Every New Year’s Eve, tourists and locals alike gather at Jackson Square for the Fleur de Lis drop. Comparable to the ball drop in New York City, this annual tradition is fun for all ages, with fireworks once the clock strikes midnight. Held nearby in Woldenberg Park, New Orleans Eve features live performances from DJ Captain Charles, Sweet Crude, and Dumpstaphunk. This open-air concert is free to attend, and attendees may bring camp-style chairs as well as outside food and drink. The concert begins at 9 p.m. and goes until the countdown at midnight.
Watch Fireworks Light Up the Mississippi River
Watch the action from New Orleans Eve, or how about hoping aboard a riverboat for a different view of the action! Both the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen and Steamboat NATCHEZ offer festive parties featuring live music and lots of food and drink.
New Year’s Eve is a celebration for all ages in New Orleans. Louisiana Children’s Museum’s “Noon Year’s Eve” features a countdown to noon that culminates in an explosion of colorful confetti and bubbles. With this fun daytime celebration, your little ones won’t bother trying to stay up till midnight.
College football fans descending on New Orleans for the Allstate Sugar Bowl will kick off their celebration early with the Sugar Bowl New Year's Eve Parade. Starting at 2 p.m. in the French Quarter, the parade features marching bands, floats, and dance groups as they wind through historic downtown. The parade sets the perfect tone for both the evening's New Year's Eve festivities and the championship matchup at Caesars Superdome on January 1. Read our Ultimate Guide to the Allstate Sugar Bowl here for more!
Dance to Live Music and Midnight Performances Across the City
Craving live music? Discover the hottest shows in town! New Year's Eve concerts are more than just performances. Legendary venues are known for throwing unforgettable festivities, like The Revivalists: New Year’s Eve Ball at the Orpheum Theater or Galactic New Year's Eve ft. Jelly Joseph at Tipitina's. At the National WWII Museum, join the Victory Swing Orchestra to close out the quarter-century and ring in 2026 at Dine & Dance: New Year's Eve Bash!
Frenchmen Street is a must-visit destination for dancing the night away, with clubs offering New Year's Eve shows. When planning your trip, make sure to check out the lineup and availability of tickets, as some venues may sell out before the big night.
Prefer a quieter celebration? Enjoy a dinner reservation at one of many New Orleans restaurants open on New Year’s Eve. Some have special menus, themed courses, and both early and late dinner reservations slots. The Réveillon dining tradition of multi-course meals during the holidays continues through New Year’s Eve at many restaurants. See here for our restaurants open on New Year’s Eve, and make those reservations quick!
Making resolutions for the year ahead has never been easier! In New Orleans, find mocktails at every restaurant across town. As for healthy eating, you don't need to sacrifice flavor to indulge in guilt-free meals. Spending time outside is easy with mild temperatures and a plethora of parks and public spaces. Ring in the New Year the NOLA way, which means marking your calendars for the start of Mardi Gras season on January 6!
