NewOrleans.com's Guide to January in New Orleans

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

Why Visit New Orleans in January?

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.

January Weather and What to Pack

With an average high of 63℉ and a low of 45℉, 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 below.

Carnival Season and Mardi Gras Kickoff

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. Following the Phellows is the Funky Uptown Krewe, throwing vinyl records and koozies from the streetcar to the crowd. This particular parade’s intention is to entertain and provide support to local businesses. The Societé des Champs Elysée, formed by a former Phunny Phorty Phellow, parades along the route of the N. Rampart streetcars, bringing the festival downtown. The final parade of the Twelfth Night is another colorful event, Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc , that honors 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. 

After the Twelfth Night, the Carnival festivities continue with the Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacchus, the science fiction, fantasy, and horror-themed parade filled with ChewbacchanALIENs. Parading through Marigny and the French Quarter, Krewe du Vieux brings its satirical spirit to Carnival. Parents will want to keep little ones away from Krewe du Vieux, though, as the themes can be more on the adult side. For more information, see here. 
 

January Festivals and Events

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

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.

Fan Expo

Fan Expo returns to New Orleans from January 8-10, 2027, 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 14-17, 2027, 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 tapestry of cocktail/beverage and culinary scenes only found in New Orleans. Find more information about tickets and lineup 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.

New Orleans Sporting Events in January

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, which will be held on the 15^th of January in 2027, breaking the New Year’s Day tradition.

What Foods Should I Eat 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.

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.