Dance Parties, Parades, and More Ways to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in New Orleans
Get down with Big Freedia or settle in for a midnight fireworks show.
After several weeks of holiday cheer, it’s time to ring in the new year in New Orleans. There will be New Year’s Eve celebrations all over town, from decadent dinners and high-energy concerts to fabulous parties and of course the traditional Fleur de Lis drop in Jackson Square and fireworks on the Mississippi. For daytime fun, don’t miss the Allstate Sugar Bowl parade or the send-off party for beloved neighborhood Mexican restaurant Lengua Madre. Check with your favorite restaurant, as many are serving special New Year’s Eve menus (a few highlights include Palm & Pine, Josephine Estelle, Miss River, and Tujague’s). Or raise a toast to 2024 at a local bar. Whatever you do to celebrate on New Year’s Eve, don’t forget to eat your black eyed peas on New Year’s Day and be sure to rest up because Carnival season kicks off just a few days later.
New Orleans New Year’s Eve Fireworks
Sunday, December 31
French Quarter; Free
The most iconic way to celebrate the new year in New Orleans is at the traditional Fleur de Lis drop in Jackson Square. Gather in the square or along the river to count down to 2024 and party with friends and family. Then stay up late to watch the iconic symbol drop and enjoy a spectacular fireworks show on the river.
New Year’s Eve Parades in New Orleans
Sunday, December 31
French Quarter; Free
It’s not a special event in New Orleans without a parade roaming the streets of the Big Easy. So because Washington and Texas are set to meet in this college football semifinal playoff on January 1, the Sugar Bowl Parade will take place the day before all the action. Head to the French Quarter where the parade will hit the streets with floats, bands, and all the trappings of a Mardi Gras procession.
New Year’s Eve Parties in New Orleans
Sunday, December 31
Lower Garden District; Prices vary
Before her neighborhood favorite closes for good, chef Ana Castro will host an epic send-off from noon to 6 pm on New Year’s Eve. In place of Lengua Madre’s usual tasting menu, the shindig will feature a counter service menu plus wine and cocktails, and a DJ will keep the block party vibes going until the very end.
Sunday, December 31
CBD; $25-$400
The Ace Hotel is hosting a multiroom soiree in the Lobby Bar, Three Keys, and Barnett Hall. Musical guests include Jamison Ross, DJ G, and DJ FTK. Ticket options range from Lobby Bar entry only to GA entry for the Jamison Ross show in Three Keys to a VIP open-bar add-on. Make a night of it by adding a dinner package at Josephine Estelle or Seaworthy.
Sunday, December 31
CBD; $120-$180
This over-the-top celebration at Bar Marilou takes New Year’s Eve to surreal heights, with a lavish spread that includes magical menu items like wagyu sliders with foie gras pave and caramelized onion, chilled oysters with tomato horseradish granita, and pommes yukon with creme fraiche and caviar. Dance off the calories with a DJ set from Lady Lavender until the wee hours.
Sunday, December 31
CBD, $125
The New Year's Eve bash at Brewery Saint X will be a first for the new addition near the Superdome. Tickets include an open bar featuring all the Saint X drafts and casks, premium wines and spirits, specialty cocktails, and a midnight sparkling wine toast. All-you-can-eat bites include meaty treats from Devil Moon BBQ plus canapés and desserts. DJ sets will keep the party going all night.
Sunday, December 31
Warehouse District; $30-$3,600
The pulse-pounding EDM duo headlines at the Metropolitan alongside Mashbit, DJ Taf, DJ Wixx, and more. The party will feature three rooms of music, a balloon drop, and a champagne toast. VIP tickets include “cut-the-line” entry, premium viewing, open bar, and passed hors d'oeuvres.
Sunday, December 31
Uptown; $65-$200
Expect an extravagant night at Columns’ New Year’s Eve ball. There will be music and live entertainment featuring DJs Dr. Romance and Hollagraham, the band Dana Ives, a fire show, stilt walkers, mermaids, and LED-performances along with flash tats, live painting, a champagne fountain, martini bar, prizes, and, phew, even more fun. VIP tickets include a premium open bar, a lavish spread, and transportation and admission to the after party at Rabbit Hole.
Sunday, December 31
French Quarter; $300
See the fireworks at eye level from high above the city at Vue Orleans, the immersive new attraction at the top of the Four Seasons Hotel. The party includes drinks, light passed hors d'oeuvres, music by DJ Bambam Belongé, a champagne toast, and spectacular 360-degree views of the action below.
Sunday, December 31
Uptown; $76
Featuring the vocal powerhouse Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph, Galactic takes the stage at Tipitina’s for their annual New Year’s Eve throwdown. This event ranks among their most popular appearances, and VIP tickets are already sold out so act fast.
Sunday, December 31
Downtown, $39-$89
What better way to celebrate NYE in New Orleans than with The Queen Diva herself? Big Freedia will take the stage at the Orpheum with special guest Boyfriend and more to be announced. Ring in the new year with a night of hip hop and bounce that’s sure to make you leave your 2023 cares behind.
Sunday, December 31
French Quarter; $60-$200
This annual event makes a move to the Fillmore and is set to be the biggest Big Night yet, with Soul Rebels and Ying Yang Twins headlining alongside special guests including Inferno Burlesque, DJ Jess, Daniel Heartless, the Muff-a-Lottas, and more. VIP tickets include drinks and food.
Sunday, December 31
CBD; $37-$49
Pleasure Savior and Freewater are throwing a party on the rooftop of the Virgin Hotel. Enjoy live DJ spins by Spinelli, Qbabyworldwide, and PR_CK while sipping on specialty cocktails and taking in the rooftop views. Ring in the new year with a midnight toast complete with complimentary bubbly and a dazzling fireworks display.
Sunday, December 31
Lakefront; $49-$60
The beloved guitarist Billy Strings will wrap up a three-night run with a sure-to-be electric New Year’s Eve show. The bluegrass wizard hits the stage at the UNO Lakefront Arena for the big night.
New Year’s Eve Dinners in New Orleans
Sunday, December 31
Uptown; $120
Kick off the new year in style with an opulent dinner in the lounge at The Chloe. The event features bottomless champagne, an abundance of the finest caviar, and fabulous fried chicken. Dress to impress for a sophisticated yet joyful celebration of the new year.
Sunday, December 31
Warehouse District; $210
Don your ’40s finest for a night of retro revelry in the Stage Door Canteen at the National WW2 Museum. Enjoy a four-course dinner and an open bar, then dance to the sounds of the Victory Swing Orchestra before counting down to 2024 with a champagne toast.