Hotels near Réveillon Dinners

In the 1800s, Creole families came home from midnight Mass on Christmas Eve to a long, lavish meal called Réveillon, from the French word for awakening. The custom faded in the 20th century, but today dozens of New Orleans restaurants serve special Réveillon menus throughout December. Expect courses such as turtle soup, oysters, gumbo, roast duck and bread pudding, typically priced at $60-120 (about €55-110) before drinks and tip.

Antoine's, founded in 1840 and the oldest family-run restaurant in the United States, is the classic setting, with dining rooms full of memorabilia and waiters in tuxedos. Many other French Quarter and Garden District restaurants join in, each with its own fixed-price menu. Some also offer lighter lunch versions at lower prices.

Pro Tip: Book weekday dinners in early or mid-December, when tables are easier to get than on the weekends before Christmas. Compare menus online first, since dishes and prices vary widely.