Christmas in New Orleans (the Song!)

New Orleans jazz and music scene is world famous. And for good reason, it's amazing, influential, and a million other things. But when you think of New Orleans music, you don't really think of Christmas. 

But if you dig deep enough into the catalogue of NOLA legend Louis Armstrong, you'll find a New Orleans-centric song called, Christmas in New Orleans. The lyrics, listed below, speak to the fusion of city and holiday, putting a local spin on a national celebration. New Orleans is unique and that character shines through year round, not just during Mardi Gras. 

Christmas in New Orleans lyrics: 

Magnolia trees at night
Sparkling bright
Fields of cotton look wintery white
When it's Christmas time
In New Orleans

A barefoot choir in prayer
Fills the air
Mississippi folks
Are gathering there
When it's Christmas time
In New Orleans

You'll see a dixieland Santa Claus
Leading the band
To a good old Creole beat
And golly what a spirit
You can only hear it
Down on Basin Street
Your cares will disappear
When you hear
Hallelujah St. Nicholas is here
When it's Christmas time
In New Orleans

You'll see
A dixieland Santa Claus
Leading the band
To a good old Creole beat
And golly what a spirit
You can only hear it
Down on Basin Street
Your cares will disappear
When you hear
Hallelujah old St. Nicholas is here
When it's Christmas time
In New Orleans