*updated December 2018
Fireworks over New Orleans. Photo via neworleanslocal.com
Whether you're in the mood for a decadent gala or a more intimate gathering, New Orleans has just the party to suit your style!
There are certain New Orleans New Year’s Eve traditions that shouldn’t be missed: the annual fleur-de-lis drop, the fireworks show over the Mississippi River and the live entertainment in Jackson Square. Here are our top ways to ring in 2019 in New Orleans.
Dick Clark's New Years Rockin' Eve
The nation's most rockin' New Year's party is heading to New Orleans again! Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2019 will televise live from Jackson Square with live performances, including headliners Maren Morris and Florida Georgia Line, beginning at 7:00 p.m. Consistently ranked one of the best fireworks displays in the nation, the official countdown to midnight begins at 11:45 p.m. When the clock strikes midnight, an 8-foot LED fleur de lis will drop from the top of Jax Brewery Condominiums, kicking off a spectacular 15-minute fireworks symphony over the Mississippi River. This incredible view is open to the public. You can get a great view of the fireworks along the Mississippi River at Washington Artillery Park or in Jackson Square.
The Sugar Bowl Fan Fest is free to the public and open from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 30, and Sunday, Dec. 31. It's located at Jackson Square in the Jax Brewery parking lot, 418 Decatur St. Both schools participating in the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Sugar Bowl will hold official pep rallies Dec. 31 as part of Fan Fest. The Texas pep rally will start at 1 p.m. while the Georgia pep rally will begin at 4:30 p.m. (times are approximate).
The Allstate Sugar Bowl New Year's Eve Parade, a Mardi Gras-style parade with floats, bands and other participants, will begin at the intersection of Elysian Fields Avenue and Decatur Street at approximately 2:30 p.m. on Dec. 31. The parade will travel through the French Quarter up Decatur Street along the Mississippi River, passing The Old U.S. Mint, the French Market, Cafe du Monde and Jackson Square.
The Secret Garden NYE at NOPSI Hotel
NOPSI Hotel will be hosting a VIP NYE party both in the lobby and on the rooftop bar of the hotel. The event will host live music, a DJ, delicious cuisine, and crafted cocktails. This event is a great excuse to pull out your best Gatsby- worthy attire. Watch the ball drop and enjoy a champagne toast at midnight!
Hotel Parties
Ring in 2018 with live music, incredible cuisine and panoramic views of the riverfront fireworks at The Westin New Orleans Canal Place. Named one of the best hotels to view fireworks by Travel + Leisure magazine, The Westin New Orleans Canal Place offers breathtaking views of the city's spectacular fireworks display.
The Hyatt-Regency will be hosting Big Night New Orleans and will feature open bars all night, food buffets by Hyatt's award-winning chefs, multiple party rooms and dance floors, nine incredible music acts and more! You can purchase tickets here.
How will you be ringing in 2019? Let us know in the comments below! Follow us on social media via the links below, and let us know how you decided to spend this NYE using #soloNOLA!