A year-end brings a new year. When a year full of memories, whether happy, ecstatic, sad, or complex, comes to an end, it certainly brings lots of joy and excitement for the upcoming year. We pray for blessings to have a brilliant new year. But starting a new year as we forget our blasts from the past can be an enjoyable experience, and no place but New Orleans does it right. New Year’s Parties in New Orleans are one way to celebrate the arrival of another fantastic year. Let’s look at some of the best New Year’s Eve Parties in New Orleans to welcome 2025 with lots of confetti and champagne!
Best New Year’s Eve Parties In New Orleans
Have you already landed in New Orleans and wondered which party to attend? Don’t worry, as we got you covered! Here are some of the best New Year’s Eve Parties In New Orleans that you should not miss!
1. Dick Clark Rockin’ New Year’s Eve
The Dick Clark Rockin’ Eve is one of the quintessential new year parties held in the USA. The TV special is recorded in Times Square in New York and broadcast on the ABC Network to every television in the country. The program organises its official Central Time Zone party in New Orleans, besides the parties in New York and Los Angeles. The New Orleans venue is near the historic JAX Brewery, starting at 9 p.m. Hosted by Ryan Seacrest, the party features a musical lineup of iconic pop, rap, and country music stars and special celebrity guests.
Location: Jax Brewery parking lot in Jackson Square on Decatur Street.
Timings: 9 pm – 12 am
Also Read: New Year Celebration In Singapore
2. Jackson Square
Image Credit: Gary J. Wood for Wikimedia Commons
The biggest New Year’s Eve event in New Orleans is the Jackson Square countdown – the city’s own version of the Times Square Ball Drop. Jackson Square is a historic site, the primary place of congregation for the city’s many festivals and local events. Admission to the square is free, but you may want to arrive early to avoid crowds and rush. You will find people in costumes, live music, pop-up shops, and general milling about. The countdown culminates in New Year’s kisses and fireworks over the Mississippi River.
Location: Jackson Square, New Orleans, Louisiana
Timings: Midnight
3. Balcony Bashes
New Orleans is synonymous with its wrought iron balconies, a Victorian addition to the city’s architecture. Balcony Bashes are the perfect way to spend your New Year’s Eve. The many bars in the French Quarter offer their balconies to you for a cover fee. Get extras like an open bar and food with a view of the streets celebrating the night. Take your friends and family for a night of revelry. The balconies in this quarter often get you a view of the river, so you can easily enjoy the views of the fireworks over Mississippi without all the crowds. Balcony Bashes are, therefore, one of the most fantastic ways of spending New Year’s Eve in New Orleans.
Location: The French Quarter
Timings: All night
Related Post: New Year In New York
4. Allstate Sugar Bowl Parade
Most New Year’s events occur at night, counting to the following year. But if you need something to do during the day, you must join the Allstate Sugar Bowl Parade. The Sugar Bowl is an American annual football game like the Super Bowl. It is played every year on the 1st of January ever since New Year 1935. On the eve, the parade marches through the city streets Mardi Gras style with big floats, marching bands, and a whole lot of music, glitz, and glamour. The parade starts at the intersection of Elysian Fields Avenue and Decatur Street. The New Year’s Eve Parade New Orleans passes through iconic city landmarks, including the French Quarter, French Market, and Jackson Square, finally ending at Canal Street.
Location: Intersection of Elysian Fields Avenue and Decatur Street
Timings: 3 pm
5. LGBTQIA+ Parties
Image Credit: David Shankbone for Wikimedia Commons
What’s better than New Year parties in New Orleans? New Year parties at one of the many vibrant queer and queer-friendly venues in New Orleans. Have the night of your life in an LGBTQ+ safe space with great live music, dancing & partying, exciting drag performances, and trivia. Southern Decadence, Oz, The Phoenix Bar, and Lafitte’s are all venues you can visit for a great time. If clubbing and thumping music are not your things, fret not, for you can spend the evening at one of the city’s more laid-back bars, like Mag’s 940 in Elysian Fields Avenue and The Friendly Bar in Chartres Street.
