Christmas Shopping Events, Days, Festivals, Markets and Specials in New Orleans

Blow Your Own Glass Ornament

Designing and blowing your own ornament from hot molten glass at Rosetree in Algiers Point is a unique experience that results in a unique and beautiful work of glass art. You determine your design and fill your cup with your chosen colors and then head out to the ovens and with the help and guidance of expert glass artists you melt and blow your own blown-glass ornament.

It will hard to give up your first creation. But you can make the ornament as a gift and design one with school, sport team or favorite colors of the recipient. You could also buy the glass-blowing experience as gift. Or better yet, arrange for a glass blowing party for at least 20 friends for a private party.

It's just $35 and the time slots fill up fast.

Shop Away in the Vieux Carre Day

Get in the holiday spirit in the French Quarter on Nov. 19, 2012, s special shopping day with lots of lagnaippe and extras. Visit shops in Jackson Square, the French Market District, Royal St. and beyond for holiday treats and discounts, plus artist/author signings, a impressionist paintings exhibit at M.S. Rau on Royald St. that includes by Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet and Renoir. The Dutch Alley Artist Co-op celebrates its 9th Annivery with a Cloud 9 event. (BTW, original art bought in the French Quarter Cultural Product Distrst is tax-free.) .

The Hermann-Grima House (and its shop) hold a courtyard artist meet and greet with the first floor open for visitors. Hear live music all day in the atrium at the Shops at Canal Place mall.

And several NOLA Pedi Cabs will be free for specific sponsored stops: Aunt Sally's Praline Shop, The Black Butterfly, Historic New Orleans Collection, Huck Finn's, Jax Brewery, Pat O'Brien's and The Shops at Canal Place Iberville Entrance

Freretivus - Freret Market's Festivus

The Seinfeld holiday of Festivus is celebrated (on Dec. 9, 2012 this year) at the Freret Street Market with the Freretivus in uptown New Orleans. And it's a good place to do some Christmas shopping too.

Scandinavian Festival Market

The Scandinavian Festival evolved from the Norwegian Seamen's Church Christmas Market. And those hoome-made and imported Christmas items and gifts are still a major part of the celebration. The event is still a kick-off to holiday shopping as itsa great place to find unique gifts and decorations. (And food and music.)

St. Nicholas Fair

St. Nicholas Day Market celebrates the Germanic Christmas gift-giver and the Christmas season with a costumed St. Nicholas, entertainment and lots of kid activities. It's a great day to shop for Christmas gifts in the French Market District. .

Merriment On Magazine Street

The Magazine Street Merchant Assocation hosts the Merriment event every Saturday in December, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., with entertainment, refreshments, art openings, trunk shows, on-line giveraways and more.

The Shops at Canal Place Holiday Saturday - FREE Beer/Wine

Free wine and beer bars - and music - while you go shopping for Christmas gifts (or for yourself) at Canal Place shops like Saks 5th Avenue and Brooks Brothers on Saturdays in December.

Black Friday Shopping

Check out the Black Friday Shopping deals for the day after Thanksgiving in New Orleans

New Orleans Malls

Sometimes you feel like have to go shopping in a mall especially during Christmas season if you want to see Santa and the mall decorations. Or you enjoy the challenge of finding a parking place at certain malls. You can also find locally owned mall-venue shops if you are trying to shop local this holiday season. Here's the scoop on the best metro New Orleans malls. Check the website of your favorite for special events, attractions, Santa's hours, and holiday deals.

Charity and Museum Shops

Unique shopping venues in New Orleans include the shops of charities, inside museums, by historic sites, at the zoo and the like. Some of these have special discount days and other events for holiday shoppers.