The holiday celebrations are over, but the fun doesn’t stop there, because it’s time to ring in the new year—and you know that New Year’s Eve in New Orleans is going to be a party. There will be New Year’s Eve events all over town, from decadent dinners and high-energy concerts to fabulous parties, the Fleur de Lis Drop and fireworks on the Mississippi. The Allstate Sugar Bowl parade kicks things off during the day, then the festivities begin as nighttime comes around.
Check with your favorite restaurant to see if they’re serving special New Year’s Eve menus (a few highlights include more traditional options like Miss River, Costera and Tujaque's, or something a little different like Saffron and Good Catch Thai Urban Bistro) or just celebrate at your favorite bar.
If you haven’t made plans yet, here are some of the best New Year’s Eve events in New Orleans. 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 rest up because Carnival season kicks off less than a week later.
Jackson Square
The inaugural New Orleans Eve features live music by Tank and the Bangas, Bonerama and DJ RQ Away. You’ll be right in the middle of the action for the countdown, Fleur de Lis Drop and fireworks on the Mississippi. The best part? It’s completely free and you can bring your own food, drinks and chairs.
The Fillmore
Ring in 2025 at The Fillmore with performances by Trina, Yung Joc, Brass-A-Holics, Inferno Burlesque, DJ Kelly Green, DJ Rozay and—for the midnight countdown—former New Orleans Saints Super Bowl Champion WR Robert Meachem. Spring for a VIP ticket that includes early entry, a buffet dinner and drinks all night.
Tipitina’s
Featuring the vocal powerhouse Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph, Galactic takes the stage at Tipitina’s for their annual New Year’s Eve throwdown. The VIP Experience includes food by Jacques-Imo's, an open bar from 8pm til midnight, a Champagne toast, access to the VIP side entrance and viewing section and a signed, limited-edition Galactic Poster and Tipitina's merch.
The second annual all-inclusive bash at Brewery Saint X will feature an open bar that includes all Saint X drafts and casks plus premium wines and spirits, specialty cocktails and a midnight sparkling wine toast. They're also busting out two-liter boots of lager, festive cocktails crafted for the occasion and a champagne tower. The spread will also include a bounty of bites and a whole hog barbecue with all the fixings, not to mention DJ sets and dancing all night.
No Dice
Groove your way into the New Year at No Dice with DJ Soul Sister's Jackpot Discotheque. In addition to the soulful sounds of Soul Sister's spins, your ticket includes a champagne toast at midnight.
Columns Hotel
Columns Hotel has everything you could want for an extravagant NYE ball: music and live entertainment, a fire show, stilt walkers, flash tattoos, live painting, balloon artists, polaroids and more. The all-inclusive event features fine champagnes, a premium open bar, a dedicated espresso martini bar and cognac and cigars on the patio. Tickets include entry to the afterparty at The Rabbit Hole.
Virgin Hotel
The Virgin Hotel has two festive options—both with a view of the fireworks—for the big night. Dreamboat will play host to an intimate and glamorous evening featuring bubbly, passed hors d’oeuvres and the sounds of Jelani Bauman and friends. A second, high-energy party at The Pool Club Rooftop features festive cocktails and beats by DJ/artist Pellow Talk. A Dreamboat ticket gets you entry to both parties.
d.b.a.
It’s been a busy year for the Soul Rebels, and they’re kicking off 2025 by celebrating 25 years of the legendary d.b.a. The all-inclusive show includes drinks, light bites, a champagne toast at midnight and a performance that’s sure to be as legendary as the venue.
National WWII Museum
Don your '40s finest for a night of retro revelry in the Stage Door Canteen at the National WWII Museum. Enjoy a four-course dinner and an open bar, then dance to the sounds of the Victory Swing Orchestra before counting down to 2025 with a champagne toast.
Jazz Playhouse at The Royal Sonesta
There’s no better way to ring in the new year than with a solid dose of funk. Big Sam’s Funky Nation will bring the funk to the Jazz Playhouse. The night includes an open bar, hors d'oeuvres and premium buffet, a champagne toast at midnight and party favors.
Ring in the New Year at The NOPSI Hotel with DJ sets from DJ Char plus live music by Trumpet Mafia and Grammy Award winner Nicholas Payton. The dazzling nightwill feature live performances, dancing, drinks, dining, a midnight toast and more.
Blue Nile
The legendary Kermit Ruffins will take to the stage at Blue Nile and hype the crowd to ensure “We Partyin’” on New Year’s Eve. The band will be swinging into 2025 as Kermit does his thing, bringing a laid-back energy that will get you dancing.
Common House
Party at the city’s newest social club for New Year’s Eve. Common House will open its doors to members and non-members for its Blue Midnight party, a glamorous night of dancing, live music, champagne and good times. The NOLA Dukes Band gets things going, then DJ Legatron. A dazzling champagne tower will be the highlight of the countdown to the new year.
Peacock Room at Hotel Fontenot
Welcome the new year with timeless grooves and soulful classics at the Peacock Room. Enjoy musical performance from Da Lovebirds, DJ Pedro the Juice and DJ Nice Rack with special debut guest Abuelita. Entry includes a champagne toast, and there will be a special a la carte food menu in addition to the always-fabulous selection of cocktails.
The Chloe
The Chloe presents an elegant, indulgent celebration in the Lounge. Enjoy bottomless champagne, decadent caviar and irresistible bites like crispy fried chicken bites and pimento cheese gougères. Come dressed to impress and ring in the new year in style.
Saenger Theatre
Juvenile wraps up his nationwide tour commemorating the 25th anniversary of Back That Azz Up at The Saenger. Joined by Mannie Fresh and the 400 Degreez band, you won’t want to miss this end-of-year and end-of-tour party.
Hot Tin
The rooftop bar at the Pontchartrain Hotel will be hopping for this New Year’s Eve celebration. Trumpet player and vocalist John Michael Bradford will kick things off, followed by beats to get you dancing provided by DJ PJ.
Lakefront Arena
Billy Strings wraps 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.
French Quarter
Looking to party earlier in the day? The festivities surrounding the college football quarterfinal playoff on January 1 kick off early on New Year’s Eve as the Sugar Bowl Parade hits the streets of the French Quarter with floats, bands and all the trappings of a classic Mardi Gras parade.
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