Location: Various places across the city.
Timings: 6 pm onwards
Related Post: New Year Party In Melbourne
Kid-friendly New Year’s Eve Parties In New Orleans
How is it fair that only adults get to have a New Year’s Eve Party? Your little munchkin should also have their share of the fun. So here are two places in New Orleans where you can let your kid enjoy the vibe of New Year!
1. New Year’s Eve At Audubon Zoo
Image Credit: Howie Luvzus for Wikimedia Commons
Late-night partying and drinking champagne don’t mix well with travelling with kids. So why not hang out as a family during the day at Audubon Zoo? Celebrate the new year with your kids with a Pepsi toast, visiting the many animals of Audubon and costumed characters you can take delightful pictures with. The zoo welcomes families and children of all ages for a morning full of music, games and prizes. Grab some party hats and noisemakers, and get ready to have a blast. Furthermore, the Zoo admission price includes all the ‘Zoo Year’ activities. No extra charges!
Location: 6500 Magazine St, New Orleans, Louisiana
Timings: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
2. Louisiana Children’s Museum
Image Credit: Michael Barera for Wikimedia Commons
The Louisiana Children’s Museum in New Orleans is the perfect place for growing children with curious minds. It is famous for its countdown to Noon on New Year’s Eve, culminating in an explosion of colourful confetti and bubbles. The party includes live music, face painting, games and contests, dancing, and fun. The Museum displays a wide range of kid-friendly exhibits for children aged 1-12.
Location: 15 Henry Thomas Dr, New Orleans, Louisiana
Timings: 9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m
Related Post: New Year Parties In USA
Best Places To Watch The New Year’s Eve Fireworks
Fireworks make us happy, don’t they? Here are some places to enjoy New Year’s Eve in New Orleans with a stunning view of fireworks!
1. Riverboat Cruises
Does the sound of a champagne toast and fine dining on a cruise ship make you ecstatic? Paddlewheeler Creole Queen offers a cruise party with fantastic food, champagne and live music to ring in the New Year. The extra cherry on top is the fireworks. Visitors can enjoy a beautiful fireworks display with the countdown while enjoying an elegant cruise party here.
Price: $200 approx
Dates: December 31st
Boarding: 10:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Cruising Time:11:00pm – 1:00 am
2. Crescent Park
Image Credit:Dan Soto for Wikimedia Commons
The Crescent Park offers a fantastic view of the Mississippi River due to its convenient location.
On New Year’s Eve, the park stays open till 1 AM. Tourists can have a stunning view of the fireworks from here.
This park also offers places to celebrate New Year’s eve. There are many stalls around the park. While you are here, do not miss out on the New Year fireworks.
Price: $10 onwards
Dates: December 31st
Related Post: New Year In Hong Kong
Restaurants Open For New Year’s Eve In New Orleans
No matter the festival, food always comes first. Knowing the best restaurants open for New Year’s Ever in this beautiful and festive Cresent city is essential. Take a look below!
1. Antoine’s
Antoine’s is one of the oldest and most prominent restaurants in New Orleans. It is situated in the French Quarter and offers some of the best French-Creole cuisine and city dishes. Oysters Rockefeller and Eggs Sardou are the best dishes of Antoine’s.
Though this place can serve more than 250 guests simultaneously, one must still make the reservation in advance. New Year’s Eve is a hectic time, so getting a table on time could be a little tricky.
Timing: 10:30 a.m. – 10:30 p.m
Price: $15 – $200 approx
Address: 713 St. Louis St. New Orleans, LA 70130
2. Bourbon House
If you are a seafood lover, this place is for you. Situated on Bourbon Street, Dickie Brennan’s Bourbon House is closer to mostly all the major residents.
Bourbon House’s specialities are New Orleans cuisine and Gulf seafood, and the Oyster Bar serves some of the best local oysters. The restaurant features five private dining spaces.
