There's nothing better than a New Orleans home tour, the only time it's OK to look around strangers' gorgeous homes. And with the holidays here, there are several on the horizon. These events can really get you in the holiday mood, and tickets to them also make great gifts. Here, our guide to all the home tours coming up around the New Orleans area. Are we missing any? Let us know in the comments!
Creative Alliance of New Orleans Downriver Art Home Tour and Sale
When: Saturday, Dec. 5, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Begins at the Art House On The Levee (4725 Dauphine St.) in Holy Cross and ends in Poydras
CANO's event showcases 10 art studios from Holy Cross to Poydras (the place in St. Bernard Parish, not the street), starting at the "Art House," Jeanne Nathan and Bob Tannen's colorful studio that was featured on NOLA.com this week. The tour ends with a Country Market of art and local foods. More info here.
Ladies of the Shield Holiday Home Tour
When: Saturday, Dec. 5, noon to 3 p.m.
Where: The Metairie-Bridgedale area (call for addresses)
The tour features four homes in the area and a holiday boutique at Green Acres Country Club (5000 W. Napoleon Ave.) that goes on from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. One of the homes on the tour was also featured on NOLA.com this week. More info here.
Holy Cross Holiday Home Tour
When: Tuesday, Dec. 8, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: Begins at 6038 St. Claude Ave., ends at 6232 Dauphine St.
The inaugural event is free, and all of the homes featured are currently on the market—a fun way to check out this up-and-coming neighborhood. There will be refreshments at each stop, and the final tour stop features more drinks, food and music. More info here.
Preservation Resource Center Holiday Home Tour
When: Dec. 12-13, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: The Garden District (tour HQ is at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1329 Jackson Ave.)
The festive self-guided tour features eight historic homes in the Garden District in all their holiday glory. Many of the homes feature live music, and at tour HQ there's a cafe (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and holiday market (9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). More info here.
Patio Planters French Quarter Holiday Home Tour
When: Sunday, Dec. 20, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: The French Quarter; tickets are available at Creole Delicacies (533 St. Ann St.) and Gem & Lapidary (527 St. Philip St.)
The self-guided tour features French Quarter homes decked out in holiday finery. Stick around for the annual caroling in Jackson Square later in the evening. More info here.
· Holiday Gifts For New Orleans Architecture Lovers [Curbed NOLA]