Though the tradition began in the River Parishes, there’s a celebration in New Orleans every December that kicks off the holiday season. Hop on the ferry and cross the Mississippi from the French Quarter over to Algiers Point. Each December, this quaint community hosts their own event celebrating the time-honored Louisiana tradition with performances from local groups, food, drink, and art vendors, and the lighting of the bonfire, which structure varies by year.
Algiers Bonfire and Concert – Photo Credit: Rebecca Todd
History of Bonfires on the Levee
There are many colorfully imaginative traditions dating back to the earliest Cajun settlers of the regions of southern Louisiana to the west and north of New Orleans. One of them is the lighting of the bonfires along the Mississippi River on Christmas Eve. These bonfires, built on the river levees by the keepers of this old tradition, are intended to light the way for “Papa Noël,” the Cajun Santa Claus, on his airborne journey to the area. Or, according to some sources, the bonfires may have also been a way of lighting the path to the nearest Catholic church for Midnight Mass.
The earliest bonfires on the levees were relatively simple in design and assembly, with long logs arranged into a pyramid-shaped cone, some as high as twenty feet. Shorter horizontal logs holding the structure in place gave it a ladder-like appearance. Most of today’s bonfires still incorporate that design, but more imaginative creations have since evolved.
At dusk, usually around 7:00 p.m., the structures are doused with flammable liquids and set ablaze, lighting the sky and the surrounding area with towering flames that would be impossible for Papa Noël and his reindeer to miss. The crowds that gather to watch these spectacular conflagrations enjoy a free show and, in some locales, free bowls of hot gumbo are served up by local residents. The blazes are often accompanied by displays of fireworks, set off by the fires themselves.
These Christmas Eve bonfires are most commonly found in St. James Parish (county), some 30-40 miles upriver from New Orleans. As many as 100 or more bonfires may be erected in the adjoining communities of Gramercy, Lutcher, and Paulina, and more may be scattered in other locations in St. James and neighboring parishes.
The fire departments in these locales supervise the activity around the bonfires on the levees, maintaining a safe perimeter for the crowds while keeping vigil to make sure the fires stay under control. Unfavorable weather can force cancellation or postponement of the bonfires, but this has happened only once in recent memory – in 1982.
Private vehicular traffic in the areas of heaviest bonfire concentration may be restricted or even banned. Special parking lots are set up within comfortable walking distance of some of those areas. However, traffic leading up to those areas can be heavy, especially within the last few hours before the bonfires are lit. An early arrival is strongly encouraged.
One of the best ways to ensure “a good seat” for a bonfire on the levee is to book an excursion with Gray Line Tours. The four-hour Christmas Eve Bonfire Express includes round-trip narrated motor coach transportation to view the bonfires that light the way for Papa Nöel.
The tour begins and ends at the Gray Line Lighthouse ticket office located at Toulouse Street and the Mississippi River, adjacent to the steamboat Natchez wharf. Reservations are required in advance. Call (504) 569-1401 or (800) 233-2628 or visit their website here for further details.
Wednesday, December 24th through Thursday, December 24th
December 24
St. James Parish
Christmas Eve Bonfires on the Levee
Wednesday, December 24th through Thursday, December 24th
December 24
St. James Parish
Gramercy, LA 70052
What is the Christmas Eve Bonfires on the levee?
There are many colorfully imaginative traditions dating back to the earliest Cajun settlers of the regions of southern Louisiana to the west and north of New Orleans. One of them is the lighting of the bonfires along the Mississippi River on Christmas Eve.
These bonfires, erected on the river levees by the keepers of this old tradition, are intended to light the way for “Papa Noël,” the Cajun Santa Claus, on his airborne journey to the area. Or, according to some sources, the bonfires may have also been a way of lighting the path to the nearest Catholic church for Midnight Mass.
The earliest bonfires on the levees were relatively simple in design and assembly, with long logs arranged into a pyramid-shaped cone, some as high as twenty feet. Shorter horizontal logs holding the structure in place gave it a ladder-like appearance. Most of today’s bonfires still incorporate that design, but more imaginative creations have since evolved. Some of the most elaborate structures resemble old Cajun cabins, pickup trucks and other indigenous cultural motifs.
