Check here for a hotel in the Quarter:
http://www.valentinohotels.com/
You can get some pretty good rates, and I know the Conti and Place D'Armes are good hotels to stirke out walking the quarter. We've stayed at the Place D'Armes. Interior room with no windows, but we just slept there and we got if for $85 a night and it's half a block off Jackson Square. Just avoid Saints weekends. Hotel rates sky rocket.
Throw a rock and you'll hit a place to eat. Some of the nicer places I enjoy are Commanders Palace ($$$$$$$$), GW Finns, and Mr. B's. Been a while since I've been to Galatoires but if you want to stand in line it's worth it. Court of Two Sisters is popular with some of my friends and Bayona is a little bit of a different place but very good. Haven't been to any of Besh's or places like Cochon that get rave reviews, and I really want to try Antoine's sometime. For lunch we usually do something like Cafe Maspero or Deanies in the Quarter. Hit Felix's and stand at the oyster bar if you like them. It's an experience.
Going in December, check out the Celebration in the Oaks in City Park. Street car it down St. Charles to check out the Garden District houses. Basically the Christmasy stuff. They've got an awesome aquarium and insectarium if that interests you.