NEW ORLEANS — Despite most restaurants and stores being closed on Christmas Day, the French Quarter still welcomed crowds.
Tour guide, Scott Winters, said it's mostly tourists this time of year.
He and his mule, Big Mama, carried folks through the quarter on Christmas Day.
Winters said the eggnog daquiris at Lafitte's are the best part of Christmastime in the French Quarter.
Across the street, Cafe du Monde was closed for the day, but another New Orleans tradition was not.
Tujague's General Manager, Chris Ycaza, said he expects nonstop service.
“It’s a big day for us. One of our biggest days of the year," Ycaza said.
Ycaza recommends reservations. He said they expect more than 900 people to dine with them on Christmas Day.
“We’ve been around for 167 years, and Christmas is a big family day for us. We’re open straight through. As we were discussing earlier, last night was the last of Revillion. Today is a special Christmas menu from 11 o’clock to 9 o’clock at night," Ycaza said.
Families not only gathered around dinner tables, but many trekked to Jackson Square for photos in front of the Christmas tree and St. Louis Cathedral.
Noah Hayes was visiting from San Diego with his family. He said the scenery was his favorite part, but his mom said the food was hers.
The quarter drew in international travelers as well.
Eslaine Croes was visiting from Aruba with her friend.
“Well, it’s definitely chillier. In Aruba we don’t know changes of weather. It’s always 90 degrees, but when we’re talking about ambience, by far, New Orleans beats Aruba with the ambiance. Like the Christmasy vibe. 10 out of 10," Croes said.
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