French Quarter Events

Our curated list of upcoming neighborhood happenings is updated each Tuesday, so check back often!

Photo: Improv Gala at the Jazz Museum, by Melanie Cole. Complete details here!

FQJ’s On the Horizon

FQJ’s Don’t Miss List

Wednesday, December 3: 6pm - 7pm

Cathedral Concert: Leroy Jones & New Orleans’ Finest

Saint Louis Cathedral at Jackson Square

  • ~ A beloved New Orleans holiday tradition at the historic St. Louis Cathedral.

    ~ This year’s free concert series features an eclectic lineup of local talent, bringing the spirit of the season to life in the heart of the French Quarter.

    ~ Whether you’re discovering them for the first time or making them part of your yearly tradition, these performances are a must-see.

Friday - Sunday December 6 – 7 & Friday - Sunday, December 12 - 14:

Doors open at 7:30pm, performances begin at 8pm

Winterlight Ballet Premiere

Marigny Opera Ballet, with live music performed by the Delachaise Ensemble

Marigny Opera House, 725 St. Ferdinand Street

  • ~Choreographer Christian Denice's full-length premiere celebrates the Winter Solstice. Music performed live by the Delachaise Ensemble.

    ~ Christian Denice
    Composer: Traditional Nordic Folk Music arranged by the Danish String Quartet

    ~ Nationally acclaimed choreographer Christian Denice returns to New Orleans to premiere a full-length ballet for the holiday season.

    ~ The evening of dance is a festival of light in the dark of midwinter.

Tickets

Friday, December 5: 5pm - 8pm

1st Friday on Royal

Artwalk in the lower blocks of Royal Street

Art, Music, Drinks

  • On the first Friday of every month, participating locations stay open late – from 5pm to 8pm, offering a special opportunity to meet artists, view and purchase art, and enjoy wine, conversation, and even live music at select venues.

    Galleries and artist-run studios along Royal Street will showcase their latest works, making it the perfect evening to experience the vibrant creative community of the French Quarter.

    The Royal Street Arts District is home to over 40 galleries, studios, and shops celebrating local and regional artistry.

Saturday, December 6th: 11am

4th Annual Children’s Holiday Parade

Starting on Decatur in the French Quarter

  • ~ Thousands of parade-goers will line the streets of downtown New Orleans to enjoy the 4th annual event, which benefits the vital mission of Manning Family Children’s.

    ~The parade will feature local and national television coverage, 30 holiday-themed floats, high-flying helium balloons, more than a dozen dancing groups and marching bands to kick off the holiday season in New Orleans.

Saturday, December 6th: 7pm – 11pm

8th Annual Improv Gala – Storyville: Sounds of the Rising Sun

New Orleans Jazz Museum, 400 Esplanade Avenue

  • ~ Step into Storyville at the New Orleans Jazz Museum’s 8th Annual Improvisations Gala presented by the Herb Alpert Foundation.

    ~ One unforgettable night of nonstop revelry with music across five stages, burlesque, Baby Dolls, gaming tables, dazzling activations, food, cocktails, and an auction.

    ~ This year’s Improvisations Gala celebrates the legendary Storyville, New Orleans’ most infamous neighborhood, where music, nightlife, and culture collided at the turn of the 20th century.

    ~ Though best known as the city’s red-light district, Storyville was also pivotal to the New Orleans sound, where musicians like Jelly Roll Morton, Buddy Bolden, and King Oliver shaped and improvised to carry the music to new audiences.

    ~ For one night only, the Jazz Museum transforms into a living Storyville. Guests will experience multiple stages of live performances, burlesque, gaming, and interactive activities that blend the history of New Orleans with today’s vibrant music scene.

    ~ Performances by artists such as Dee Dee Bridgewater, Detroit Brooks, James Andrews & the Crescent City All Stars, Kermit Ruffins, Tuba Skinny and more!

    Pricing: General Admission is $150
    VIP backstage experience is $300

    Purchase tickets here

    Online Auction here

    Photo by Melanie Cole for FQJ

Saturday, December 6th: 7:30pm

Krampus NOLAuf Parade by Krewe of Krampus

Bywater neighborhood

  • Step into the wild side of Christmas as the Krewe of Krampus marches through the Bywater neighborhood of New Orleans for Krampus NOLAuf 2025, the city’s most creative, sustainable, and delightfully mischievous parade.

    This is a walking parade like no other:
    ► Handmade costumes and eco-friendly throws
    ► A commitment to sustainability and accessibility for all
    ► A playful nod to Alpine folklore with a New Orleans twist
    ► The largest Krampus parade in America!

    ***Family Friendly***

    ► Bring a Toy, Spread Joy!
    Help fill our Toys for Tots Toy Float by bringing a new, unwrapped toy for local children. It’s one small act that keeps the holiday magic alive.

    ► Parading for All!
    Once again, the Krewe of Krampus brings you the only accessible parade in the city through our partnership with One Krewe, offering Accessibility Row — a safe space for anyone who needs something a little different in order to experience the excitement.

