In recent years, more and more of my friends have begun to retreat to their homes on New Year’s Eve, shunning what is easily one of the most celebrated holidays in the U.S. If you find yourself in this group, I’m here to urge you to reconsider your plans. New Year’s Eve in New Orleans presents so many different and amazing options that you’ll definitely be able to ring in the new year with a bang.
What better way to start the New Year than with a booming fireworks show? (Photo courtesy of Fodors.com)
Dropping the ball: We’ve all seen the scene in New York on New Year’s Eve: tons of people trapped by barricades in little sections of Times Square freezing their behinds off waiting for some glowing ball to drop. The ball hits, people hug and then they all get shooed out of the area and sent home. In New Orleans, we rock a little bit differently (shocking, I know). First, the weather is likely to be better than anything they’ve got in New York City, as the average temps are between 65 and 45 degrees. Second, no one is going to barricade you into some sequestered spot hours before midnight. You’ll be free to mill about, meet your friends or make some new ones. Third, amazing bands take to the stage in front of the Jax Brewery in the hours leading up to midnight. Finally, once the new year arrives, one of the nation’s greatest firework displays kicks off from the Mississippi River.
Rebirth Brass Band about to blow the roof off! (Photo by John Margaretten, courtesy of Rebirth Brass Band)
Rock in the new year: Want to ring in the new year with a little more rhythm? Be on the look out for great shows at venues all across the city and spend New Year’s Eve with your favorite band. You’ll be able to find Dr. John at the House of Blues a few block from the Jax Brewery, catch up with classic New Orleans funk band Galactic turning up Tipitina’s with the help of Anders Osborne and others, and blow out the night with Grammy Nominated Rebirth Brass Band and Papa Grows Funk at the Howlin’ Wolf. All are can’t-miss shows!
Cruising in style: Want a front row seat to the New Year’s Eve fireworks display? Book a ride on a river cruise! The Steamboat Natchez can get you there with live music, food and an open bar. The Natchez cruises from 10:00 to 12:30 p.m. If you’re looking for a later cruise, the Creole Queen pushes off from 11:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. and features a DJ, food and open bar. Either way, a cruise will let you and yours get a front row seat to the fireworks without having to worry about a single detail. Of course, reservations are a must!
While we’ve just run down a ton of things to do on New Year’s Eve, we’ve barely scratched the surface of NOLA NYE events! So cancel those plans to sit at home and gather ’round the TV watching other people have fun and bring in the new year in a big way!
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