New Orleans Jingle Bells, Booze, History, Paranormal and Voodoo Walking Tour

Discover the Unique Charm of the New Orleans Jingle Bells, Booze, and Voodoo Tour

The New Orleans Jingle Bells, Booze, History, Paranormal and Voodoo Walking Tour offers a lively mix of holiday spirit, haunted tales, and local traditions. For $55 per person, this 1 to 2-hour guided walk takes you through the French Quarter, one of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods. The tour is family-run, emphasizing authentic stories, historic landmarks, and entertaining paranormal detection, making it an interesting choice for those wanting a festive yet spooky experience. The tour departs from 941 Bourbon Street and includes stops at some of the city’s most notable haunted spots, with optional visits to wine bars to enjoy Big Easy cocktails.

While the tour is designed to entertain and inform, it’s important to note that alcoholic drinks are not included and must be purchased separately. The tour’s moderate pace and family-friendly approach make it suitable for most guests, but the 1-2 hour duration ensures it won’t be too tiring. This experience is ideal for visitors interested in paranormal activity, local legends, and holiday festivities in a lively, historic setting.

Key Points

• Price: $55 per person for a 1-2 hour guided walking tour
• Focus: History, voodoo, paranormal stories, and holiday decorations
• Stops: Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, French Quarter, Jackson Square
• Features: Use of an EMF Meter to detect paranormal activity
• Highlights: Visit historic landmarks, enjoy Big Easy cocktails (at own expense), see city illuminated at night
• Meeting Point: 941 Bourbon Street in the heart of the French Quarter

Starting Point at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop

The tour begins outside Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar, located at 941 Bourbon Street. Guests are asked to arrive a few minutes early and check-in at the courtyard gate, as the guides do not meet inside the bar. The tour does not meet on the street corner but at this specific courtyard entrance. The starting location is central, making it easy to access from other parts of the French Quarter.

Exploring the Historic Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop

The first stop takes guests into one of the city’s oldest and most decorated bars, known for its historic ambiance and connection to pirates and smuggling legends. During this segment, the guide shares stories about the importance of local landmarks and the role they played in New Orleans’ past. Visitors can enjoy a cocktail or two at nearby wine bars if they choose, but drinks are purchased separately. This stop sets the tone for a lively, story-rich experience that mixes history and fun.

Discovering the French Quarter’s Haunted Secrets

The core of the tour takes place in the French Quarter, where a ghost/paranormal detector — an EMF Meter — is used to explore claims of supernatural activity. The guide explains the significance of various locations, including haunted houses and historic sites. One highlight is identifying the most “predictable ghost” in New Orleans, making this segment especially intriguing for paranormal enthusiasts.

Visiting Jackson Square and Its Ghostly Tales

The tour then moves to Jackson Square, a well-known historic site famous for its lively street performers and stunning architecture. Here, the guide shares stories about ghostly sightings and supernatural legends associated with the area. The tour spends about 15 minutes at this location, providing enough time to appreciate the scenery and absorb the spooky stories.

Illuminated Nighttime Views and Holiday Decorations

One of the tour’s special features is the chance to see the French Quarter glowing with twinkling lights and holiday decorations if the tour is scheduled at night. This festive atmosphere enhances the experience, blending New Orleans’ spooky past with its lively holiday spirit. The tour’s timing during the evening offers a charming backdrop, especially when the city is lit up.

Stops at Wine Bars for a Taste of the Big Easy

Throughout the tour, there are opportunities to stop at local wine bars to enjoy a Big Easy cocktail or a glass of wine, though these are at guests’ own expense. These stops give participants a chance to relax, soak in the atmosphere, and indulge in the city’s renowned nightlife. The guide may pause briefly here to share additional stories or answer questions, but the overall pace remains moderate.

Paranormal Equipment and Detection Activities

A key feature of this tour is the use of paranormal detection equipment, including EMF Meters, which guests can check out at the start of the tour. This adds an interactive element, allowing participants to try and detect paranormal activity themselves. The paranormal equipment is marked and GPS-tracked, and guests are responsible for its care. This feature appeals especially to those curious about supernatural phenomena or interested in a more hands-on experience.

Family-Run Tour with Expert Guides

The tour is operated by family-run guides who provide engaging narratives about New Orleans’ voodoo, vampire legends, and haunted history. The guides are knowledgeable and strive to create an entertaining, authentic atmosphere. They are equipped to answer questions and share local insights, making the experience both fun and educational.

Practical Considerations and Booking Details

The tour is suitable for most travelers, including service animals, and is conducted at a moderate walking pace. It’s important to arrive a few minutes early to check in, as late arrivals cannot be accommodated and will not receive a refund. Weather can vary, and the tour is rain-or-shine, so preparation for sunny or rainy conditions is advised. Since the experience involves walking on uneven streets, it may not be ideal for guests with mobility issues. The tour does not include alcoholic drinks, which are available for purchase along the route.

Final Verdict: A Festive Mix of History, Haunting, and Holiday Cheer

This family-run walking tour offers a lively exploration of New Orleans’ haunted spots, voodoo lore, and holiday decorations, making it suitable for those interested in paranormal stories and local legends. With the use of paranormal detection tools, guests can participate actively in uncovering the city’s ghostly secrets. Although drinks are not included, the stops at wine bars add a relaxed, social element to the experience.

The 1-2 hour duration balances storytelling with sightseeing, providing a well-paced, enjoyable adventure through the French Quarter. The tour’s focus on historic landmarks, spooky tales, and festive lighting makes it an engaging choice for adults and families alike, especially during the holiday season. However, travelers should be comfortable walking, and those seeking a more drinking-centric experience will need to budget separately for drinks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is family-run and generally suitable for most ages, though the focus on paranormal activity and the walking pace should be considered for younger children. Alcoholic drinks are not included and must be purchased separately.

What is included in the tour price?
The $55 fee covers a local guide, the walking tour, use of paranormal detection equipment, and stops at key landmarks in the French Quarter. Drinks are not included.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins outside Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar at 941 Bourbon Street and concludes within the French Quarter area, with the exact route varying depending on the guide’s narration and the timing.

Are drinks available during the tour?
Yes, there are stops at wine bars where guests can purchase Big Easy cocktails or other beverages, but drinks are at your own expense.

What should I bring or wear?
Guests should wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared for weather conditions. Arriving a few minutes early is recommended for check-in, and a camera for photos is encouraged, as photos of paranormal activity have been captured during the tour.

This New Orleans Jingle Bells, Booze, History, Paranormal and Voodoo Walking Tour provides a spirited, spooky look at the city, blending festive decorations with ghostly stories, making it a memorable part of any holiday visit to the Big Easy.