French Quarter Events

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

Photo: The annual Jackson Square Holiday Caroling by Patio Planters, 2024 photo by Ellis Anderson for FQJ.  Event details below

FQJ’s On the Horizon

FQJ’s Don’t Miss List

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

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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