Five NOLA Hot Spots to Celebrate Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

Christmas in NOLA is almost here and we have highlighted FIVE hot spots for food, vibes, and more. Maybe this is the year you start a new holiday tradition? Check out our favorites below. 

Tujague’s

Experience the joy of Christmas at Tujague’s, New Orleans’ second oldest restaurant, on Monday, December 25th, from 11 AM to 8:30 PM. Delight in a specially crafted three-course Christmas Day menu by Executive Chef Gus Martin, priced at $65 per person (plus tax and gratuity). Choose from first-course options such as Chicken and Andouille Gumbo with Louisiana popcorn rice or a Mixed Green Salad with shaved red onion, Tabasco pecans, and spiced pomegranate vinaigrette. Second-course selections feature dishes like Gulf Fish Almandine, Roasted Maple Leaf Duck Leg, Grilled Filet Mignon, and Pan Seared Pork Tournedos. The delectable dessert highlight is the Traditional Bread Pudding. Tujague’s is located at 429 Decatur Street. Explore more at www.tujaguesrestaurant.com.

Compère Lapin

Join James Beard award-winning chef Nina Compton at her flagship restaurant, Compère Lapin, for a splendid three-course Christmas menu on Monday, December 25th, from 12 PM to 3 PM. Priced at $95 per person, the prix-fixe menu includes Crispy Brussels Sprouts with coconut dressing, Jerk Roasted Pork, Coconut Rice and Peas, Christmas Dressing Croquettes, and Rum Cake with hibiscus sorbet. Vegan and vegetarian options are available. Compère Lapin is situated at 535 Tchoupitoulas Street. Explore more at www.comperelapin.com.

Mister Mao

Celebrate Christmas Eve with Chef/Owner Sophina Uong at Mister Mao. Enjoy a delightful brunch from 11 AM to 2 PM with creative a la carte offerings, including Kashmiri Chile Fried Chicken and Fairy Bread. The brunch experience features the famous “Here Comes the Chuck Wagon” roving cart. Mister Mao will also serve dinner from 5 PM to 9 PM, offering dishes like Grilled Beef Short Rib, Smoked Oyster Mushrooms, and Wood Fired Puppy Drum. Bottomless mimosas are available for $35. Christmas Eve hours are from 11 AM to 2 PM and 5 PM to 9 PM. Mister Mao is located at 4501 Tchoupitoulas Street. Discover more at www.mistermaonola.com.

Birdy’s Behind the Bower

Discover a charming Instagram-worthy spot, Birdy’s Behind the Bower, nestled in the back of New Orleans’ Framework building. Indulge in brunch on Sunday, December 24th, from 8 AM to 2 PM, with highlights like Huevos Rancheros, Pulled Pork Benedict, and Fried Chicken Biscuit. The Brunch Board offers a delightful array of options, including donuts, granola, bacon, waffle, fruit, jam, cookies, pancakes, syrup, brie, and soft-boiled eggs. Pair your brunch with a variety of cocktails, including Bottomless Mimosas. Birdy’s is located at 1320 Magazine Street. Explore more at www.birdysnola.com.

The Pool Club at Virgin Hotels New Orleans

Immerse yourself in the holiday magic at Virgin Hotel’s Pool Club, now transformed into a festive wonderland. On Sunday, December 24th, from 10 AM to 10 PM, experience the enchanting winter pop-up, Red Hot Holiday. The rooftop pop-up features a crimson-themed wonderland with a winter red rose installation, sparkling lights, festive cocktails, a red-themed food menu, rooftop fireside igloo on The Pool Club terrace, and tableside s’mores. The Pool Club is located on the rooftop of Virgin Hotels New Orleans at 550 Baronne Street. Explore more at www.virginhotels.com/the-pool-club.