5 Kid-Friendly Christmas Outings in New Orleans, From Brunch to Tea

It’s Christmastime in New Orleans, which means restaurants across town are offering special Reveillon menus, extravagant Feasts of the Seven Fishes, and hot festive cocktails like crazy. Many of the city’s favorite holiday celebrations aren’t particularly kid-friendly, however, so where to head for a Christmas outing that’s fun for the whole family? From holiday teas to brunches with Santa, a number of New Orleans hotels and restaurants are welcoming the kiddos this year — see below for five picks sure to bring joy to all.

Brunch with Santa at Broussard’s

At Broussard’s, the 100-year old French Quarter restaurant known for its swanky bar and lush courtyard, is celebrating with Santa this year. On Friday December 10, Saturday December 11, and Sunday December 12, Santa will be in the building from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., accompanied by a live jazz band, holiday cocktails, and a special, kid-friendly brunch menu (in addition to the regular brunch menu). Book online or call the restaurant to make a reservation.

Teddy Bear Tea at the Roosevelt

A visit to view the Roosevelt Hotel’s outstanding Christmas light display is a must for many New Orleans families this time of year, so why not extend the celebration with this year’s Teddy Bear Tea? Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there for holiday food, specialty teas, and pastries, as well as sparkling wine and mimosas for the adults. Reservations (pre-paid and non-refundable are available through Christmas Eve,

Santa Brunch at Tableau

Tableau’s annual Santa Brunch is December 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. this year, and the classic Creole restaurant offers a separate, kid-friendly brunch menu, in addition to an adult brunch package. Kids can take pictures with Santa riding in his sleigh from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Holiday Tea at Ritz Carlton

Every Saturday and Sunday from now through December 12, the Ritz Carlton is hosting a special holiday tea featuring an appearance by Papa Noel, twice per day, at 11 a.m. through 2:30 p.m. — and beginning December 18 through the 23, the tea is offered daily. The price tag is a little hefty ($75 per adult, $55 per child 12 and under), but it’s sure to be extravagant. For another option, the hotel is offering families the chance to sit down and build a gingerbread house together, for a cool $165 per table. Reserve tea in the Davenport Lounge here, and here for the gingerbread build.

Santa’s Pajama Party at the Royal Sonesta

It’s always festive this time of year at the Royal Sonesta in the heart of the Quarter. From now through December 23, you can bring the kids to visit with Santa and the Sugarplum Fairy Princess — in their PJs! — while enjoying treats and decorating cookies at the hotel’s splurge-worthy Restaurant R’evolution. There are reservations available each Saturday and Sunday, at 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., through December 18, after which it switches to a once-daily schedule. Tickets for kids are $54 and include a cookie or gingerbread decorating kit, hot chocolate and cider, and a ton of kid-friendly food and desserts; the $84 adult tickets include bottomless mimosas or non-alcoholic cocktails, a large hor d’oeuvres spread, and desserts.