As we close out 2015, we look forward to what the New Year will bring. But, this is New Orleans, and we throw a party for every occasion. There are always a number of different New Year’s Eve options since this is the biggest party night of the year! What can you expect to do in New Orleans for New Year’s Eve to ring in 2016? Here are just a few events on the calendar, as well as some tips on how to stay safe for New Year’s and how to stay safe in New Orleans when you’re partying.
What’s Happening in New Orleans on New Year’s Eve?
Even before December 31st, both residents and visitors should take advantage of one of the city’s many Reveillon Dinners. The Reveillon Dinner is a tradition here in New Orleans that dates back to the early 1800s and though the original dinner has faded away, we now have a revival of family dinner’s at some of the city’s top restaurants. It is typically a fixed price menu featuring some of the best in local cuisine. This year there are over 40 restaurants participating such as Arnaud’s Restaurant, Antoine’s, Commander’s Palace, Domenica, Galatoire’s Restaurant, Palace Café, Muriel’s Jackson Square, Restaurant August, and Upperline Restaurant, just to name a few. Click here for a full list of the participating Reveillon Dinner restaurants.
Each year, visitors descend upon the city of New Orleans to ring in the New Year in the French Quarter and down by the Mississippi River. Jackson Square is one of the most densely populated spots as you can watch the traditional New Orleans fleur-de-lis drop and a fantastic fireworks display over the River. This year, Big Sam’s Funky Nation will start playing around 9:30p and Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience will play from 10:45-11:45p followed by the Symphony in the Sky as the background during the Countdown and fireworks. Jackson Brewery always has their own party with the “ball drop” and your all-inclusive tickets can be purchased here. You’ll also have the best views of the fireworks from here.
Its location on the Mississippi River provides New Orleans with endless unique entertainment opportunities. On New Year’s Eve, purchase tickets on either the Creole Queen river boat or the Steamboat Natchez for their annual NYE cruise that features live entertainment, food, open bars and beautiful views of the fireworks.
If you’re looking for great music, then there will be no shortage of it on New Year’s Eve. Frenchmen Street has great lineups at all its clubs, and Tipitina’s will host their annual Galactic New Year’s Eve show while the House of Blues will host local band Better than Ezra. For a full music schedule, you can visit the Gambit’s website.
Big Night New Orleans is the annual NYE party at the Hyatt Regency in New Orleans. If want a VIP club experience, then this is one not to miss. Here is more information on how to purchase your all-inclusive ticket.
There are even a few family-friendly events on New Year’s Eve in New Orleans! The Louisiana Children’s Museum will host its annual Countdown to Noon from 9:30a-2:30p on December 31st. Admission is only $5 per Member or $10 per non-Member. The Audubon Zoo also hosts a Noon Year’s Eve featuring live music, games and prizes. You can read more about those here.
The Allstate Sugar Bowl in New Orleans
Each year, New Orleans is fortunate enough to play host to the NCAA Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. This year it will be held on January 1st, per usual, and will feature University of Mississippi vs. Oklahoma State University. It is already sold out, but if you are coming in from out of town, you can find all the information you need including FanFest concerts and more here.
Transportation & Safety in New Orleans on New Year’s Eve
Security and safety is one of New Orleans’ primary goals for all citizens as well as visitors to the Big Easy. One of the most important things to remember is that it is never worth drinking alcohol and driving. Just because New Orleans is known for its not having an open container law does not mean that it is okay to be drink and drive. Besides putting yourself at risk for getting arrested for a DWI, you are putting your life and the life of your passengers and others at risk. There are a number of other options on how to get around New Orleans on New Year’s Eve.
In addition to the St. Charles Avenue and Canal Street Streetcar lines, the RTA also offers an extensive bus system. You can find the RTA map and schedules here. In addition, if you happen to be on the West Bank, the Algiers Point ferry will be open until after the fireworks are over.
If public transportation isn’t your thing, then consider calling a taxi or an Uber. Here is a short list of taxi companies in the greater New Orleans area. Although you may find that getting a taxi is hard, it may be worth the wait given that you must keep in mind about Uber’s Surge policy.
- United Cabs (504) 522-9771
- Nawlins Cab (504) 522-9059
- American Taxi (504) 299-0386
- Yellow Cab (504) 207-7777
- Veterans Cab (504) 367-6767
If you plan to walk around the city, make sure you are always in a well-lit area, with friends or family, and you know the area that you are in. Do not follow a stranger anywhere. Additionally, it is best to not bring your finest jewelry or belongings out with you on New Year’s Eve. Whether you plan to drink alcohol or not, you are safest when you don’t have someone that others might want.
What if I Get Arrested in New Orleans on New Year’s Eve?
If you happen to find yourself arrested in New Orleans on New Year’s Eve for a misdemeanor such as disturbing the peace, underage drinking, a simple marijuana crime, or public intoxication, consider calling a criminal defense attorney such as Crescent City Law, who can possibly offer a flat fee to ensure that your crime does not permanently scar your record or life. If you are booked for a DWI or sent to Central Lockup, you should immediately call an experienced criminal defense lawyer as this is a much more serious crime. The possible benefits and consequences of limited representation will be discussed during your free initial consultation with Crescent City Law, so give us a call as soon as possible at (504) 264-9492 or contact me through e-mail, Facebook or Twitter. Evening, weekend and off-site meetings are available so I will get back to you extremely soon.
Call (504) 264-9492 For Your Free Initial Consultation
Crescent City Law is here to help you if you think you have a case against your traffic tickets or parking ticket. Again, it is not likely we can get a reduced or dismissed parking ticket but you can give us a call at (504) 264-9492 to see if there is a case or you can e-mail us. We are available nights, weekends and off-site and have translators available in Spanish, French, Cantonese and Mandarin Chinese.
