New Year's Eve in New Orleans

New Orleans is the perfect place to ring in the new year. Whether you want to grab dinner and turn in for the night early, celebrate at a children’s event during the day, or party all night long, we’ve got something for everyone. Here’s how to celebrate New Year’s Eve in New Orleans.

Celebrations

For the biggest party in the city, head to Jackson Square – the Quarter is packed with festive partygoers eager to countdown the time until the New Year arrives with the Fleur De Lis drop. 

If outdoor celebrations and big crowds are not for you, make a reservation at one of the city’s many fine restaurants and celebrate the evening over delectable meals and of course, lots of bubbly. Many restaurants offer special deals or packages for the evening, so make sure you check ahead to ensure the perfect night for you, your loved ones and friends. See here for our list of restaurants open for New Year’s Eve.

Experience New Year's Eve like never before at Vue Orleans atop the Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans. This year, join the party 34 floors above the Mississippi River for a fireworks display to remember. Vue Orleans offers unmatched bird’s-eye views of the New Orleans fireworks, adult beverages, light passed appetizers, DJ music, and a champagne toast at midnight. The celebration begins at 10 p.m. Tickets are limited, must be 21 to purchase and attend.

Live Music

In the mood for live music? Check out who's playing the biggest shows in town. New Year's concerts feel more like parties – many offer hor d’oeuvres and open bars for a flat cover fee. Bigger name venues like Tipitina’s, The Joy Theater, and the House of Blues usually throw quite the festive fete, but smaller, more intimate bars and clubs also feature amazing entertainment to make sure your New Year's celebration is unforgettable. Frenchmen Street is a fun destination to dance the night -or year- away as well. When planning your trip, make sure you check out who is playing where and since some venues sell out before the big night, check and see if you can purchase tickets ahead of time.

Plenty of hotels host New Year’s Eve events, including the Hyatt Regency with Big Night New Orleans. Your ticket includes beer, wine, liquor, and champagne, plus entertainment from Tank and the Bangas, Big Freedia, Brass-A-Holics, and more.

LGBT Events

You can find plenty of dancing, DJs, laser shows, and drag cabaret on New Years in New Orleans. Head to the 800 block of Bourbon Street to check out the LGBTQ parties. For something more laidback, Mag's 940 and the Friendly Bar are great options. 

Family Fun

If you’re looking for a celebration the whole family can enjoy, there are fun options for kids – and it may even appeal to the young at heart. The Louisiana Children’s Museum hosts an annual “Noon Year's Eve” – a festive celebration featuring games, entertainment, and a New Year's countdown complete with balloon and confetti drops and a soda-pop toast. Festive hats and noisemakers are also included to make the daytime celebration an extra-special affair. 

The Allstate Sugar Bowl takes place on New Year's Eve, but the festivities start early. If you're a college football fan, catch the Allstate Sugar Bowl NYE Parade, which will take place on the afternoon of December 30, 2022.

Firework shows take place throughout the city, so step outside right before the stroke of midnight to see them in their glory. 

Whether your ideal New Year's is spent in fancy cocktail attire, or comfy blue jeans, with all of your closest friends and relatives, or in a crowd full of new faces, the perfect evening awaits you in New Orleans.