Everything in the Big Easy is cheerful, over-the-top, and naturally an outrageous amount of fun. Although Mardi Gras is a trademark of the city, it isn’t the only festival that draws in an overwhelming amount of locals and tourists alike. December is one of the most stressful months of the school year with a suffocating amount of time spent studying in the library. It’s important to find ways to de-stress, but with more festivals than days of the year, it’s hard to know which ones are worth attending. Here’s your guide to this month’s not to miss festivals that double as the best study break.
Beignet Fest
December 2nd
PHOTOS: NOLA.com
A traditional beignet, an airy and deep fried pastry doused in powdered sugar, is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. What better place to indulge in New Orleans’ most iconic dessert than a festival dedicated to them? Beignet Fest will take place on December 2nd, where only $1 will get you a ticket to be collected and traded in for all different styles of beignets. From beignet snoballs from Sno- LA to crabmeat beignets from Loretta’s Authentic Pralines, I guarantee you’ll be leaving New Orleans City Park, a mere fifteen minute ride from Tulane University’s campus, having tried more beignets in one hour than any New Orleans native has had in their life.
LUNA Fête
December 6-9th
PHOTOS: NOLA.com
New Orleans culture is one of the most distinct in the world, and in 2018, New Orleans will be celebrating its Tricentennial, otherwise known as its 300th anniversary as a city. In preparation for this milestone, the New Orleans Arts Council launched a festival that occurs once a year for five years leading up to New Orleans Tricentennial. LUNA Fête, taking place in Lafayette Square from December 6-9, is a light and technology based art festival free to the public. A one of a kind festival, LUNA Fête incorporates the city of New Orleans as its canvas to artists from around the world and is a must see exhibit.
NOLA ChristmasFest
December 21st-December 31st
PHOTOS: nolachristmasfest.com
The month of December is commonly associated with being festive, jolly, and joyous. There is no better place to get into the holiday spirit than at NOLA ChristmasFest. Running from December 21st through December 31st, an indoor ice skating rink, ice slides, an area for snowball fighting in an otherwise meltingly hot city, and a visit from Santa Claus himself will unleash your inner 7-year-old. This festive event will take place at the New Orleans Convention Center for $20 a ticket. Anyone considering not attending NOLA ChristmasFest is seriously missing out!
Whether you find yourself drowning in work or simply stressed out by holiday shopping, festivals in New Orleans are a guaranteed good time. These three spotlight festivals of December should most definitely be marked and highlighted in your calendar.
What is on the top of your list? Let us know in the comments!
About Hayley Meisel
Having been apart of The Crescent Magazine since her freshman year of college at Tulane University, now Editor-In-Chief Hayley Meisel is eager to be taking on her role and leading an amazing and growing team.
Having been apart of The Crescent Magazine since her freshman year of college at Tulane University, now Editor-In-Chief Hayley Meisel is eager to be taking on her role and leading an amazing and growing team.
