New Year in New Orleans
A famous party destination, nobody does New Year’s Eve like New Orleans. The biggest party is free at Jackson Square, where you’ll find a busy Quarter with revelers bar and restaurant hopping as they count down to 2017. A “Baby New Year” drops instead of a ball, a nod to the baby found in King Cakes around the city, and seeing the baby fall from Jax Brewery (which kicks off a massive fireworks show on the Mississippi) is a real treat.
Of course, Bourbon Street is always raging until dawn, and if you want to reserve a table to dinner, you’d better do so pronto! There are always the 24-hour beignets at Café Du Monde, and for many partiers, those middle-of-the-night beignets are the perfect end to the holiday.
Family-Friendly Affairs
If you’re traveling with kids, head to the Audubon Zoo from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. for a free party with regular zoo admission. A number of kid-friendly entertainers are on site, and kids get party favors and noisemakers to “ring in” the New Year at noon with a glass of soda. The Louisiana Children’s Museum also hosts a noon countdown with balloon releases and confetti canyons.
Crescent Park is a favorite NYE destination, open late until 1 a.m. so you can get the best view of the fireworks. Every restaurant, club and bar in town has something special planned. Make reservations now, and plan your outing for a night you’ll never forget.