Step Into the Past: New Orleans’ Holiday Ghost Tours Offer Spooky Adventure

Published on December 15, 2025

As the winter season brings an increase in tourism, New Orleans has unveiled an expanded selection of holiday ghost tours for visitors looking to explore the city’s haunted history and festive charm. These seasonal tours offer a unique way to experience New Orleans’ architecture, cultural history, and longstanding folklore, combining eerie tales of the past with the beauty of the city during the holidays.

Whether visitors are walking along the French Quarter or riding in a holiday-decorated horse-drawn carriage, these tours provide various ways to explore the haunted streets of one of the most iconic cities in the United States. The tours cater to a range of mobility levels and scheduling needs, offering both guided walking tours and carriage tours for a flexible and immersive experience.

Guided Walking Tours: A Journey Through Haunted History

For those looking to experience the ghostly side of New Orleans on foot, the guided walking tours offer a traditional way to uncover the city’s haunted past. Led by knowledgeable guides, these walking tours take visitors on a journey through the French Quarter and other historic neighborhoods, highlighting the stories and legends that have shaped New Orleans’ reputation as one of the most haunted cities in the world.

These tours delve into New Orleans’ rich history, from the colonial era to the present day, exploring the architectural landmarks that have witnessed centuries of mystery and tragedy. Visitors will hear chilling tales of ghostly apparitions, hauntings, and paranormal encounters while taking in the stunning holiday decorations that adorn the city during the festive season.

The walking tours are available at standard commercial rates, making them an affordable and accessible way for visitors to enjoy New Orleans’ haunted history during the winter months. They offer a more intimate experience, allowing guests to stroll through narrow streets and alleys, adding to the eerie atmosphere of the tour.

Horse-Drawn Carriage Tours: A Festive Ghostly Ride

For visitors who prefer a more leisurely experience, New Orleans also offers holiday-decorated horse-drawn carriage tours. Operated by licensed French Quarter carriage companies, these tours provide an enchanting way to see the city’s haunted landmarks while enjoying the festive atmosphere created by the holiday decorations.

The carriage tours take guests through some of the most famous areas in New Orleans, including the French Quarter, Jackson Square, and Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, all while sharing ghostly legends tied to the city’s most iconic buildings. The horse-drawn carriages are decorated for the season, adding a touch of holiday magic to the haunting tales told by the carriage drivers.

These tours are perfect for visitors with limited mobility or those who prefer a slower pace, as the carriages provide a comfortable and relaxing way to experience the city. Whether taking in the historic architecture or enjoying the festive decorations, the carriage tours offer a unique blend of holiday cheer and spooky intrigue.

A Unique Holiday Experience for All Ages

New Orleans has long been known for its rich cultural heritage, and the expanded holiday ghost tours highlight both the city’s eerie past and its festive present. With an increase in seasonal programming, these tours provide something for everyone, from history buffs to families looking for a fun, spooky holiday activity.

The combination of walking tours and carriage rides offers flexibility for tourists, allowing them to choose the experience that best suits their preferences. The ghost tours are also a great option for holiday visitors who are looking to escape the traditional Christmas markets and shopping activities in favor of something more unconventional.

For those visiting New Orleans in December, these tours offer a unique way to celebrate the holiday season while immersing themselves in the city’s haunted history. The guides on the walking tours and the drivers on the carriage tours are all well-versed in the city’s folklore, ensuring that visitors get an authentic and thrilling experience.

Exploring New Orleans Beyond the Ghost Tours

While the holiday ghost tours are a major attraction in New Orleans during the winter months, the city has much more to offer for tourists seeking a variety of activities. Visitors can explore the French Quarter’s vibrant streets, visit the Garden District’s historic homes, or take a leisurely cruise along the Mississippi River.

For food lovers, New Orleans is famous for its Creole and Cajun cuisine, with dishes like gumbo, beignets, and po’boys serving as staples of the city’s culinary scene. Visitors can also take part in cooking classes to learn how to prepare these famous dishes or explore the city’s rich music scene, including jazz performances at iconic venues like Preservation Hall.

New Orleans also boasts a rich cultural calendar, with events like Mardi Gras drawing thousands of visitors each year. However, during the winter months, visitors can enjoy a quieter yet equally magical atmosphere as the city is adorned with holiday lights and festive decorations.

Conclusion

The expanded holiday ghost tours in New Orleans offer tourists a unique and immersive way to explore the city’s haunted history while enjoying the festive spirit of the season. With options for both walking tours and horse-drawn carriage rides, these tours cater to a wide range of visitors, providing a memorable experience for everyone. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a family seeking holiday fun, or simply looking for a new way to explore New Orleans, these tours provide a perfect opportunity to experience the city’s rich culture, history, and holiday cheer.