MUST DO! When you…read morefind yourself in New Orleans for the Christmas holidays, this is what you do... head north to St. James Parish on Christmas Eve! Bonfires and Fireworks along the Mississippi River... oh yeah, Let the Good Times roll baby! Pro Tip: * Read other reviews and their tips, that's what I did! * Get there early, park on Main St. I parked free around the post office around 5pm... then walked to the levee just a few blocks away. Take a little walk around the neighborhood to get familiar with your surroundings and check out the parties, then walk up on the levee to figure out where you want to hang out for the rest of the night. * 7pm is time set to light the fire. Some fires actually were lit before 7pm so be sure to be settled just before 7. Some wait awhile to make a grandstand show so expect to be there till at least 8 or later. On December 24th all along the Mississippi River, you will see bonfires to help light the way for Papa Noel. Another story is that the bonfires were built to light the way for the families attending midnight service at church on Christmas Eve. Hey, why not both right?! Bonfires can be found all up and down the river with the highest concentration is in St. James Parish, in and around Gramercy, Lutcher and Paulina. The best viewing for us was walking the levees before the fires were lit and being right in the middle of the action and anticipation. We found behind one of the big teepees, a huge pryro set up... so that was our cue to stick around that area. Yep, that ended up being the center of the show! Lots of people try just driving their car along the bank River Road which I don't recommend as you will just be sitting in traffic for hours and you won't really get the feel of the event. Most of the families that have houses along the levees host a party... and I mean, it's a party all around there! Many bonfires are built in the traditional "Teepee" style while others are built is different shapes and sizes. There are typically over 120 bonfire permits issued to families and groups that spend days building these wooden forms to be put ablaze. This event was on my bucket list for about 20 years... We finally made it December 2018!

The Bonfires on the Levee is an AWESOME annual event hat happens Christmas Eve in St. James Parish…read more Several local families and stranger alike get together and try to outdo each other every year and build the biggest baddest longest burning bonfire. I have been in Gramercy when I have gone for this event but I know it extends for miles. Coca Cola and the city of Gramery usually do some ridiculously spectacular bonfire and Zapps is always out there steady giving out free chips. The families spend an insane amount of time and money building these bonfires and they have to meet certain specifications and codes. They also get creative and some put firecrackers and sparklers in the them and make them special. The big thing is to have the tallest one but they are literally lined up for miles. They all get lit at the same time and it is really a sight. The story that I have heard is that the bonfires were used to light the way for Papa Noel and show him where the Mississippi River ends. A friend of mine's family has done this for years and every time I have gone, its been a super good time. Thousand of people gather out there and basically party by the bonfires. Lots of friends and family from that area mostly go but there are plenty of others as well. Pro Tip: bring a chair and whatever it is that you would like to partake in beverage wise and make sure you make friends with a family so you have a place to use the bathroom, they frown upon peeing on the bonfires. Dress casual, pack light, and wear comfy shoes because theres lots of walking.