Christmas dinner and WWII museum

Question

I will be in New Orleans for Christmas. We will likely be at the Hilton. I know there are a few but I have t booked our hotel yet. Just assume down in the tourist area not too far from Bourbon Street.

Do you know of any place that is open for dinner on Christmas? Not looking for anything specific but would prefer not to have to do fast food or a chain restaurant. I’m assuming fast food and chain restaurants would be open. I know it’s a long way off but figured I would ask here to see if anyone has ideas.

We will be visiting the WWII museum the day after Christmas. Any tips? We plan to spend the whole day and plan to do it on our own.

Answer

Spending Christmas in New Orleans can be a delightful experience, especially around the French Quarter and downtown areas. While many restaurants close on Christmas Day, there are still several options for enjoying a proper dinner that are not fast food or chain restaurants.

Restaurants Open on Christmas Day:

Commander’s Palace: Located in the Garden District, this iconic New Orleans restaurant often offers a special Christmas menu. Reservations are highly recommended well in advance.
GW Fins: A popular seafood restaurant downtown with a refined atmosphere and often open for holiday dining. Check ahead for Christmas hours.
Arnaud’s: Traditional Creole dining with a festive holiday ambiance. They typically have a special Christmas menu and require reservations.
Café Degas: A charming French bistro in the mid-city area, occasionally open for holiday dining, offering classic French cuisine.
Local hotels’ restaurants: Many hotel restaurants, including those in the Hilton or nearby properties, remain open for Christmas dinner and often provide holiday prix-fixe menus, which is a convenient option if staying in the tourist area.

Tips for dining on Christmas in New Orleans:

Make reservations early; Christmas is a popular day for both locals and visitors who want a special meal.
Check menus in advance, as some restaurants only offer fixed-price holiday meals rather than regular menu options.
Consider taking a short Uber or taxi ride if you want to reach restaurants outside the immediate Bourbon Street area, such as the Garden District or Frenchmen Street neighborhoods.

Visiting the WWII Museum:

The National WWII Museum in New Orleans is one of the top-rated museums in the country, and spending a full day exploring is a great plan.

Buy tickets in advance online to avoid waiting in lines. Consider getting timed-entry tickets if available.
Plan your visit around the major exhibits, including the “Road to Berlin,” “Road to Tokyo,” and the immersive “Campaigns of Courage” galleries.
The museum offers multimedia experiences, oral histories, and interactive displays; allow extra time for these, especially the 4D cinematic experiences.
There are several on-site dining options for lunch or snacks, so you can stay inside the museum for the whole day without leaving.
Wear comfortable shoes, as the museum is extensive and involves a fair amount of walking and stairs.
Audio guides and museum apps can enhance your understanding of the exhibits and provide context for each gallery.

In summary, for a Christmas dinner in the New Orleans tourist area, plan ahead with reservations at classic or hotel-based restaurants to ensure a proper sit-down meal. For the WWII Museum the following day, buying tickets in advance and pacing your visit will allow you to enjoy all the key exhibits comfortably.

Christmas dinner and WWII museum

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