Coming this November!!!
Hey, turkeys and all you fabulous folks! Are you over the same ol’ Thanksgiving where Aunt Linda judges your life choices between bites of dry turkey, and you’re forced to act excited about another green bean casserole? Well, sugah, it’s time to sashay away from that tired holiday scene and spend Thanksgiving where life’s a feast and the party never stops: New Orleans, darling!
And where better to lay your fabulous head than at the newly revamped Historic Mardi Gras Inn? We’re just a block from the French Quarter, and baby, you can practically hear the jazz riffs from your room! We’ve got clean, affordable digs, a staff that’ll make you feel like family, and yes—oh yes—we’re officially LGBTQ+ owned and operated! So pack your boas, your elastic-waist pants, and an appetite for adventure, because Thanksgiving in NOLA is about to be served up piping hot and extra spicy.
Where to Gobble (Hint: It’s Not Just Turkey)
Alright, let’s get one thing clear: we’re not doing your Aunt Martha’s Thanksgiving, and you won’t find any mystery casseroles here. In New Orleans, we like to keep it haute and spicy, honey! Sure, you can get your turkey and dressing if you’re feeling sentimental, but you’ll also find restaurants serving gumbo that’ll make you see God, crawfish étouffée to send you swooning, and enough pecan praline pie to ensure those skinny jeans stay in your suitcase. Get ready to loosen that belt (or honey, lose it entirely) and dive into the best of New Orleans’ holiday feasts—no kitchen duty, no dishes, and not a cranberry out of place.
Turkey Day Race: Strut It Out, Earn That Extra Slice
For those who love to suffer gloriously in the name of carbs, the Turkey Day Race in City Park is your chance to strut your stuff on a five-mile stretch with a whole pack of locals and visitors ready to sprint, jog, or stumble their way to an extra helping. Whether you’re running to justify that second slice of pecan pie or you just want to show off those legs, lace up those sneaks and get ready to earn that stuffing, honey!
Feeling Fancy? Thanksgiving Races at the Fair Grounds Will Have You Gagged
If you’re looking to unleash your inner diva, head over to the Fair Grounds Race Course and Slots for Thanksgiving Day horse races—where big hats and big personalities reign supreme. Slip on your finest lewk, grab a cocktail, and prepare to holler at some galloping beauties. It’s like the Kentucky Derby, but with way more flavor, sass, and the occasional surprise winner. You might even snag a winning bet to fund those post-holiday sales—just sayin’!
Human Horse Races: Yes, It’s Weird. Yes, You’ll Love It.
This is New Orleans, babe, so you knew something ridiculous was bound to trot along. Enter: the Human Horse Races, held at Easton Park, where locals don their finest “horse” costumes and trot, gallop, and prance their way through a course. It’s all for charity, benefiting a local horse sanctuary, and it’s as wholesome and hilarious as it sounds. Bring the kiddos (or just your inner child) and prepare for some genuine belly laughs as folks channel their best horse impersonations. Only in New Orleans, am I right?
Once the Sun Sets, the Real Thanksgiving Feast Begins…
Let’s get real: New Orleans after dark is a whole different feast. Our darling inn is steps from Frenchmen Street, where the music plays and the nightlife scene sparkles. If you’re ready to slip into something a bit more…expressive…and hit the town, you’ll find live jazz, blues, funk, and soul spilling out of every venue. Frenchmen is basically Bourbon Street’s more fabulous, artsy cousin—so be ready to meet a scene that’s just as loud but with extra flair. And baby, don’t even get me started on the cocktails. Let’s just say, they’re strong enough to make you reconsider that early bedtime.
And for all you darlings looking for even more sparkle, a hop, skip, and twirl away you’ll find St. Anne and Bourbon Street, where drag queens rule the roost, and every bar is putting on a show. Expect fierce performances, glittered brows, and cocktails served with a side of sass.
Ghost Tours: Spooktacular & Boozy? Yes, Please!
Thanksgiving’s the perfect time to get ghosted (not by your ex, thank you) with some of NOLA’s famous haunted tours. Feel the spirit of New Orleans as you sip on a cocktail and let a local guide spin tales of our spooky past. You might get a chill down your spine… or maybe that’s just the whiskey talking.
Why New Orleans? Why Not, Sweetheart!
Let’s be clear—Thanksgiving here is not your typical holiday, but that’s the magic. New Orleans transforms everything into a celebration, and Thanksgiving is just another excuse to dress up, let loose, and live it up. At the Historic Mardi Gras Inn, we’re ready to give you a Thanksgiving to remember. The only thing on the menu here is fun, love, and the kind of holiday memories that’ll make your friends back home green with envy.
So, come on down, darlings. Whether you’re here for the turkey, the after-dark antics, or just a reason to leave that casserole dish behind, New Orleans has a spot at the table for you. Pack your best elastic-waist pants, a killer outfit, and your spirit of adventure—because Thanksgiving down here is anything but traditional.
For additional 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.