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. This free, open-air concert features live performances from Tank and the Bangas, Bonerama, and DJ RQ Away. Hop aboard the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen or Steamboat NATCHEZ for a different vantage point, plus food, drink, and live entertainment on board. There’s no better way to ring in the New Year, New Orleans-style.
Attend a New Year’s Eve celebration
New Orleans is a place where people come to have a good time, and New Year’s Eve is one of the biggest party nights of the year. Big Night New Orleans returns with music from Trina, Yung Joc, and Brass-A-Holics. Check here for more information on New Year’s Eve parties, and make sure to dress to the nines before heading out.
Enjoy New Year’s Eve activities for kids
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.
The annual Allstate Sugar Bowl returns on January 1, 2025, but there's lots of fun to be had on New Year’s Eve. The parade rolls on December 31, 2024 through the French Quarter at 2 p.m. Even if your team isn’t in the game, there’s still plenty of fun to be had. Learn more about the Sugar Bowl here.
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. See here for our restaurants open on New Year’s Eve, and make those reservations quick!
Ring in the New Year at a concert
Some of the best live music can be found in New Orleans on New Year’s Eve. Legendary venues are known for throwing unforgettable festivities, like the Saenger Theatre's NYE Celebration featuring Juvenile and Mannie Fresh along with the 400 Degreez Band. UNO Lakefront Arena hosts Billy Strings, this year with three nights of performances including NYE. Check the WWOZ Live Music Calendar and find a show that appeals to you.
Enjoy the mild weather
If there’s one positive thing about celebrating New Year’s Eve in New Orleans, it’s that you’ll never be freezing! Expect cool, dry weather and clear, pleasant temperatures on New Year’s Eve. Take advantage of the ideal weather by exploring our parks and public spaces during the daytime hours and hopping from one celebration to the next at night. Ring in the New Year the NOLA way.
