Thinking about ringing in the New Year in New Orleans? Between the food, music, and midnight celebrations, the options are endless for a festive soiree. There are even celebrations for the little ones during the day. If you’re in need of plans for the holiday, you’ve come to the right place; here are seven reasons why New Orleans should be on your New Year’s Eve bucket list. Book your hotel here.

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Image Courtesy of Big Night New Orleans

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 the Ying Yang Twins and Soul Rebels. Head to the AllWays Lounge for Kapow: Burlesque with a Bang! New Year’s Eve Extravaganza featuring some of the best burlesque, drag, and variety act performers in town. Check here for more information on New Year’s Eve parties, and make sure to dress to the nines before heading out. 

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Rebecca Todd

See the Fleur de Lis drop and fireworks on the river

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. Hop aboard the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen or Steamboat NATCHEZ for a different vantage point. There’s no better way to ring in the New Year, New Orleans-style. 

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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 celebration, your little ones won’t bother trying to stay up till midnight. Choose from a 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., or 11:30 a.m. celebration.

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Cheryl Gerber

The annual Allstate Sugar Bowl returns on New Year’s Eve weekend with Washington vs. Texas. The whole weekend is filled with family-friendly events, including a parade on New Year’s Eve and the NewOrleans.com Allstate Sugar Bowl Tailgate Town. 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.  

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Paprika Studios, Image Courtesy of Mister Mao

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. Enjoy a prix-fixe menu at The Bower or Mister Mao. See here for our restaurants open on New Year’s Eve, and make those reservations quick!  

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Justen Williams

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. Galactic New Year’s Eve presented by Tipitina’s features performances from Galactic, Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph, and J & the Causeways as they countdown to midnight. The Orpheum Theater hosts Big Freedia’s New Year’s Eve Bouncé Ball with Boyfriend, while the Saenger Theatre has a 400 Degreez 25th Anniversary Show with Juvenile, Mannie Fresh, and friends. Check the WWOZ Live Music Calendar and find a show that appeals to you.

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Justen Williams

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. 

See here for more on how to celebrate New Year’s Eve in New Orleans.

 

Chandelier Bar at Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans
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