Santa Goes to Mardi Gras

Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA Mardi Gras 2025

Mardi Gras is for families.

You read that correctly. If you have never been to New Orleans for Mardi Gras you are probably only familiar with the rowdy parade crowds and street party on Bourbon Street shown on news broadcast and in movies.

What they do not show is all the family and neighborhood groups set up along the parade routs uptown and on St. Charles. Generations gather together to watch the parade and enjoy each others company. Many groups of families returning to the same location year after year. The youngsters wait with great anticipation of catching a special set of beads while the adults enjoy good food, good drink and good company. Much like Christmas gatherings where the children are focused on what’s under the tree while the adults look forward to reuniting and catching up with friends and family.

Surprise Visit from Santa

Mardi Gras day is truly magical. Local families and nationhood groups walk in front of the morning parades and flood into the French Quarter in wonderful costumes. Families dress at characters from The Wizard of OZ, Disney Movies, favorite cartoons etc. There was a neighborhood “herd” of giraffes that all wore giant homemade headpieces.

Santa and Mrs. Clause fit right in wearing our normal clothes. We were interviewed by the local news!