Caroling in Jackson Square returns for holiday cheer in the French Quarter on Dec. 18

NEW ORLEANS (NOLA WEEKEND) - Take a stroll down to Jackson Square and carol for the holidays. Christmas caroling returns to Jackson Square in the French Quarter on Dec. 18.

The free community even will take place between 7 and 8 pm. Patio Planters of the Vieux Carre is pleased to bring back a holiday tradition to visitors and locals alike. The sing-along gathers thousands of people for a festive hour of holiday merriment, with carols led by local dignitaries and clergy. Gates open at 6:30 pm. Patio Planters volunteers will be stationed to distribute complimentary song books and candles to participants in the non-denominational community celebration.

Mark Romig, senior vice-president and chief marketing officer for New Orleans and Company, will return as master of ceremonies, along with local favorites Harry Mayronne, Chris Wecklein and Amy Alvarez leading carols.

Patio Planters President Joey DiFatta cites 2022 Caroling in Jackson Square as a momentous occasion.

“Our nonprofit organization has sponsored the event as our gift to the community since 1946, relying on fundraisers like our Holiday Home Tour to generate revenue needed to cover multiple expenses involved in producing the event,” said DiFatta.

“There’s nothing more rewarding than looking out across Jackson Square and seeing the joy and camaraderie that this event brings to visitors and locals alike. Caroling in Jackson Square truly represents the spirit of the season,” added DiFatta.

There are many ways to watch the holiday event should you choose to stay in the comfort of your home. It will be live-streamed on www.nola.com and www.patioplanters.net where songbooks may be downloaded. The event will also be available for viewing after December 18 on WLAE via Cox Ch. 1014, Spectrum Ch. 711, Satellite Ch. 32, AT&T U-Verse Ch. 1032, and Over the Air Ch. 32.1. This year’s event will receive marketing support from Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser and the Louisiana Office of Tourism.

Prior to the annual Caroling in Jackson Square, Patio Planters offers a French Quarter Holiday Home Tour featuring five private residences with varying architectural styles and home furnishings, festively decorated for the season. The self-guided walking tour takes place from 12 noon until 4 pm, allowing plenty of time to enjoy Reveillon dining or Holiday cocktails prior to Caroling.

Tickets to the tour, which supports the annual Caroling in Jackson Square, are $30 each if preordered online at www.patioplanters.net. Tickets will be $35 the day of the event. Kids 12 and under are free. A limited number of tickets will be available for purchase from noon-3:00 pm the day of under the alcove of the Louisiana State Museum Cabildo. Advance ticket purchase is suggested.

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