DOING CHRISTMAS IN NEW ORLEANS. It isn't too early to start thinking about the holidays, and New Orleans does Christmas in style. The guidebook "Christmas New Orleans Style" tells you all about it. From free concerts and cooking demonstrations to historical tours, there are many special things to do in December. Order the free guidebook through the Web (www.NewOrleansOnline.com) or by calling 1-888-605-0952.
DRESSED UP FOR THE HOLIDAYS. Among Arizona's holiday light displays: The Lake Powell Festival of Lights, Nov. 27 at Wahweap; the World's Largest Gingerbread Village at Prescott Resort in Prescott, Nov. 22-Dec. 28; and, of course, the holiday light display at the LDS temple in Mesa, Nov. 26-Jan. 7. The Tucson Botanical Garden and the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix are also lit up for the holidays. More information: www.ArizonaGuide.com.
SAN DIEGO CELEBRATES THE HOLIDAYS. Highlights of the season have a lot to do with the ocean. The Oceanside Harbor Christmas Boat Parade of Lights will be Dec. 11, beginning at 7 p.m. (www.oceansidechamber.com). The Mission Bay Christmas Boat Parade of Lights, too, will be Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. The best viewing is said to be from Crown Point on the east side of Vacation Island as well as the west side of Fiesta Island, 858-488-0501. And the Port of San Diego Boat Parade of Lights will be Dec. 12 and 19 from 5:30-9 p.m. Public viewing available at Shelter Island, Harbor Island, the Embarcadero, Seaport Village, Marina Park and the Coronado Ferry Landing. www.sdparadeoflights.org
SHOP 'TIL YOU DROP. Air travelers who have layovers in Minneapolis will have a better way to get to the Mall of America. Beginning Dec. 4, an extension of the Hiawatha line light-rail will serve both the Lindbergh and Humphrey terminals at the airport and the Mall of America transit station. The mall is the largest enclosed shopping and entertainment complex in the country. www.mallofamerica.com
FALL IN INDIANA. Watch autumn's progress by logging onto www.EnjoyIndiana.com. Six "leaf cams" at scenic locations across the state show you what fall's looking like, complete with drops of rain on the camera lens. The cameras are at Patoka Lake, the Indianapolis Museum of Art, Walnut Creek Golf Course, Brown County State Park, Culver Academy and St. Mary of the Woods.
E-mail: kclayton@desnews.com