New Orleans, LA – Only New Orleans offers holiday visitors authentic local traditions and budget friendly rates.  To spread the word, New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation (NOTMC) has launched a multimedia holiday marketing campaign inviting visitors of all ages to celebrate the holidays New Orleans-style. 
 
2009 marks the 24th anniversary of Christmas New Orleans Style, featuring events produced by French Quarter Festivals, Inc. and sponsored by NOTMC.  More than 100 events and activities are planned throughout the city during the 2009 Christmas New Orleans Style campaign spread over more than a month of festivities from December 1 – Twelfth Night, January 6th.  Last year, New Orleans was named “Top Christmas Town” by Home & Garden Television (HGTV), a list that has included such legendary towns as North Pole, Alaska and Kennebunkport, Maine.
 
“Our special Papa Noël hotel rates offer attractive prices at 50 hotels and bed & breakfasts,” said Sandra S. Shilstone, President/CEO of New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation.  “It’s a way to encourage people to come out and play longer while enjoying our food, music, and authentic culture found only in New Orleans.” 
 
Visitors will revel in a month-long celebration of events, including:
•         Reveillon Feasts (offered by more than 30 restaurants)
•         Christmas Caroling by Candlelight in Jackson Square
•         13 Free Concerts (including performances by Grammy nominated Irvin Mayfield and renowned jazz pianist Ellis Marsalis)
•         Weekly Concerts at St. Louis Cathedral
•         Riverboat Cruises
•         French Quarter Shopping
•         Carriage Rides through the French Quarter
•         The Magical Lights of City Park’s “Celebration in the Oaks”
•         Holiday Cooking Demonstrations at Le Petit Theatre
•         Entertaining Historical Characters from the “Louisiana Living History Project” strolling through the French Quarter
 
Television commercials will run in key markets including: Memphis, Jackson, Birmingham, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Alexandria, Shreveport and Monroe. The Christmas ads will feature New Orleans jazz trumpeter Jeremy Davenport asking visitors to “Come Out and Play for the Holidays.” Additionally, a specially created rich, interactive website shows off the city’s music, food and holiday event offerings. 
 
“Using social media such as Facebook and Twitter is part of our strategy this year,” continued Sandra S. Shilstone, “adding these elements raises awareness, promotes deals, and allows us to reach individuals outside of the markets we reach through traditional advertising.”
 
Christmas New Orleans Style print ads will run in the following alternative weekly markets: Atlanta, Houston, Dallas, Memphis, Jackson, MS, Birmingham, Mobile, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Alexandria, Shreveport and Monroe.
 
To learn more about Christmas New Orleans Style, visit New Orleans’ official tourism site, NewOrleansOnline.com/christmas, where you can order by mail a free brochure detailing Christmas New Orleans Style events, menus and hotel rates. Hotel reservations, including special citywide rates, can also be booked via the website.  For a schedule of events or more information on Christmas New Orleans Style, call (504) 522-5730 or visit www.NewOrleansOnline.com/Christmas.
 
 
About New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation                                                                         
The New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation promotes the city as a leisure tourism destination throughout the year.  Annually, NOTMC’s marketing campaigns include strategic print, broadcast, and Internet advertising and public relations.  Web sites: NewOrleansOnline.com; NewOrleansMuseums.com; RadioFreeNeworleans.com.

 
About French Quarter Festivals, Inc.                                                                                                 
French Quarter Festivals, Inc., (FQFI) the 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, which produces French Quarter Festivals, Satchmo SummerFest and Christmas New Orleans Style.  For more information on French Quarter Festival, call 504-522-5730 or visit online at www.fqfi.org.