Travelers stopping in New Orleans this New Year’s Eve will have an assortment of activities to choose from. Here are ten possibilities:
Eat Beignets at Café du Monde
While in New Orleans for New Year’s Eve, visitors can check out the legendary Café du Monde. Order a plate of sugary beignets and creamy café au lait from this more than 150 year old New Orleans institution.
Take a Free Tour of M.S. Rau Antiques
Those stopping by M.S. Rau Antiques at noon this New Year’s Eve can take a tour of the shop’s hidden room. Located behind a secret door disguised as a bookcase, the area is home to paintings by Monet and Renoir, Napoleon’s death mask and an Enigma machine from WWII.
Noon Countdown at Louisiana Children’s Museum
Visitors traveling with young ones can head to the Children’s Museum for a New Year’s Eve celebration. Running from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., the festivities will include games, entertainment and a New Year’s countdown (to noon) complete with balloon and confetti drops.
Noon Year’s Eve at Audubon Zoo
Families looking for an early New Year’s countdown can also head to the Audubon Zoo for its Noon Year’s Eve celebration. The event will feature music, games and a countdown with sparking apple cider.
“Party Like a Tzar” Dinner Party at Effervescence
From 5 to 7 p.m., champagne bar Effervescence will host an Imperial Russian themed dinner featuring canape bites and champagne.
Ice Skate at Penguin Ice
Those looking for a winter activity can go skating at Penguin Ice for just $15 (which includes skate rental). Located at The Esplanade Mall, this 2,200 square foot rink will stay open all day New Year’s Eve.
Ring in the New Year at Jackson Square
Starting at 8 p.m., visitors can head outside to Jackson Square. Hosted by actress Lucy Hale, the party will include live music, celebrity appearances and a fireworks show.
Allstate Sugar Bowl Fan Fest
From noon through midnight, the Jax Brewery parking lot will act as the home for the massive, free Allstate Sugar Bowl Fan Fest. The event will include pep rallies, a parade at 2 p.m. and interactive games throughout the day. Florida Georgia Line and Maren Morris will headline.
Catch the Fireworks Along the River
This year’s free fireworks show will be visible along both sides of the river. Those looking to see the display against the New Orleans skyline can take the Algiers/Canal Street ferry to Algiers Point. Otherwise, visitors can stay on the East Bank and watch from The Moonwalk Riverfront Park.
Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve
Anyone interested in catching the classic Dick Clark show can make their way to Jax Brewery, where the show will be screened from 9 p.m. to midnight.
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