January in New Orleans

Kick off the new year with king cakes, parades, festivals, and fun

While most other cities across the U.S. are winding down from the holidays and settling into their resolutions, New Orleanians are gearing up for one of their most beloved times of the year: Carnival season! Joyful carolers are soon replaced with spirited parade revelers, stockings become Mardi Gras throw bags, and pumpkin pies make way for king cakes. If you’re considering visiting New Orleans in January, you’ll find everything you need to know about this special time of year below.

Discover January Events in New Orleans

If the holiday cheer and New Year’s resolutions start to wear you out, a trip to New Orleans in January ensures a fresh (and fun) start to your year.

New Year's Eve in New Orleans

New Orleans is the perfect place to ring in the new year, with your pick of celebration on New Year’s Eve. Plan to dine out, attend a NYE celebration, or jam out at a concert. See what’s going on during the holiday weekend here. 

Mardi Gras Parades Kick-Off

Referred to as Twelfth Night or Epiphany, January 6 marks the official beginning of Carnival season in New Orleans. Each year, eager New Orleanians await January 6 so they can begin purchasing King Cakes and counting down the days until Mardi Gras.

The celebration of Twelfth Night also means the first parades of the Mardi Gras season, like the Streetcar-based Phunny Phorty Phellows. This parade showcases a group of gentlemen boarding the St. Charles streetcar to signal the arrival of Carnival. Another colorful event, Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc, honors the St. Joan of Arc’s birthday with a medieval-themed parade through the French Quarter that also celebrates the French heritage and women of New Orleans.

Must-try Foods in January in New Orleans

Typically offered only during Carnival season, king cake is a must-try if you're visiting in January. Bakeries and shops across the Crescent City begin rolling the annual delectable out on January 6 and stop promptly after Mardi Gras Day. Try a traditional king cake or something unique like chantilly or praline-filled.

Here is a roundup of some of our favorite king cakes – and king cake-flavored treats – throughout the city.

For those looking to stick to healthy eating resolutions, don’t think that a trip to New Orleans will derail all your hard work! Many of the city’s best restaurants offer Eat Fit NOLA-approved dishes on their menu, so you can get the great taste of New Orleans without the guilt. We also have a large number of vegan and vegetarian-friendly options, if going meat-free was part of your New Year’s resolution. You can also find low-ABV drink and mocktails at these bars and restaurants if you’ve decided to cut back on alcohol in the new year.

What is the Weather Like in January in New Orleans?

With an average high of 62℉ and a low of 43℉, January is one of New Orleans’ cooler months. Enjoy leisurely strolls through one of the city’s many neighborhoods without breaking a sweat, or opt for indoor activities to beat the light chill. Jeans, sweaters, and light jackets are recommended. Don’t be afraid to get in the spirit and dress up for the walking parades mentioned above.

Additional January Events in New Orleans 

In addition to Mardi Gras parades, there are tons of events this January in New Orleans!

Rockin'1000

The first-ever U.S. Rockin'1000 concert will take place in New Orleans at Caesars Superdome on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026. Rockin'1000 is the world's biggest rock band. Picture a stadium stage packed with hundreds of musicians playing in perfect sync, creating an unforgettable wall of sound. What started as a viral video to get the Foo Fighters to play in a small Italian town has grown into a global phenomenon, and now it's finally coming to the United States for the very first time. You won’t want to miss this very special event. Tickets are available via Ticketmaster here. 

Fan Expo

Fan Expo returns to New Orleans from January 9-11 with all your favorite comic book characters, celebrities, and fan favorite events. Meet the cast of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, plus Jennifer Beals, Mike Colter, and more. Buy tickets here.

Teaser Fest

Teaser Fest returns from January 15-18 showcasing the best in burlesque. The fest features performers from across the globe as well as hometown heroes & live music from New Orleans as it emphasizes the tapestried cocktail/beverage and culinary scenes only found in New Orleans. Early bird weekend packages are now on sale here.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

The third Monday in January is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. New Orleans has plenty of community gatherings and volunteer opportunities to commemorate the day. Typically, the Ogden Museum of Southern Art  offers free admission plus art, crafts, and music in celebration of MLK Day. New Orleans City Park  hosts an annual day of service on MLK Day.

Sports

Winter in New Orleans means Saints football, Pelicans basketball, and lots of college and bowl games. Cheer on the New Orleans Saints in Caesars Superdome and the Pels in the Smoothie King Center. We can't forget about the Allstate Sugar Bowl, typically held on New Year's Day.

For more local events to check out in January, browse below. You can also check out our curated list of 10 Things to Do This January as the month gets closer.