off with holiday performances inside the St. Louis Cathedral and culminate with a spectacular countdown at Woldenberg Park along the Mississippi River.
“These events reflect the heart and soul of our city,” said Emily Madero, president and CEO of French Quarter Festivals, Inc. “From the historic beauty of St. Louis Cathedral to the vibrant energy of New Year’s Eve on the riverfront, they celebrate the traditions that make New Orleans special and create unforgettable holiday memories for residents and visitors alike.”
The cathedral concerts have long been a highlight of the season, offering a rare chance to hear live jazz, gospel, and classical performances in one of the city’s most cherished landmarks. Among this year’s lineup is renowned trumpeter Leroy Jones and his ensemble, New Orleans’ Finest, who will perform on December 3 with support from The Gayle & Tom Benson Charitable Foundation and other local sponsors. The annual St. Louis Cathedral Christmas Concert follows on December 21, filling the French Quarter with soaring carols and community cheer.
On December 31, the celebration shifts to the riverfront for New Orleans Eve—a lively countdown that features performances by Dumpstaphunk, Sweet Crude, and DJ Captain Charles. The evening will end with the traditional fleur-de-lis drop and a dazzling fireworks display over the Mississippi River. This year’s event moves to Woldenberg Park, a location chosen to provide more space and enhanced safety measures while preserving the spirit of the city’s iconic New Year’s Eve festivities.
Organizers say the new setting along the riverfront allows for better crowd flow, improved accessibility, and unforgettable views of the skyline illuminated by fireworks. “Partnering with French Quarter Festivals, Inc. to promote New Orleans as a prime holiday destination perfectly aligns with our mission,” said Alice Glenn, Executive Vice President of New Orleans & Company. “Holidays New Orleans Style highlights our city’s cultural richness, supports the hospitality industry, and shares the magic of the holidays with residents and visitors alike.”
Beyond the main events, Holidays New Orleans Style anchors a wider citywide celebration that includes festive dining specials, historic home tours, and seasonal markets. For travelers, it’s an invitation to experience the holidays with a distinctly local twist—where the scent of pralines fills the air, second lines parade through cobblestone streets, and jazz replaces traditional carols.
The 2025 lineup underscores New Orleans’ reputation as a city that thrives on rhythm and resilience. As travel continues to rebound, the holiday season offers a reason to visit not just for the sights but for the sounds—the brass bands, choirs, and street musicians that transform the city into a living concert.
Whether you’re drawn by the music, the architecture, or the sheer joy of celebration, New Orleans once again proves that no one does the holidays quite like it does. For schedules and updates, visit fqfi.org/holidays.
