“Our hotel guests, New Orleanians, and tourists from all over the world come to The Roosevelt every year, because it is truly the brightest, most brilliant place to evoke the holiday spirit for young and old,” said Tod Chambers, general manager, The Roosevelt New Orleans. “From our Teddy Bear Tea to the lighting of the Waldorf Wonderland, the beauty of our décor and our rich programming has become a holiday tradition for many families spanning decades. The joy and magic at The Roosevelt is palpable at the holidays and we are honored to share it with our community.”
Dazzling Décor
To celebrate the start of the New Orleans holiday season, on Nov. 29, legendary New Orleans singer Irma Thomas will lead The Roosevelt in unveiling the hotel’s spectacular, block-long holiday décor. She will “flip the switch” in a ceremonial lighting of more than 112,000 lights, 1,600 feet of garland, and 4,000 glass ornaments adorning the beloved Waldorf Wonderland in the hotel’s grand lobby. Visitors from near and far are welcome to take in the sights and sounds of the Crescent City’s go-to hotel for seasonal festivities and enjoy the Sazerac Bar’s annual handcrafted Holiday season libations, the Christmas Cookie and the Candy Cane.
Festive Food and Beverage Experiences
Perfect for families, Teddy’s Café will feature holiday pastries, specialty coffees and hot chocolate, making it the perfect place to enjoy the sights and sounds of the festive lobby while noshing on a seasonal treat throughout December.
For foodies, The Fountain Lounge offers a four-course Reveillon Dinner from December 1-24, part of a centuries-old New Orleans custom of long, celebratory meals families traditionally held on Christmas and New Year’s Eve into the wee hours of the morning. The Roosevelt has adapted the tradition to regular dining hours but kept the indulgent local touches. Mouth-watering menu items include seared duck breast with miso honey roasted turnips and ‘Poulet Rouge’ with oyster dressing and winter vegetable ragout.
For patrons looking to relax and leave holiday cooking to Executive Chef Jason Schneider, The Roosevelt will again host sumptuous Thanksgiving and Christmas brunches, in its beautiful ballroom, featuring an array of options including herb roasted turkey, spice rubbed prime rib and chardonnay-poached shrimp and scallops. A la carte dining will also be available in the Fountain Lounge.
Families are encouraged to reserve their spot early at one of the most beloved traditions each holiday season, The Roosevelt’s annual Teddy Bear Tea, perfect for children and those who are young at heart. Starting Sunday November 27, guests are invited to experience a North Pole winter wonderland where Santa and his reindeer appear while the kids enjoy pastries and hot chocolate and their parents sip champagne. Guests can extend this holiday experience by booking a suite through The Roosevelt’s one-of-a-kind personal concierge service. The hotel’s dedicated staff will work with each guest to customize the perfect holiday family getaway complete with personal touches like an in-room Christmas tree decked to perfection and a luxury spa treatment for parents in need of a recharge.
Seasonal Shopping
For those looking for some seasonal retail therapy, holiday shopping is already underway at The Emporium Gift Shop. Decked halls of seasonal décor welcome shoppers to peruse the curated, one-of-a-kind gifts selected by buyer Colleen Stack, and The Roosevelt’s sought-after annual Christmas ornament. Shoppers can also take home a bit of The Roosevelt’s luxury – robes, branded Sazerac glasses, and even the signature candle to keep the atmosphere of the iconic hotel fresh.
Featured image by Teg Folks.