There's no better time or place to welcome 2025 than New Orleans. Ring in the New Year with a spectacular free concert and fireworks display along the Mississippi River, while celebrations pulse through the French Quarter and downtown. Join us for beloved traditions like the Allstate Sugar Bowl parade and championship game on New Year's Day. With excellent hotel rates still available and endless ways to celebrate – from elegant dinners to live music venues to family-friendly events – now is the moment to plan your unforgettable New Year's Eve in the Crescent City. See below for even more ways to celebrate.
New Orleans Eve
CELEBRATIONS
Get ready for the biggest party in the city at Jackson Square! The Quarter is bursting with festive partygoers, eagerly counting down the seconds until the New Year arrives with New Orleans Eve. This free, open-air concert features live performances from Tank and the Bangas, Bonerama, and DJ RQ Away.
Not a fan of outdoor celebrations and big crowds? No worries! Make a reservation at one of the city's fantastic restaurants and celebrate the evening with delectable meals and, of course, plenty of bubbly. Check out Galerie de Galatorie, which features an extravagant Champagne Dinner and live music from Anais St. John. Or visit Maypop, which has a prix-fixe four-course tasting menu with an optional wine pairing and a vegan menu available upon request. Many restaurants offer special deals and packages for the night, so be sure to check ahead and secure the perfect night for you, your loved ones, and your friends. Check out our list of restaurants open for New Year's Eve.
Craving live music? Discover the hottest shows in town! New Year's concerts are more than just performances – many offer mouthwatering hors d'oeuvres and open bars for a flat cover fee. 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. But don't overlook the smaller, intimate bars and clubs that also showcase incredible entertainment. Frenchmen Street is a must-visit destination for dancing the night away, with NYE concerts at Blue Nile, The Maison, and several others. When planning your trip, make sure to check out the lineup and availability of tickets, as some venues sell out before the big night.
This year, Big Night New Orleans is taking place at The Fillmore. Get ready to bounce to the music of Trina, Yung Joc, and Brass-A-Holics while being mesmerized by the tantalizing burlesque performances of Inferno Burlesque.
The great NOPSI New Year's Eve Party is back with live music from Matt Lemmler Band + DJ Char. The great thing about this party is that there are two ticketing levels: $50 and $150, but both include a complimentary glass of sparkling wine for the toast at 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 University of Georgia and Notre Dame faithful will join together to watch marching bands, floats, and dance groups wind through the historic streets. The parade sets the perfect tone for both the evening's New Year festivities and the championship matchup at the Caesars Superdome on January 1.
LGBTQ EVENTS
For an unforgettable NYE experience filled with dancing, DJs, laser shows, and drag cabaret, head to the 800 block of Bourbon Street for the LGBTQ parties.
Looking for a celebration that the whole family can enjoy? There are plenty of fun options for kids – and the young at heart. The Louisiana Children's Museum hosts an annual "Noon Year's Eve" event, featuring games, entertainment, and a New Year's countdown complete with balloon and confetti drops, as well as a soda-pop toast. Festive hats and noisemakers are provided to make this daytime celebration extra special.
Whether you prefer fancy cocktail attire or comfy blue jeans, celebrating with your closest friends and relatives or mingling in a crowd of new faces, the perfect evening awaits you in New Orleans.
New Year's Eve Events
