We know it's not polite to brag, but when it comes to New Year's Eve, New Orleans throws one helluva party. Don't take our word for it: New Orleans ranks tops on countless "Best New Year's Eve" lists in travel guides like Fodor's and Budget Travel. If you're coming to New Orleans for New Year's Eve 2012, let us help you plan your trip! From New Orleans hotels to the best New Year's Eve parties to the hot spots for watching the fireworks, we've got everything you need to know to ring in the New Year in the Big Easy.

New Year's Eve Hotels in New Orleans
If you want to be in the middle of the New Year's Eve madness, book a room in a French Quarter hotel. Hotels in the Garden District and Museum District will be quieter, but they're close to the St. Charles Avenue streetcar line, which will deliver you to the fun in the French Quarter or Uptown. For budget-minded travelers, hotels in Metairie/Kenner/near the airport are within 10-20 minutes driving (or cab) distance. Book early - room inventory goes fast!

Hot Spots to Watch New Year's Eve Fireworks
The French Quarter is the epicenter of New Year's Eve in New Orleans. The party literally happens in the streets, from Bourbon Street to Jackson Square, where New Year's Eve crowds congregate for live music, and at midnight, the Fleur de Lis drop at Jax Brewery (the Big Easy's version of the Times Square ball drop) and fireworks extravaganza over the Mississippi River. For the best views, hit these French Quarter hotels and hot spots. (Note: Access to locations may be reserved for ticketed guests. For more information and tickets, call the hotel or bar.)

• Jax Bistro Bar at Jax Brewery
• Westin Canal Place lobby
• Hotel Monteleone Riverview Room
• The Moonwalk / Woldenburg Park
• Jackson Square
• Omni Royal Orleans hotel rooftop pool/bar
• The levee at Algiers Point on the Westbank
• Aquarium of the Americas Plaza
• New Orleans riverboat cruise

Best New Year's Eve Parties
New Orleans live music venues and nightclubs from Frenchmen Street to the Warehouse District to Uptown always have blockbuster shows that run until the wee hours, and New Orleans dive bars and cocktail bars are always pouring it on strong. A few of our favorites: Dance 'til you drop at the New Year's Eve nightclub, The Metropolitan (a.k.a. The Metro), ring in the New Year listening to an all-star musical lineup at the newly renovated Joy Theater, Tipitina's, House of Blues, Irvin Mayfield's or d.b.a., or sip incredible cocktails at Bar Tonique or Cure.

New Year's Eve with the Kids
If you think New Orleans isn't a kid-friendly kind of town for New Year's Eve... think again. Obviously, Bourbon Street is not the best place to take the little ones, but on New Year's Eve day, many New Orleans attractions host events and activities. Audubon Zoo offers the little wild ones "Noon Year's Eve", complete with live music, games, prizes and a countdown to noon topped with a sparkling cider toast. The Louisiana Children's Museum fun-filled Countdown to Noon celebration features games and entertainment, all leading up to a noon countdown and balloon and confetti drop.

Check NewOrleans.com's Events Calendar for more information about the parties and places to be in the Big Easy for New Year's Eve.