A Christmas Tree Lighting

We’re making history…be there to see our house start to sparkle for the holidays!

The French Quarter will go up in lights on November 19th for the 2009 Holiday season.

The Pontalba buildings will be all dressed up to frame a towering Christmas tree set directly across from Jackson Square on Decatur. Washington Artillery Park is the perfect setting for a French Quarter tree, where it can also be seen from the riverfront streetcar line and the Mississippi River. Join us for the French Market Christmas Tree Lighting at 6 p.m. Festivities begin at 4:45 p.m. with holiday cocktails, live music, and costumed characters.

French Market Corporation, French Quarter businesses, the RTA and media sponsor WWNO invite all to be part of this special moment. The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra’s Brass Quintet will first serenade the public with classical holiday music, followed by the New Wave Brass Band, who will alert everyone that the lighting is about to occur.

Master of Ceremonies Kenneth Ferdinand, Executive Director, French Market Corporation states “The historic French Market is the perfect place to kick off the holiday traditions in New Orleans, we are honored to be the first event of the season. Come celebrate our shared rich heritage in the French Quarter with the French Market Christmas Tree Lighting!”

He will present the sponsoring entities at 5:45 pm for the 6 o’clock ceremonial lighting. Representatives Charles Napoli, Board President, French Market Corporation, Eric Reitman FQBA president, Cesar R. Burgos, Chairmen of the Board of Commissioners, RTA, Jacquelyn Brechtel Clarkson: Councilmember-At-Large.

Saint Nicholas will lead a second line to Dutch Alley for more live music with Cullen Landry and the Midnight Streetcar. The festivities will go on until 8 pm. Surrounding shops will be open through out the event.

“We want to share the holiday spirit with the community we serve,” said Justin Augustine, CEO RTA and Vice President Veolia Transportation. “Public Transportation is a great way to experience the French Quarter for the holidays and is eco-friendly as well.”

“Decorating our iconic town center for the Holidays has been a collaborative effort and we anticipate locals will make the French Quarter experience a seasonal must in the years to come.” Annie L. Flettrich, community affairs director, French Quarter Business Association.