Coming this Week!!!
Gather ’round, party people, because New Orleans is serving up a Christmas Eve tradition so hot it’ll make your glitter melt! Welcome to Bonfire Night on the Levee, where we light up the Mississippi River, sip on something strong, and celebrate the holidays the way only Louisiana knows how—with flair, fire, and just a little (okay, a lot) of fabulous.
Here’s the tea: I’m Karen Brem, your cheeky and always-charming marketing director for the Historic Mardi Gras Inn, your ultimate HQ for holiday shenanigans. Our inn is just one short block from the French Quarter, and a streetcar stop is a quick two-minute catwalk from our front door—so there’s no excuse not to throw on your holiday best and dive headfirst into the madness. Oh, and did I mention? We’re now proudly LGBTQ+ owned and operated, and our freshly renovated inn is ready to dazzle you with its glow-up. But enough about us—let’s get back to those bonfires, shall we?
Bonfire Night: A Hot Cajun Mess (in the Best Way)
If you’ve never experienced Bonfire Night on the Levee, let me paint you a picture. Along the Mississippi River in St. James Parish, towering wooden bonfires—some as traditional pyramids, others as creative as a gay parade float—are set ablaze to guide Papa Noel (the Cajun Santa) on his pirogue through the bayous. It’s fiery, it’s festive, and it’s the ultimate Christmas Eve glow-up.
These bonfires aren’t just Instagram-worthy—they’re also steeped in tradition. What started as a way to light the path for midnight mass has turned into one of Louisiana’s most beloved holiday events, complete with music, dancing, and enough gumbo to make your belt regret its life choices.
Make It a Holiday Extravaganza
Listen, babe, you don’t come all the way to New Orleans just to pop by the levee, snap a selfie, and call it a night. Oh no, you’re here for the full experience, and that starts with staying a few nights at the Historic Mardi Gras Inn, your home base for holiday hijinks. When you’re not marveling at bonfires, you’ll be soaking up the magic of the French Quarter, just steps from our front door.
The Quarter: Where the Holidays Go to Party
Let’s talk about the French Quarter during the holidays, because honey, it’s a whole vibe. Picture festive decorations dripping from every wrought-iron balcony, streets alive with jazz, and that unmistakable NOLA buzz that turns even a Scrooge into a party animal. Whether you’re sipping a Sazerac at a historic bar or indulging in beignets dusted with so much powdered sugar it qualifies as a snowstorm, there’s never a dull moment.
Feeling fancy? Catch some live music at one of our iconic venues. Feeling naughty? Hit Bourbon Street for a little (or a lot) of after-dark fun. Feeling hungry? Oh, sweetie, this is New Orleans—grab some gumbo, jambalaya, or maybe just a dozen oysters to fuel your adventures.
Eat, Drink, Be Merry, Repeat
The food alone is worth the trip. From classic Cajun and Creole dishes to quirky holiday-themed cocktails (spiked eggnog daiquiri, anyone?), you’re in for a culinary extravaganza. And because it’s the holidays, calories don’t count—science probably agrees, so go wild.
But let’s not forget the drinks. The French Quarter has a cocktail game so strong it could win an Olympic medal. Whether you’re into Hurricanes, Pimm’s Cups, or some glittery concoction you can’t even pronounce, the bartenders here will keep you tipsy and toasty all night long.
Your Invitation to the Party
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, fluff up that sequined holiday outfit, and book a stay with us at the Historic Mardi Gras Inn. From our freshly renovated digs to our vibrant LGBTQ+ pride, we’re ready to welcome you with open arms and a whole lot of sass.
Come for the bonfires, stay for the French Quarter, and soak up everything that makes New Orleans the ultimate holiday destination. After all, the city’s motto isn’t laissez les bons temps rouler (let the good times roll) for nothing. For more information on accommodations just call us directly at 504.949.5815 OR 1.800.209.9408. You can also visit us online at historicmardigrasinn.com.
This Christmas Eve, trade in your silent nights for fiery ones, because in New Orleans, we don’t just celebrate the holidays—we slay them. See you at the levee, darling! 🎄🔥