January in New Orleans is unlike anywhere else in the world: while most are seeing the end of the holidays, we roll from one celebration to the next with the start of Carnival season on January 6. Indulge in a king cake (or two or three or six), check out the first parades of the season, ring in the New Year NOLA-style, and catch a performance in the theater. Here are 10 things to do this January in New Orleans. 

The Top Things to Do in New Orleans - January 2025

Ring in the New Year, NOLA-style 

New Orleans is the perfect place to ring in the new year, with your pick of celebration on New Year’s Eve. Plan to dine out, attend a NYE celebration, or jam out at a concert. See what’s going on during the holiday weekend here.  

Get into the Excitement at the Allstate Sugar Bowl

And for college football fans, there’s no better way to kick off 2025 than by attending The Allstate Sugar Bowl. The game itself takes place on New Years Day, with a number of auxiliary events such as a parade, and the Tailgate Town concert and fan experience leading up to it in the days before. Find more in our Ultimate Guide to Sugar Bowl here.

Kick off the Carnival Season 

January 6 marks the official start to the Mardi Gras season, which lasts this year through March 4. What better way to kick off our favorite season than with not one, not two, but four parades? On January 6, see the Krewe of Joan of Arc as it passes through the French Quarter on foot and horseback, followed by The Société Des Champs Elysée a few blocks away. Uptown on St. Charles Avenue, Phunny Phorty Phellows will parade via streetcar followed by Funky Uptown Krewe.

King Cake Mile High Pie
Credit @thebigbookofkingcake and @randypschmidt
Ice Cream King Cake - Jack Rose

 

Eat lots of king cake 

Whether you like it traditional or unconventional, king cake season is here in abundance starting January 6. It’s considered bad luck by some to eat king cake out of season, but luckily for you most of January is in the clear and we couldn’t be more excited to finally indulge in our favorite seasonal treat. Check out some of our favorite king cakes here.

Go to Fan Expo 

Fan Expo returns to New Orleans from January 10-12 with all your favorite comic book characters, celebrities, and fan favorite events. Celebrities include Michael J. Fox, Corbin Bleu, and more. Click here for the full lineup and get your tickets today. 

Catch a Pelicans or Saints game 

The Saints football season wraps up in January. Though the final game in the regular season will be held in Tampa, you can watch the game from a sports bar on game day. The Pelicans are in full swing with a whopping nine home games this month in the Blender.  

Two women stand on stage, the one on the left has her arm extended holding the face of the one on the right, smiling while she sings. The woman on the right holds the arms of the one on the left.
Photo credit: Melanie La Barrie and Lorna Courtney 0676 - Photo Credit Matthew Murphy
&Juliet

Head to the Theater 

January is a great time to check out the performing arts scene in New Orleans with multiple productions occurring throughout the month. “&Juliet” stops at the Saenger from January 14-19 via Broadway in New Orleans. Le Petit Theater presents “Good Night, Oscar” from January 9-26. Plan to patronize the theater this winter. View our Winter Theater Guide here.

Commemorate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 

January 20, 2025, is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. New Orleans has plenty of community gatherings and volunteer opportunities to commemorate the day. Typically, the Ogden Museum of Southern Art offers free admission plus art, crafts, and music in celebration of MLK Day. New Orleans City Park hosts an annual day of service on MLK Day.

Visit An Attraction 

From the Audubon Aquarium to Longue Vue House and Gardens, JAMNOLA, and Studio BE, New Orleans has no shortage of museums and attractions to keep you busy. January is the perfect time to beat the crowds and enjoy New Orleans to the fullest.

Save On Your Hotel Stay

January is a great time to visit New Orleans due to low hotel rates. Take advantage of our finest hotels while on a budget through our deals page. Whether it’s been on your bucket list to visit for years or you’re opting for a staycation this summer, everyone from visitors to locals can kick back and relax with these special offers from hotels across the city. 
 

Enjoy a Bowl of Piping Hot Gumbo 

Cozy up to a bowl of piping hot gumbo this January. During one of our colder months, this classic New Orleans dish will warm you right up. Enjoy a bowl from Neyow’s, Dooky Chase’s, or one of these gumbo spots. 

 

Explore more about January in New Orleans here, or browse additional featured January events below.