A Creole Christmas: New Orleans and Oak Alley Plantation

December 2 - 5, 2011
Now accepting registrations – call 972-744-7800

This wonderland adventure will immerse you in the dazzling world of the wealthy Creoles of southern Louisiana prior to the devastation of the Civil War and Reconstruction. This particular weekend was chosen to take advantage of several one-time holiday spectacular events.

The Oak Alley Plantation Bonfire Party - Saturday night

Oak Alley is one of the most recognizable and photographed plantations in the world, because of its 300 yard long avenue of spreading live oaks that frame the soft pink Greek Revival mansion. This full evening includes an extravagant buffet in the Mansion, which will be decorated in 19th century greenery, fruit and floral arrangements. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a brass quintet, which after dinner will lead a parade of revelers down the alley of oaks to the levee for the bonfire and caroling. The bonfire reenacts a holiday tradition of the aristocratic French Creoles in their heady days before the War destroyed their lifestyle. Music from a live band and open bar will then continue ’til late in the evening. The setting and the experience will create a blazing lifetime memory.

Reveillon Dinner - Friday night

Our first night the group will enjoy a centuries old, once-a-year meal called the “reveillon” dinner.

“Reveillon” means awakening in French, and centuries ago this was the combination dinner and breakfast, that was served after the late night midnight masses at Christmas and New Year’s. Now, it is an elegant four course meal with the most glamorous dishes that the restaurants can muster. The chefs spend months selecting and planning their menus for this once a year culinary feast!

Christmas Concert in the Sanctuary of St. Louis Cathedral - Sunday night

What atmosphere - inspiring music in a famous and uplifting setting.

Victory Belles Concert and the National World War II Museum - Sunday

The Victory Belles, an Andrews Sisters-style group, will entertain at their show in the Canteen of the National World War II Museum as part of our Sunday brunch. In the afternoon we will see the film of the history of the war, narrated by Tom Hanks, that has deservedly won international acclaim. There will be time to see the exhibits of the recently expanded Museum, our Nation’s best explication of the history of the War.

New Orleans and The War - Friday and Monday

In New Orleans and the South, “The War” means The Civil War. We will examine the effects that calamitous event wrought on the upper class Creoles and the other citizens of the town and region by visiting the Confederate Memorial Hall, where a docent will lead us through their enormous collection. We will also take a driving and walking tour of the City to see the places and hear stories of the antebellum period of peace and great wealth, The War, and the devastating Reconstruction period. Part of this tour will be a walk through St. Louis Cemetery #1, with the city’s leading expert on cemeteries and Marie Laveau, the Voodoo Queen.

Hotel Roosevelt - The Grande Dame of Canal Street - your home for three nights

It has recently reopened after enormous renovations, and its renowned Sazerac Bar and Blue Room restaurant are once again open and offering their quintessentially New Orleans ambiance to patrons. For our group, the dazzling Christmas decorations are the attraction, which thousands come from all over to see.

Krewe of Jingle Parade on Canal Street and Jingle Block Party - Saturday afternoon

Right in front of our Hotel , The Roosevelt...a Christmas party New Orleans style!