Big festivals like Mardi Gras and Halloween get all the attention here in New Orleans. But there are fun, offbeat things to do here all the time that the locals enjoy. If you find yourself travelling to Crescent City, and have already done the haunted ghost tours and swap boat rides, let us share some of our favorite local events. Here at Rathbone Mansions, we love suggesting something you would have missed on your typical NOLA trip, and the upcoming holiday season is the best time to visit!

Thanksgiving: HUMAN HORSE RACES

Yes, you read that right, Human horse racing! Here in New Orleans, often people will be attracted to the regular Thanksgiving Races that happen at the Fairgrounds right next to us here at Rathbone Mansions. However, there is another local favorite that keeps the stress off the horses and puts humans in their place instead. On November 23 starting at 11am, head over to Easton Park in Mid-City for a Human Horse Race. Entry is free, and family friendly, with local music and food vendors supplying all the energy you’ll need to root for your favorite racer. Bets and donations are welcome, all for a great cause benefitting animal and wildlife rescue.

All Holiday Long: CLASSIC HOME TOURS

Due to the blending of so many cultures and walks of life, some of the best holiday traditions here in NOLA are seen in the home decorations. Take a break from walking around in an outside ghost tour, and sign up for the many different holiday home tours. Visit Creole style, French inspired, and Gothic adorned homes that have been decorated for the holidays. Biggest neighborhoods giving tours will be French Quarter and Garden District, with some tours also offering courtyard tours including live music and food vendors. These types of tours are only offered during the winter holiday season, so if you’re planning a family friendly visit, a quick stop into a classic crescent city home will make for great pictures and memories.

Christmas Eve: BONFIRES ON THE RIVER

What’s a quintessential holiday scent? Hot cocoa? Peppermint? Pine trees? NO - It’s a lively Bonfire along the Mississippi River of course! Join the locals that travel from all over Louisiana to come rejoice by the fire. Tradition still holds, and bonfires on the river for Christmas Eve are a celebrated event. Popular tour company Gray Line also offers narrated bus tour for the event, in case you don’t want the hassle of driving and parking. The tradition stands that the burning of bonfires is to light the way for Papa Noel (Cajun Santa) to come through for the holiday. Hopefully Papa Noel will leave us here at Rathbone Mansions some presents under our tree!

New Years Eve: FIREWORKS CRUISE

The fireworks show over the Mississippi is a sight to behold by land, but for a extravagant way to bring in the new year, we recommend a cruise for NYE. Steamboat NATCHEZ and Paddlewheeler Creole Queen offer an amazing event to celebrate leaving the old year into the new. These tours have a special night cruise, including live music, food, open bar, and a front row display of midnight fireworks. So, don your party attire and take yourself out to the water honey!

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Whatever you choose for this winter holiday season, New Orleans has popular and offbeat events to satisfy any craving. Book a room at Rathbone Mansions, warm up before heading out for the day, and come back to snuggle in the holiday cheer.