Candlelight Caroling in Jackson Square photo by Tyler Scheuemann

New Orleans is fairly mild in December with average temperatures of about 64° during the day and 48° at night. It’s a great time of year to come shop for artsy, one-of-a-kind holiday gifts in the French Quarter and on Magazine Street and enjoy festive activities and unique traditions such as Candlelight Caroling in Jackson Square and Celebration in the Oaks in City Park.

Since temps drop at night, we recommend dressing in layers (you're going to need more than a feather boa). And don’t forget to bring comfortable walking shoes. Rain gear is a great idea, too, but you can always buy one of those Bourbon Street ponchos if you’d rather not lug an umbrella.