With Thanksgiving behind us and the tree ready for decorating in our front room, I can officially say we’re full swing into the holiday spirit. This is the time of year I make my wish list of must-hit events and prepare the kids for running full steam ahead until Christmas.
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| Caroling at Miracle on Fulton Street |
We start with the tried and true ones, from Celebration in the Oaks at City Park to Santa, real reindeer and fake “snow” at the Miracle on Fulton Street. Then there’s the winter wonderland created in the lobby of the Roosevelt Hotel and the evening out sans children for a special Reveillon dinner.
We also try to mix in a few new experiences to brighten the holidays. Last year, we tried a children’s rendition of the Nutcracker at Loyola University and a staging of A Christmas Carol at the Contemporary Arts Center. For New Year’s, we ventured north to Natchitoches to experience the Christmas Festival of Lights, well worth the trip for anyone thinking of visiting this beautiful, historic town.
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| Natchitoches’ Christmas Festival of Lights |
This year, I’ve been eyeing the Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker at the New Orleans Saenger. Perhaps we’ll set off out of town again to experience what the rest of the state has to offer. This weekend, the small town of Arnaudville pulls together some of the region’s best artists for Fire and Water: Le Feu et l’Eau Rural Arts Celebration.
It’s also the time for holiday bonfires, which, believe it or not, we have never seen! Oak Alley hosts their 38th Annual Christmas Bonfire Party this Saturday, Dec. 7. The 24th Annual Festival of the Bonfires lights up next weekend in Lutcher, offering a glimpse into the much-anticipated Christmas Eve bonfire spectacular in Gramercy and Lutcher.
With so much going on, it’s hard to decide where to even begin. Perhaps start with my article in Country Roads on ways for “Lighting the Dark” this holiday season or check out their Calendar of Events for endless possibilities. Maybe we’ll see you around town as you discover the joy of winter in Louisiana.
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| Mr. Bingle at Celebration in the Oaks |
You should write more comments. You could also get your site linked on http://www.2theadvocate.net
Thanks. I took a hiatus to work on other projects, but hope to get back into the blog soon.
Kristy, hello. I just discovered your blog tonight purely by sweet serendipity,looking on map for paces to explore. Wondering upon Shell Island, I decided to dive a quick search, are shells at Shell Island? I found nothing regarding shells but found your jewel blog instead. We're headed to Louisiana soon to visit hubs family. I'm bringing along your bookmarked blog for references on our very lose 'intinery'- I shutter at the thought of an itinerary! I just wanted to say "Thank you" for your time and dedication it took for this blog. I just wanted to let you know I thoroughly enjoyed reading every word on the story and bookmarked to read the others soon. Hope you and your family are well. God Bless!
Nan, from Tennessee
Hopefully, you're still writing. If so, I'd love to know where so I may read.
beautiful photos. Love them
We know that some of the most amazing places are hard to find and hard to navigate. However that shouldn’t stop us exploring, it shouldn’t stop us getting lost.