Free Holiday Concerts in New Orleans

After Thanksgiving signals the beginning the near-constant sounds of Christmas carols and other holiday music. If hearing the sounds of the holidays is music to your ears, you’ll like the sound of these free holiday concerts happening in New Orleans.

Holidays at Hotel Monteleone

While you’re there taking in the holiday decor or sipping a festive drink at the famous Carousel Bar, you can also hear some holiday music at the Hotel Monteleone during the week. New Orleans-area schools will perform Christmas carols in the lobby of the hotel Dec. 8-19. 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Cathedral Concerts

St. Louis Cathedral is a gorgeous sight during the holidays, and an easy stop while spending time in the French Quarter, and every year the church hosts a series of free holiday concerts featuring New Orleans choirs and musicians. This year’s lineup includes Ellis Marsalis, the Shades of Praise choir, Helen Gillet and others (view the full schedule here). Hearing this sampling of New Orleans artists amid the cathedral’s grand setting and accoustics cannot be beat. The hourlong concerts are happening 6 p.m. Dec. 1-4, 7-10 and 14-17. While the concerts are free, the cathedral will accept donations to help fund the series.

Caroling in Jackson Square

Here’s a concert where you won’t get kicked out for singing along: One of the most ancitipated holiday activities in New Orleans is caroling in Jackson Square. On Sunday, Dec. 21, carolers both amateur and professional will fill Jackson Square holding candles and song sheets (provided by the event host, the French Quarter horticulture group Patio Planters). Jackson Square’s gates open at 6:30 p.m. and caroling begins at 7 p.m.