5 Ways to Celebrate New Year's Eve 2013 in New Orleans

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There are certain New Orleans New Year’s Eve traditions that shouldn’t be missed: the annual fleur-de-lis drop, the breathtaking fireworks show over the Mississippi River and the live entertainment in Jackson Square. But no matter what you’re into, New Orleans has just the party to suit your style. Here are our top five ways to spend New Year’s Eve in the Big Easy.

Celebrate New Year’s Eve from Jackson Square, the center of all the action, where live music performances will entertain crowds of partiers as they eagerly await the Crescent City countdown. At the stroke of midnight, watch the traditional New Orleans fleur-de-lis drop and the spectacular fireworks show over the Mississippi River.

Dance your way into 2013 at one of the many booming nightclubs in the French Quarter. All you have to do is walk down Bourbon Street to choose from are countless options for energetic music and late-night mingling. Many bars and clubs offer open-air courtyards and balconies, which are perfect for scoring a great view of the fireworks.

Every year during the holiday season, New Orleans’ best restaurants offer a lineup of reveillon dinners: specially priced multi-course tasting menus starting at $30 per person. Gather your loved ones and celebrate New Years Eve with one of these gourmet meals. Take your pick from classic historic venues or trendy new hot spots — just make sure to book your reservation early, as New Year’s Eve seating fills up quickly. 

Hop aboard a riverboat for a special New Year’s Eve cruise, featuring live entertainment, food, open bars and unparalleled views of the fireworks. Choose from the Creole Queen paddlewheeler or Steamboat Natchez, both of which offer exciting options for celebrating the start of 2013. 

Ring in the New Year at one of New Orleans’ famous live music venues, where you can experience authentic jazz and blues, as well as contemporary DJ sets. You can find plenty of low-lit jazz clubs and vibrant concert halls on Frenchmen Street, such as Maison, Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro, Blue Nile and The Spotted Cat Music Club.

 

 

Photo by Flickr/anthonycramp (Anthony Cramp)