My partner and I usually make a trip to NOLA for Xmas since he is originally from there and we visit his family/friends for the holidays. You will find the Burbon Street nightlife open but eerily quiet Xmas-eve and day. However, it seems to be a NOLA tradition to go out to eat on Christmas day and the area hotels put on really elaborate buffet brunches. We usually go to the Intercontinental for Xmas brunch, even when we are staying at another hotel.

The Ritz Carlton in and of itself is a pretty decent hotel (and now you can earn Marriott points to boot! ) and will put on one of the better brunches in the area (you'll need reservations, though).