‘Twas the week before Christmas and all through the town, there were few reasons for anyone to be wearing a frown. Parades were marching and the Saints won again, leaving the Who Dat Nation with nothing but a grin. Then all of a sudden, the temperatures dropped, but Very Local NOLA stepped in to make your nights pop. We have ways to keep your “spirits” warm and tales of local people who show good form. From artistry to gardening, these people are a delight. Their stories are pure and sure to make your night. And now in this newsletter we have events you can pick. They come just in time – ahead of Saint Nick. 🎅
Baby, it’s cold outside!
One day it’s 70 degrees, the next, it’s 40 degrees outside! The New Orleans weather is unpredictable and sometimes you might want to take a shot (or two) to deal with the weather and warm up! Well we’ve got a DIY guide curated by some of the city’s favorite bartenders to help cure the chills with a few cocktails. But beware, this isn’t your grandma’s hot toddy; these drinks have kick!
These are a few of O’s favorite things!
Looking for a local gift vetted by the media mogul Oprah herself? Look no further — one Metairie store has collectible ornaments that appear on Oprah’s 2019 Favorite Things list. The hand-blown glass ornaments featured at Gitter Gallery showcase artwork from late Louisiana folk artist Clementine Hunter, and they’re based on her brightly colored paintings. Click here to read more about how Gitter brought new life to Hunter’s work.
Less than a green thumb?
Let’s be honest: it’s hard enough keeping the Christmas tree alive for some of us (raises hand). But for Gloria Ward (affectionately known as Ms. Gloria), her green thumb came naturally. She’s the head of an educational community garden in Treme and shared her wisdom on all things gardening, like how to get rid of pesky pests and what to plant for the fall.
What To Do This Weekend
Fri. Dec. 20, 2019
NOLA Christmasfest | 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. | Morial Convention Center | $20
A skating rink in New Orleans? Yep! Of course we have a fest for Christmas, and this one features rides, an ice slide, spacewalks, a rock wall, gingerbread houses and a huge snow globe for those Instagram posts!
Dashing Through the Dome | 6 to 8 p.m. | Mercedes-Benz Superdome | $35 for adults, $30 for kids
This unique 2-mile race runs participants into the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, up and around the Dome’s ground, plaza and terrace levels, then down the ramps finishing on the field! This event is fun for competitive runners looking for a new challenge, kids & football fans alike.
Sat. Dec. 21, 2019
Dee-1 x PUMA: Kicks for Christmas | Noon to 4 p.m. | Digby Park | Free
Rapper Dee-1, who hails from New Orleans East, has teamed up with Puma to give 500 pairs of shoes to those in need. There will be food, music and a free pair of tennis shoes!
This is the longest running production of The Nutcracker in New Orleans and the only one accompanied by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. Experience the magic of snowflakes, bon bons and sugarplums in this family friendly ballet danced by internationally acclaimed ballet stars, local artists and the youth corps of over 100 local dancers.
Sun. Dec. 22, 2019
Caroling in Jackson Square | 7 p .m. | Jackson Square | Free
A holiday tradition that has been going on since 1946, Christmas Caroling in Jackson Square is a joyful, fun experience that thousands of people participate in every year. Jackson Square will be illuminated by hundreds of candles held by singers, both amateur and professional, crooning Christmas favorites that everyone is familiar with. The event is free and open to all who wish to participate, regardless of religious affiliation. Candles and song sheets are provided at this free and open to the public event. The gates to Jackson Square open at 6:30 p.m. and the caroling begins at 7 p.m. Those who plan to attend and participate are strongly advised to arrive early. This is a very popular event that sometimes exceeds the capacity of the square.
Dig through the record crates with one of the city’s favorite DJs while she spins selections entirely from the Domino Sound store stock! She’ll also help you with recommendations for your music and gift purchases so you can find the favorite Christmas gift.