Timing: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Price: $50 – $300 approx
Address: 144 Bourbon Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
Related Post: New Year Party In Thailand
3. Dickie Brennan’s Tableau
Tableau is located in the famous Jackson Square and offers French Creole dishes that showcase the city’s vibrant culinary traditions.
The restaurant features four private dining rooms, a courtyard with a fountain, and a covered wraparound balcony with views of Jackson Square. Brunch and dinner are served daily. Tableau is located next to New Orleans’ historic Le Petit Theatre.
Timing: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Price: $50 – $250 approx
Address: 616 St. Peter Street, New Orleans, LA 70116
4. Drago’s Seafood Restaurant
Drago’s is the benchmark for seafood dishes. Its unmatched charbroiled oysters highlight a menu that blends inventive dishes with classic platters, all featuring authentic New Orleans flavours. Drago’s will ensure your next event is a memorable culinary experience.
Timing: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Price: $20 – $150 approx
Address: 3232 N. Arnoult Rd. Metairie, LA 70002
Related Post: New Year Celebration In Sydney
5. Good Catch | Thai Urban Bistro
Good Catch | Thai Urban Bistro provides a coastal oasis atmosphere that blends casual fine dining with exceptional cocktails and authentic Thai hospitality. The specials feature a delicious Thai twist on fresh Gulf seafood. Whether for dining in-house or catering your event, Good Catch offers an unforgettable experience.
Timing: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., 4:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Price: $50 – $300 approx
Address: 828 Gravier Street, New Orleans, LA 70112
Best Hotels In New Orleans To Spend The New Year’s Eve
Image Source: Facebook
There are many hotels where you might want a good night’s sleep after your unforgettable New Year’s Eve party. Here are some of the best hotels in New Orleans for a comfortable stay:
La Quinta by Wyndham New Orleans Downtown
Cost – INR 5,000 – 5,500
Sonesta ES Suites New Orleans Convention Center
Cost – INR 7,000 – 10,000
Le Méridien New Orleans
Cost – INR 11,000 – 12,000
Hilton Garden Inn New Orleans Convention Center
Cost – INR 7,000 – 8,000
Homewood Suites by Hilton New Orleans
Cost – INR 11,000 – 13,000
You May Also Like To Read: New Year In Australia
Who doesn’t want to start their New Year with a bang? New Year’s Eve parties in New Orleans offer some of the most enjoyable experiences. Whether travelling solo or with family and friends, New Orleans has everything for everyone! Enjoy beautiful fireworks, New Year parties, and delicious food; make New Year’s Eve in New Orleans an unforgettable adventure. So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to the USA , visit New Orleans, and welcome the New Year with a blast!
For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here.
Cover Image Credit : cottonbro studio for Pexels
Frequently Asked Questions About New Year’s Eve Parties In New Orleans
Is New Orleans fun for New Year's Eve?
Yes, New Orleans offers many fun adult parties and options to keep the kids entertained, so it is undoubtedly fun for New Year’s Eve.
What is the biggest festival in New Orleans?
Mardi Gras is one of the most popular and most significant festivals in New Orleans, USA. However, New Orleans also offers excellent entertainment options for Christmas and New Year.
What is the famous party street in New Orleans?
Bourbon Street is the famous party street in New Orleans. The streets are filled with neon lights, heart-throbbing music and plenty of food options. While visiting New Orleans, remember to visit this place.
Is there anything going on in New Orleans in December?
If you visit New Orleans in December, you can enjoy the Allstate Sugar Bowl Parade, New Year's Eve parties, fireworks, and more.
Does New Orleans have good nightlife?
Nightlife in New Orleans is more than just good. Unlike any other, it is well known for its versatile offerings, such as historic bars, local hangouts, Bourbon Street-based clubs, craft cocktail lounges, lush cabarets and much more.
People Also Read:
New Year In Brazil New Year In London New Year In Montreal
As a Travel Content Writer, I live to conquer the world of globetrotting with words. With my unquenchable thirst for storytelling, I believe that my words will inspire you to travel around the world’s breathtaking landscapes. As for me, I am an unapologetic selenophile, who loves to wander around in a starry night!
