Step into an American Winter Wonderland!

As we approach the tail end of the year, it’s time to step into Winter and explore the many places in the USA that are straight out of a fairy tale.

Winter is also about closing the chapter of one year and immersing yourself in the next; setting new travel goals. There’s plenty of places in the United States that give you the feeling of stepping into a Winter Wonderland. Here is a roundup of new ideas and experiences.

Winter is one of the most wonderful times of the year in Louisiana and New Orleans with unique traditions, heart-warming special events, and dazzling decorations around every cobblestoned corner.

Bonfire Christmas

A unique Louisiana tradition, Bonfires on a the Levee are local Christmas lights which are 20-30 feet high flaming pyramids of burning logs. The Christmas bonfires are mostly pyramid-shaped, but some can be more fanciful assemblages paying tribute to each area’s culture and heritage—shapes ranging from replica paddlewheel steamships to local critters on earthen levees bordering the Mississippi river. The bonfires tradition which can dates back to the 1880s continue to this day with the locals citing that the illuminate the way for Santa Claus or Papa Noel as the Cajuns call him!

Holiday Cheer

Every year, historic French Quarter and Garden District mansions open their doors for holiday home tours and let the spirit of Christmas come in. Other seasonal highlights include seeing the Nutcracker – the traditional ballet at the Orpheum or the Hip Hop Nutcracker at the Saenger. Visitors can also enjoy indoor ice skating and ice sliding at NOLA Christmas Fest in the Convention Centre and experience holiday gospel in St. Louis Cathedral.

Enter Mardi Gras Season

Mardi Gras season takes place every year, January through February or March. Food is another central experience to the Mardi Gras season. Learn about different versions of king cake or try this king cake recipe. Across the entire state of Louisiana, everyone is celebrating—experience family-friendly parades to traditional Cajun celebrations called Courir de Gras where masked revellers take to horseback and ride through Eunice, Mamou and Iota, Louisiana.

Mardi Gras kicks off every year on January 6, also known as Twelfth Night. For weeks following, parades roll to celebrate the Carnival Season. Attending a Mardi Gras parade should be on everyone’s Bucket List. Celebrate the start of the new year and parade season by dancing with the bands, catching some beads, and experience the revelry with the whole family. One of the earliest parades of the season, the Krewe du Vieux is the only parade that goes through the French Quarter or Vieux Carré. This adults-only tradition is famous for its wild satire, adult themes, and for showcasing the city’s best brass bands. It’s a fabulous night with lots of humour.

Enjoy an American winter wonderland!

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