New Orleans — French Quarter Festivals, Inc. (FQFI) is thrilled to unveil the 2025 Holidays New Orleans Style lineup, featuring a special kickoff to the holiday season with free concerts at St. Louis Cathedral and a festive New Years Eve celebration at Woldenberg Park. Presented in partnership with NewOrleans.com, these free, family-friendly concerts invite locals and visitors to celebrate the holiday season with performances by some of New Orleans’ most beloved artists.
“These events reflect the heart and soul of our city,” said Emily Madero, president and CEO of French Quarter Festivals, Inc. “From the historic beauty of St. Louis Cathedral to the vibrant energy of New Years Eve on the riverfront, they celebrate the traditions that make New Orleans special and create unforgettable holiday memories for residents and visitors alike.”
This holiday season, FQFI and the St. Louis Cathedral will once again welcome audiences for free, family-friendly holiday concerts. Leroy Jones & New Orleans’ Finest will perform on Wednesday, December 3, from 6 to 7 p.m., with underwriting support from The Gayle & Tom Benson Charitable Foundation, the Caesars Community Support Grant, and Councilmember Freddie King. The annual St. Louis Cathedral Christmas Concert will follow on Sunday, December 21, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Each performance offers a unique opportunity to experience the spirit of the season inside one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
New Orleans Eve returns on Wednesday, December 31, with a new location at Woldenberg Park, offering more space for attendees and a stunning riverfront view of the fireworks. The open-air concert begins at 9 p.m. and features live performances by Dumpstaphunk, Sweet Crude, and DJ Captain Charles, followed by the traditional fleur de lis drop and the Crescent City Countdown fireworks over the Mississippi River at midnight.
The move to the riverfront reflects FQFI’s commitment to maximize attendee experience and public safety. Organizers have worked closely with city officials and law enforcement to identify a location that allows for enhanced security measures and safer crowd management, while preserving the festive atmosphere the community has come to love.
“Partnering with French Quarter Festivals, Inc. to promote New Orleans as a prime holiday destination perfectly aligns with our mission,” said Alice Glenn, Executive Vice President of New Orleans & Company. “Holidays New Orleans Style highlights our city’s cultural richness, supports the hospitality industry, and shares the magic of the holidays with residents and visitors alike. I’m excited to continue this tradition and make it even better this year.”
2025 Event Schedule
The following schedule highlights this year’s featured concerts and celebrations presented as part of Holidays New Orleans Style.
| Event | Date | Time | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leroy Jones & New Orleans’ Finest | Wednesday, Dec.3 | 6:00–7:00 p.m. | Supported by The Gayle & Tom Benson Charitable Foundation, the Caesars Community Support Grant, and Councilmember Freddie King |
| Annual St. Louis Cathedral Christmas Concert | Sunday, Dec. 21 | 5:30–6:30 p.m. | Free holiday concert open to the public |
| New Orleans Eve at Woldenberg Park | Wednesday, Dec. 31 | 9:00 p.m.–12:00 a.m. | Live performances by Dumpstaphunk, Sweet Crude, and DJ Captain Charles; Fleur-de-lis drop and Crescent City Countdown fireworks over the Mississippi River |
About the Artists
Leroy Jones — A Seventh Ward native and longtime Preservation Hall trumpeter, Jones is widely regarded as one of New Orleans’ leading jazz musicians.
Dumpstaphunk — Founded at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and led by Ivan Neville, the band carries forward the city’s funk legacy with high-energy performances.
Sweet Crude — The bilingual pop group blends Louisiana French lyrics with modern indie rhythms, creating a sound rooted in the region’s cultural identity.
DJ Captain Charles — Known as “The King of New Orleans DJs,” he has performed for decades, mixing R&B, funk, and bounce across generations.
For the full schedule, event details, and updates, visit fqfi.org/holidays.