When is the Christmas Eve Bonfires on the levee?
At dusk, usually around 7:00 p.m., the structures are doused with flammable liquids and set ablaze, lighting the sky and the surrounding area with towering flames that would be impossible for Papa Noël and his reindeer to miss. The crowds that gather to watch these spectacular conflagrations enjoy a free show and, in some locales, free bowls of hot gumbo are served up by local residents. The blazes are often accompanied by displays of fireworks, set off by the fires themselves.
Where is the Christmas Eve Bonfires on the levee?
These Christmas Eve bonfires are most commonly found in St. James Parish (county), some 30-40 miles upriver from New Orleans. As many as 100 or more bonfires may be erected in the adjoining communities of Gramercy, Lutcher and Paulina, and more may be scattered in other locations in St. James and neighboring parishes.
The fire departments in these locales supervise the activity around the bonfires on the levees, maintaining a safe perimeter for the crowds while keeping vigil to make sure the fires stay under control. Unfavorable weather can force cancellation or postponement of the bonfires, but this has happened only once in recent memory – in 1982.
Private vehicular traffic in the areas of heaviest bonfire concentration may be restricted or even banned. Special parking lots are set up within comfortable walking distance of some of those areas. However, traffic leading up to those areas can be heavy, especially within the last few hours before the bonfires are lit. An early arrival is strongly encouraged.
One of the best ways to ensure “a good seat” for a bonfire on the levee is to book a narrated motor coach excursion with Gray Line Tours. Two options are available: the four-hour Christmas Eve Bonfire Express, which only includes the bonfires, and the 6½-hour Christmas Eve Bonfire Adventure Tour, which includes a tour of San Francisco Plantation and a holiday dinner there.
Where can I find more information about the Christmas Eve Bonfires on the levee?
Both tours originate and terminate at the Gray Line Lighthouse ticket office located at Toulouse Street and the Mississippi River, adjacent to the steamboat Natchez wharf. Reservations are recommended 24 hours in advance. Call (504) 569-1401 or (800) 233-2628 or visit their website, www.graylineneworleans.com/holiday-tours.html for further details.
For those who prefer to “stay home” and watch a bonfire here in New Orleans, the Algiers Economic Development Foundation sponsors one annually, early in December on the levee in Algiers Point. The site is on the west bank of New Orleans, near a bend in the river directly opposite the French Quarter. It can be viewed from the Moonwalk adjacent to Woldenberg Riverfront Park or from Algiers Point itself. The Canal Street-Algiers Point Ferry carries passengers from downtown New Orleans to the vicinity of the bonfire site.
The AEDF website and Algiers Bonfire website contain details and photos about the organization and event. The tradition takes place in early December and features live music, a second line, and the bonfire lighting.
The Algiers Bonfire and Concert is Algiers’ biggest annual holiday celebration and New Orleans’ only official holiday bonfire. Drawing 10,000+ attendees, the Algiers Bonfire is Algiers’ largest public event and pays tribute to Louisiana’s river parish bonfire tradition. Listen to musical performances, eat food from local vendors, and shop at the holiday craft market. The star of the event however, is the 30’ sculptural bonfire, designed by NOLA Burners, which is then set ablaze. Easily accessible with the Algiers ferry, and with the New Orleans’ skyline as the perfect backdrop, this event cannot be missed!
When is the Algiers Bonfire & Concert?
The Algiers Bonfire and Concert will take place December 6, 2025 from 4:30 pm to 8:00 pm.
Where is the Algiers Bonfire & Concert?
The event grounds are located by the Algiers Ferry Landing. Due to limited parking, we recommend arriving via, ferry bus, bike or on foot.
Where can I find tickets to the Algiers Bonfire & Concert?
This event is free and open to the public.
Where can I find more information about the Algiers Bonfire & Concert?
Christmas Eve Bonfires on the Levee
Algiers Bonfire & Concert