Day 1 – Tuesday, December 1

Arrival in Louisiana’s River Parishes & A Night of Fire and History

• Fly into New Orleans, then travel by luxury motorcoach to LaPlace, Louisiana.

• Check in at the Hampton Inn LaPlace, where cozy Southern hospitality awaits.

• Evening excursion to Felicity Plantation, a historic 1800s sugarcane estate. Enjoy a guided house tour that shares stories of Southern heritage and family life.

• Sit down to a festive Southern dinner in the plantation setting, followed by one of Louisiana’s most unique Christmas traditions: the lighting of the great levee bonfires. These roaring fires, said to guide Papa Noël along the Mississippi, create a golden glow across the riverbank.

• End the night gathered around the fire with a comforting eggnog nightcap — the perfect start to your holiday adventure.

Day 2 – Wednesday, December 2

Bonfire Traditions, Plantations, and Christmas Elegance

• Start the day with breakfast at the hotel.

• Dive deeper into Louisiana tradition at a Bonfire Building Expedition with the local “Blood, Sweat & Bonfires” team. Walk among the timber structures, learn the craft of stacking and engineering massive bonfires, and hear the folklore behind this holiday ritual.

• Enjoy a lighthearted stop for a photo op with Saint the Alligator, the beloved mascot of the bonfire builders.

• Travel to the legendary Oak Alley Plantation, where you’ll stroll the avenue of 300-year-old oaks dressed in Christmas décor. Inside, every room of the grand mansion sparkles with holiday finery. Savor a delicious Southern lunch and the plantation’s signature mint julep as you soak in the holiday spirit.

• Continue to Houmas House Estate & Gardens, where history and Christmas magic come alive. Begin at the River Road Museum, then tour the opulently decorated mansion filled with glittering trees, garlands, and festive lights.

• Conclude with an elegant holiday dinner on the estate — blending fine cuisine, warm hospitality, and the charm of a Louisiana Christmas evening.

Day 3 – Thursday, December 3

From the River Parishes to New Orleans

• After breakfast, board your motorcoach for the short trip into New Orleans.

• Check in at the Hotel St. Marie, a French Quarter gem with festive decorations, garland-wrapped balconies, and cozy courtyards glowing with holiday cheer.

• The afternoon and evening are dedicated to holiday sightseeing in the Big Easy. Stroll through Jackson Square, where brass bands and carolers fill the air with music. Explore twinkling light displays at Celebration in the Oaks in City Park, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of jazz clubs where Christmas classics get a Creole twist.

• Dinner is on your own tonight — choose from world-class restaurants and local favorites just steps from the hotel.

Day 4 – Friday, December 4

New Orleans Tours & Farewell Celebration

• Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before setting out for a day of exploring.

• Use your included Hop On Hop Off bus ticket to discover the city at your own pace — from the French Market and Garden District to historic neighborhoods alive with music and holiday spirit.

• Join a Cemetery Walking Tour to see the city’s iconic above-ground tombs and hear the stories behind these hauntingly beautiful “cities of the dead.”

• Visit the acclaimed National World War II Museum, where immersive exhibits and powerful stories honor the sacrifices of a generation.

• Lunch is on your own, with plenty of time to sample New Orleans favorites — from po’boys to beignets.

• Gather in the evening for a group farewell dinner, a chance to toast new friends and lasting memories of Christmas in Louisiana.

Day 5 – Saturday, December 5

Departure

• Enjoy your final breakfast at the Hotel St. Marie.

• Check out and transfer to the airport for your flight home, carrying with you the sights, sounds, and spirit of a Louisiana Christmas.