Winter Travel to New Orleans

Escape to New Orleans this Winter for Festive Fun & Mild Weather.

Looking for the perfect place to travel this winter? Look no further than New Orleans, where you can leave the parka and snow boots behind in favor of mild weather, incredible meals, vibrant cultural experiences, and two of the world’s biggest parties–Super Bowl LIX and Mardi Gras.

Leading up to the holidays, New Orleans is a-glow with spirited celebrations, one-of-a-kind traditions, and plenty of cheer. Come New Year’s Eve, the city takes on an electrifying energy to ring in the new year, and then we quickly get over our post-holiday blues by welcoming what many New Orleanians think of as the hap-happiest season of all–Mardi Gras.

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(1) Costuming on Mardi Gras Day, (2) Caesars Superdome, (3) Bacchus Parade, (4) Baked Alaska at Antoine's, (5) Jackson Square, (6) Exploring the French Quarter

While Mardi Gras Day falls on March 4 this year, Carnival season kicks off on January 6 with a slew of quirky traditions, convivial gatherings, and, of course, lots of king cake (see our Guide to Early Mardi Gras for more). If you’ve always wanted to experience Fat Tuesday for yourself, or if you’re more interested in getting a feel for the way locals eat, sleep, and breathe the most New Orleans of all celebrations in the weeks leading up to the big day, there’s a Mardi Gras for everyone–and all are welcome.

Whether you want to escape frigid temperatures at home, or you're just looking for an easy and unforgettable getaway that allows for maximum exploration and truly unique experiences, New Orleans beckons with mild temperatures, culinary delights both new and old, and a celebratory atmosphere that promises to set the bar high as you kick off a new year of new adventures.

Top Things to Do This Winter in New Orleans

Looking for your sign to visit NOLA this winter? Here are the top reasons to plan a winter getaway to New Orleans this year.

11 Things to Do This January in New Orleans

January in New Orleans means the end of the holidays but the start of the Mardi Gras season. Here are 11 things to do to kick the year off, NOLA-style.