New Orleans: Christmas Bonfire Experience
ID: GYG394145-716308
Category:
Country: United States
Duration:
04:30 hours
Description
Celebrate a time-honored Louisiana tradition, the lighting of the bonfires on the banks of the Mississippi River. Welcome Santa Claus in a unique way.
Experience Louisiana's holiday bonfire tradition, throughout December, with Gray Line!
The small communities just upriver from New Orleans are home to a unique holiday tradition - building, lighting and gathering around towering bonfires along the Mississippi River levee to light the way for "Papa Noel," Santa Claus, on Christmas Eve. A Gray Line exclusive, this intimate guided experience brings locals and visitors together for a private Cajun dinner and bonfire experience at Destrehan Plantation.
After a short motorcoach ride, you'll arrive at Destrehan Plantation for a guided tour of the Big House and self-guided tour of the grounds, featuring the new Spirit of Christmas Light Exhibit. Continue the evening with a delicious Cajun-style dinner featuring local favorites that capture the flavors of Christmastime. Stop by the cash bar to purchase beer and wine, before heading to the bonfire site.
The highlight of the night is a private bonfire viewing, giving guests a preview of the Christmas Eve bonfires on the Mississippi River levee. Guests will learn more about Louisiana's holiday traditions as they enjoy the warmth of a towering bonfire.
Dinner Menu: Salad, Jambalaya, Baked chicken, Vegetable of choice, Bread, and Dessert of choice (Bread pudding or Brookies); Served with Coke products, tea, and water
*Please note, a Self-Drive Option (No Transportation) is available. Guests who purchase the Self-Drive option should meet us at Destrehan Plantation at 5:00 p.m. for check in on the day of their tour. Note that ride-sharing services like Lyft and Uber DO NOT SERVICE THE AREA. Gray Line bus transportation is by reservation only.*
Highlights
- Bonfire Viewing at Destrehan Plantation
- Round-trip Transportation (Self-Drive Option: Transportation Not Included)
- Cajun Dinner
- Guided Tour of Plantation House
- Spirit of Christmas Light Exhibit
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
- 30 minute Creole Christmas Tour of the plantation house is included. Guests will be able to explore the dependency buildings and self guided museums following the house tour.
- Guests will have access to the Spirit of Christmas Light exhibit on the plantation grounds will be included. This is a ¼ mile walk through the Alley of Oaks Area with over 75 lighted holiday displays.
- A portion of the ticket price will be donated to The Greater New Orleans Therapeutic Riding Center.
- Following dinner guests will gather at the bonfire site for the lighting.
- The gift shop will remain open until 7:50 when guests will board the buses for return to the City.
Gray Line Lighthouse Departure (4:00 PM)
400 Toulouse St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Please display your barcoded voucher as your ticket 15 minutes in advance of your tour time at our Lighthouse Ticket Office at Toulouse Street and the Mississippi River, directly behind the JAX Brewery.
Rouses Market Departure (4:30 PM)
2900 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie, LA 70002
Please display your barcoded voucher as your ticket 15 minutes in advance of your tour time at our departure point at Rouses Market.
Self-Drive Option - NO TRANSPORTATION (5:00 PM)
13034 River Rd, Destrehan, LA 70047
Please check in with your Gray Line Tour Guide upon arrival at Destrehan Plantation. Note that ride-sharing services like Lyft and Uber DO NOT SERVICE THE AREA. Gray Line bus transportation is by reservation only.
INCLUDED
- Bonfire viewing at Destrehan Plantation
- Roundtrip transportation
- Cajun dinner
- Guided tour of the plantation house
- Self-guided tour of the grounds
- Spirit of Christmas Light Exhibit
- Expert guide sharing local history and Cajun and Creole Christmas traditions
NOT INCLUDED
- Beer and wine available for purchase at the cash bar
- Self-drive option does not include transportation
- Tips
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.