    ► As Always, No Beads!
    From day one, the Krewe of Krampus has been committed to showing how parades can be more sustainable. Come see the amazing handmade throws our artists create just for this event. Each year, new innovations push the limits — from cast recycled-glass doubloons to our iconic lumps of coal made locally from sustainable materials. You’ll want to treasure what you receive.

    ► The Honor System After Party
    No tickets. No pressure. Just community.
    If you can afford to contribute, scan a QR code or send a Venmo donation in any amount to @kreweofkrampus.

    If times are tough, your community’s got you. Come celebrate with us, your presence is the gift.

    Hosted with love by your Krewe of Krampus and our friends at Bratz Y’all and Bud Rip’s.

Saturday, December 6th: 7:30pm

2025 NOCCA Home for the Holidays Concert

House of Blues, 225 Decatur

  • ~ The star-studded music lineup features the “Soul Queen of New Orleans” Irma Thomas, the "Queen Diva" Big Freedia, jazz trumpeter, singer and composer Kermit Ruffins, and acclaimed Indian funk band Cha Wa, plus NOCCA student pianist River Eckert, and emcee Gralen Banks. 

    Proceeds from the event support the NOCCA Foundation's Daniel Price Memorial Fund for Aspiring Artists, which honors the memory of NOCCA alum Daniel Price (Visual Arts, 1993) with scholarships for NOCCA students. 

    ~ For complete details, see their website:  HomeForTheHolidaysNOLA.com. 

Tickets

Sunday, December 14th: 10am - 3pm

Dark Christmas Market by Über Krampus, Captain of the Krewe of Krampus

New Marigny Theatre at Church of Arts & Sciences, 1201 Mandeville Street

  • Step into a festive world where creativity meets merry at the Dark Christmas Market presented by Über Krampus, Captain of the Krewe of Krampus.

    This one-day holiday market brings together some of New Orleans’ most imaginative local artists for a celebration of creativity, community, and gift-giving.

     Shop Local. Support Artists. Skip the Tariffs.
    Browse a curated selection of handcrafted art, unique holiday gifts, and one-of-a-kind creations you simply won’t find in big box stores. Every purchase supports small businesses and keeps your dollars right here in the local creative community.

     What You’ll Find:
    • Handmade art, crafts, and oddities
    • Sustainable and locally produced goods
    • Unique, Krampus-friendly holiday gifts

     Why You’ll Love It:
    • Family-friendly holiday shopping
    • Celebrate local talent and creativity
    • Avoid mass-produced imports and give gifts with meaning
    • A cozy, festive atmosphere inside the New Marigny Theatre

    Whether you're finishing your holiday shopping list or treating yourself to something special, the Dark Christmas Market is the perfect place to discover gifts that surprise, delight, and support our artist community.

Sunday, December 21: Noon - 4pm

Patio Planters Annual French Quarter Holiday Home Tour

Ticket pickup at the Cabildo, 701 Chartres Street

  • French Quarter residents will open their holiday-decorated homes for the self-guided walking tour between 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM.

    Online tickets are $35 each (children 12 and under are free.) Tickets purchased the day of the event in person are $40 each.

    Pickup of tickets purchased online takes place in the alcove of The Cabildo (701 Chartres) from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM on Sunday, December 21st.

    Day of tour tickets may be purchased in the alcove of The Cabildo (701 Chartres) from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM, based on availability.

    *Please note: they only sell a limited number of tickets to minimize disruption in the homes.

Tickets

Sunday, December 21: 5:30pm - 6:30pm

St. Louis Cathedral Christmas Concert

Saint Louis Cathedral at Jackson Square

  • ~ A beloved New Orleans holiday tradition at the historic St. Louis Cathedral.

    ~ This year’s free concert series features an eclectic lineup of local talent, bringing the spirit of the season to life in the heart of the French Quarter.

    ~ Whether you’re discovering them for the first time or making them part of your yearly tradition, these performances are a must-see.

Sunday, December 21: Gates open at 6:30pm

Caroling in Jackson Square

Jackson Square

  • ~ Patio Planters of the Vieux Carre is pleased to present the beloved Caroling in Jackson Square tradition to visitors and locals alike on Sunday, Dec. 21 from 7-8 p.m.

    ~ The free community sing-along gathers thousands of people for a festive hour of holiday merriment, with carols led by local dignitaries and clergy.

    ~ Gates open at 6:30 p.m. with Patio Planters volunteers stationed there to distribute complimentary songbooks and candles to participants in the non-denominational community celebration.

Wednesday, December 31

New Year’s Eve Concert and Fireworks

Woldenberg Park

  • A concert featuring Dumpstaphunk, Sweet Crude, and DJ Captain Charles - and of course, fireworks! More details here when available! 

  • Below are 50 upcoming events happening in the FQ and surrounding neighborhoods. Want even more? Click the button at the bottom.  
  • For a complete list of live music happenings in the city, check out WWOZ’s Livewire Music Calendar!

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