Easter New Orleans Style
Springtime in The Big Easy
Save to my Account
Spring is the perfect time to visit New Orleans. Temperatures are mild and the city is just bouncing back from the madness of Mardi Gras and preparing for the early summer festival season. Easter brings the end of the Christian season of Lent, a six-week period when many have abstained from certain pleasures as a sacrifice. New Orleanians love any excuse to celebrate, and Easter weekend provides a perfect opportunity.
Start off your Easter weekend
Begin Good Friday with dinner at Brennan’s. Get there by 5 p.m. to enjoy Happy Hour and watch the ceremonial champagne sabering, when the sommelier slices open a bottle of bubbly. Finish with a visit to Snug Harbor, featuring live music nightly.
Plan a busy Saturday
Book a tour on the Creole Queen. Special Easter themed cruises depart at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Help yourself on board to the kid-friendly lunch buffet. Be sure to get your picture with Bourgeois the Bunny or the live alligator provided by the Jean Lafitte Swamp Tour.
For a more active Saturday, head on over to City Park.
Start your day with beignets and cafe au lait at Morning Call. Tour the park by boat or by bike with a rental from Wheel Fun Rentals. Then check out the City Putt Easter Eggstravaganza. Play a few holes of miniature golf, sample some sweet treats and enter the raffle.
Celebrate Easter Sunday
When New Orleanians celebrate the only thing better than one parade is two parades. The historic French Quarter Easter parade begins just outside Antoine’s Restaurant at 9:45 a.m. This procession may be smaller than the large scale Mardi Gras spectacles, but it’s just as fun. Mule drawn carriages and antique convertibles ride through the French Quarter handing stuffed bunnies and candy filled eggs to happy children. The parade stops at the St Louis Cathedral just in time for 11 a.m. Mass. Step inside for the service or relax in Jackson Square. There you can enter the contest for best Easter bonnet before the parade returns to Antoine’s.
Stop by The Court of Two Sisters for brunch before catching the Chris Owens French Quarter Easter parade at 1 p.m. Chris Owens, taking the role of Grand Duchess, is a beloved local celebrity who delights with performances on Bourbon St. On Easter she takes her more G-rated show on the road, beginning and ending at the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel.
No matter your religious beliefs, don’t miss the chance to experience Easter New Orleans style. We can make the most somber occasion into a party and can add a touch of religion into any festivity. Laissez les bon temps rouler!
