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

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

If you’re considering a guided experience that mixes spooky tales, local legends, and a sprinkle of holiday cheer, this New Orleans Jingle Bells, Booze, History, Paranormal and Voodoo Walking Tour might just catch your interest. While I haven’t personally taken this tour, I’ve looked into what makes it a popular choice for visitors wanting a taste of the city’s mysterious side.

What stands out are the knowledgeable guides who bring local stories to life and the opportunity to see New Orleans illuminated in festive lights—especially at night. Plus, the use of a real EMF Meter to detect paranormal activity adds a fun, interactive element that sets this tour apart. On the flip side, it’s a shorter experience—about 1 to 2 hours, so if you’re craving deep dives into NOLA’s secrets, you might find this a bit light.

This experience is best suited for those who love spooky stories, enjoy a bit of history, or are in the mood for a lively, casual stroll. It’s also a good pick if you’re interested in a mix of sightseeing and fun, without committing to a full day of touring.

Key Points

• Short and manageable: It’s a 1-2 hour walk, making it ideal for a quick evening activity.
• Festive nighttime ambiance: The city looks especially beautiful at night with holiday decorations.
• Interactive paranormal detection: Use of an EMF Meter adds a cool, hands-on element.
• Historical highlights: Visit significant sites like the French Quarter and Jackson Square, with stories about voodoo, vampires, and the Louisiana Purchase.
• Food and drink: Stops at wine bars for local cocktails—at your own expense—enhance the experience.
• Family-friendly? Not specifically, but the focus is more on spooky stories and history, so adults or older kids might enjoy it more.

A Deep Dive into the Tour Experience

The Meeting Point and Starting Vibes

The tour kicks off at 941 Bourbon Street, right outside Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar. It’s a lively spot, famous in its own right, but important to note: the tour doesn’t meet inside the bar, so arriving a few minutes early to check in at the gate of the courtyard is key. The starting location is central—easy for most visitors to find—and sets a lively, energetic tone for what’s ahead.

The First Stop: Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar

This historic watering hole is one of the most decorated and atmospheric spots in the French Quarter. You’ll stroll past decorated homes, churches, and museums, hearing tales behind each. The guide’s storytelling brings to life the significance of these landmarks, tying history and local color into a compact experience. And of course, many guests appreciate the chance to toast with a cocktail or two at their own expense—a fun way to start (or end) your evening.

French Quarter Walk and Paranormal Tools

As the tour progresses into the French Quarter, you’ll be introduced to a real EMF Meter, used as a ghost/ paranormal detector. This adds a layer of excitement—many find it fascinating to see if the device picks up any “activity” during the walk. Our sources mention guides who are both knowledgeable and engaging, able to weave stories about the most haunted houses and the city’s voodoo roots.

Jackson Square and the Haunted Hotspots

The tour’s highlight is a walk through Jackson Square, where stories of ghosts, vampires, and voodoo queens like Marie Laveau come alive. The guide points out the most “predictable” ghost sightings and haunted houses—some guests even report capturing paranormal photos during the tour, which adds an intriguing visual element. The entire route is packed with iconic sights, and the guide’s storytelling keeps it lively and engaging.

Nighttime Magic and Decorations

If you’re taking the tour during the holiday season, the decorations and lights make the atmosphere even more festive. You’ll see the city illuminated in a way that complements the ghostly tales and mystical legends. It’s a perfect backdrop for an adventure that blends history, mystery, and celebration.

Who will love this?

This tour really suits adventurous travelers who enjoy spooky stories, history buffs interested in voodoo and local legends, or anyone looking for an unusual way to experience the French Quarter. It’s also great for those who enjoy interactive experiences—using paranormal equipment adds a playful element. Keep in mind, it’s not specifically family-oriented, and children under 18 need parent or guardian accompaniment, especially given the ghostly subject matter.

Analyzing the Cost and Value

At $55 per person, this tour offers a fairly affordable way to explore the haunted and historic side of New Orleans. You get a local guide, a walk through some of the city’s most famous spots, and the thrill of paranormal detection—all packed into about two hours. The inclusion of visits to notable landmarks like the Louisiana Purchase signing site and Jackson Square adds educational value, making it more than just a ghost story.

However, the cost doesn’t include drinks, which are available for purchase at the stops. This is worth noting because the tour’s value really depends on how much you enjoy the stories, the atmosphere, and the interactive elements. Many reviews praise the guides’ knowledge and storytelling skills, which makes the experience feel personalized and authentic.

Practical tips

• Arrive early to check in and find the meeting point.
• Wear comfortable shoes for walking.
• Bring a camera or smartphone to capture paranormal photos if you’re interested.
• Drink responsibly if you partake in cocktails along the route.

The Experience in Practice

Many guests mention that the guides are friendly and very knowledgeable, making the stories engaging and easy to follow. Several reviews highlight the stunning views of the city at night, especially with the holiday decorations adding extra charm. The paranormal detection aspect is a hit for those who find the idea of sensing spirits exciting—some guests even say they captured photos of paranormal activity, which adds a fun, mysterious layer.

The tour’s moderate pace and short duration make it accessible, though some mention that delays in bars or busy streets can extend the experience slightly. Be prepared for a lively, sometimes bustling environment—this isn’t a quiet, contemplative walk, but rather a spirited exploration of New Orleans’ haunted reputation.

The downsides?

Some guests point out that the tour is quite short for the price, and others note that weather can impact the experience since it’s outdoor and rain or shine. Also, since it’s a walking tour, uneven streets and old sidewalks mean comfortable shoes are a must.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you love the idea of combining history, ghost stories, and a festive holiday atmosphere, this tour will likely suit you well. It’s particularly appealing if you want a fun, interactive experience that’s easy to fit into an evening. It’s ideal for adults or older children who enjoy spooky tales and don’t mind walking in potentially busy or weather-affected conditions.

This isn’t a deep dive into NOLA’s entire haunted lore but a lively, condensed experience that highlights the city’s spooky allure with a holiday twist. If you’re seeking a more in-depth or private tour, or one focused solely on voodoo or paranormal investigations, you might want to explore other options.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children under 18 need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Keep in mind, the focus on ghosts and paranormal stories might be more suited for older kids or teens interested in spooky tales.

Does the tour include alcohol?
No, drinks are not included, but there are stops at wine bars where you can purchase cocktails at your own expense.

How long does the tour last?
The tour is approximately 1 to 2 hours, depending on wait times at bars and the group’s pace.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at 941 Bourbon Street, outside Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar, and ends in the heart of the French Quarter.

Is the paranormal equipment provided?
Yes, paranormal equipment like EMF Meters can be checked out during the tour for an additional $250 if you want to try detecting ghostly activity.

Can I take photos during the tour?
Absolutely, photos are encouraged! Many guests have captured paranormal images during the walk.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended since it’s a walking tour. Dress appropriately for the weather, especially if it’s cold or rainy.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a fun, engaging way to explore the spooky side of New Orleans while enjoying some festive holiday decorations, this Jingle Bells, Booze, History, Paranormal and Voodoo Walking Tour offers a lively snapshot of the city’s haunted charm. Its blend of storytelling, historical highlights, and paranormal detection makes it a memorable experience—especially in the evening when the city’s lights add to the magic.

It’s best suited for travelers who thrive on a mix of history and mystery, and who enjoy interactive, social activities. While it’s not a long or deeply immersive tour, the energy, knowledgeable guides, and festive atmosphere make it a worthwhile addition to your NOLA itinerary, especially if you’re short on time but want a taste of the city’s darker tales.

Happy ghost hunting in New Orleans!