December 27, 2012 | Upcoming Events

New Year's Eve In New OrleansWhether you’re in the mood to hang out with the family at the zoo or get all dressed up for a black tie only event, there’s something for you to do in New Orleans on New Year’s Eve.

NYE Activities For The Whole Family

In New Orleans, we don’t just celebrate New Year’s at midnight. We start at noon, but it’s not what you’re thinking!

Audubon Zoo

Families and kids of all ages are invited to celebrate the new year in style at the Audubon Zoo.  They’re calling it Zoo Year's Eve.  From 10:30am to 12:30pm they've planned all sorts of activities like games, contests and performers. The highlight is at noon when they’ll have a toast complete with a non-alcoholic drink and a sing along of “Auld Lang Syne.”

Get all of the details here.

Louisiana Children's Museum

Another option for families is to head down to the Lousiana Children’s Family Museum from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm on Monday, December 31st. They have a famous countdown to noon that includes a confetti toss and balloon drop. Plus, there will be like music from the Lagniappe Brass Band from 11:00 am to 12:15 pm. And did I mention that the Count from Sesame Street and Wendy of Wendy’s Old Fashion Hamburgers will be there to help with the countdown.

Learn more here.

New Year’s Activities For The Adults

The biggest party New Year’s Eve is the countdown at Jackson Square and the fireworks over the Mississippi but that isn’t the only party.

Riverview Room

The Riverview Room is hosting a black tie affair that includes a mouthwatering full buffet dinner featuring petit filet, trout almondine, roasted breast of chicken and a premium open bar. There will also be champagne and dancing to the fabulous party sounds of The Top Cats. Plus, they might just have the best view of the fireworks in the city from atop the Jax Brewery.

More info about the party here.

Steamboat Natchez

Set sail with the Steamboat Natchez for a New Year’s Eve extravaganza that includes food, drink and musical entertainment with a spectacular view of the New Orlean’s skyline. The food includes a wide array of hand-passed hors d’oeuvres and various food stations. The cruise comes with a premium brand open bar and entertainment by a local top 40’s band. Boarding begins at 9:30 pm, the ship sails from 10:00 pm until midnight. However, the party doesn’t stop there, they  continue dockside until 12:30am.

Reservations are required and holiday attire recommended.  Learn more here.

Of course you don’t have to do anything formal or organized. Everywhere in the city is going to be alive with excitement.  Simply heading  out to Bourbon Street or Frenchmean Street and I have a feeling that you’ll find a great time. Eitherway, I hope you have an amazing night and happy New Year's!