New Orleans, La -
A countdown and Christmas tree lighting officially marks the holiday season in New Orleans.
You can't ring in any holiday season without a brass band in. This is the first year Papa Noel is leading the brass band, locals and tourists to a brightly lit Dutch Alley. "This is the icon for New Orleans, I think. Al Copeland used to have most of the lights, but now they're here across from Jackson Square so people can remember how Christmas used to be," says French Market Executive Director Ken Ferdinand.
French Quarter merchants are ready for holiday-goers. "Oh, we're very excited. This is one of the hottest times of the year," says Galvez Restaurant Events Manager Theresa De Moll.
And everyone else is just plain ready to celebrate New Orleans style. "Pretty cool. This is my second Christmas in New Orleans, and I saw this and decided to stop by," says Jordan Smith.
You can't ring in any holiday season without a brass band in. This is the first year Papa Noel is leading the brass band, locals and tourists to a brightly lit Dutch Alley. "This is the icon for New Orleans, I think. Al Copeland used to have most of the lights, but now they're here across from Jackson Square so people can remember how Christmas used to be," says French Market Executive Director Ken Ferdinand.
French Quarter merchants are ready for holiday-goers. "Oh, we're very excited. This is one of the hottest times of the year," says Galvez Restaurant Events Manager Theresa De Moll.
And everyone else is just plain ready to celebrate New Orleans style. "Pretty cool. This is my second Christmas in New Orleans, and I saw this and decided to stop by," says Jordan Smith.
