There is simply no better place to kick off the new year than Louisiana. Trust us: Louisianans know how to throw a party, and there are many wonderful New Year’s Eve celebrations happening in all corners of the state. Whether you want to celebrate with the kids, good friends, or the special someone in your life, the perfect New Year’s Eve celebration is waiting for you in Louisiana. End 2018 with a bang, and start off 2019 right at one of these phenomenal New Year’s Eve parties or events.

New Orleans

New Orleans is Louisiana’s party capital. It’s probably no surprise that this is one of the best places in the state to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Every year, there is a huge party in historic Jackson Square, where festive party goers gather to celebrate and count down to the New Year. The Jackson Square celebration is New Orleans’ answer to the Times Square Ball Drop in New York City. At midnight, there is a giant fleur-de-lis drop followed by fireworks, live music, and general merriment. Though the event is free, the square can get pretty crowded, so we recommend showing up early.

If you are looking for something a little more family friendly, consider paying a visit to the Louisiana Children’s Museum. Every year, they host the Countdown to Noon, a fun-filled celebration featuring games and entertainment the entire family can enjoy. You and the kids can even get into the holiday spirit by crafting your own festive hats and noisemakers. When noon rolls around, there will be a balloon and confetti drop and soda-pop toast. The museum will also be open so the kids can explore its various interactive exhibits and displays. The event lasts from 9:30 am until 3:00 pm. Early registration is recommended.

The Audubon Zoo also hosts a “Zoo Year’s Eve” celebration from 10:30 am until 12:30 pm, complete with live music, games and prizes, a countdown to noon, and sparkling apple cider toast. This is a great way to celebrate with the whole family in one of the country’s top-rated zoos. Don’t let your little party animals miss out on the fun of New Year’s Eve. This way you can celebrate New Year’s Eve as a family during the day and then treat yourselves to a romantic evening for two. New Orleans is filled with many world-class restaurants perfect for a delicious and intimate candlelight dinner. Just make sure to reserve a table in advance.

 

Baton Rouge

If you find yourself in Baton Rouge over the New Year holiday, consider attending the Red Stick Revelry. Bring your kids during the day for a variety of family-friendly fun and games. If it will just be you and your sweetheart, take a romantic champagne stroll and trolley ride through scenic downtown Baton Rouge. Once night falls, there will be live music performances and mind-blowing 3D laser light shows. When the countdown to the New Year begins, the lasers will be joined by a spectacular fireworks display culminating in the giant Red Stick dropping to ring in 2019.

Lafayette

Lafayette also hosts a kid-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration at the Children’s Museum of Acadiana. From 10:00 am until 2:00 pm, the whole family can celebrate with a variety of games and activities before the confetti and prize ball drops at noon. This is also a great excuse to experience the wonderful Children’s Museum, where you will find a variety of exhibits, such as a grocery store, dentist office, and art studio, that encourage hands-on learning and curious interaction with the world.

Natchitoches

Natchitoches is a historic town in Northwestern Louisiana. Natchitoches may be small, but their New Year’s Eve celebration is hard to beat. Take a leisurely walk or drive through Downtown to explore more than 300,000 sparkling Christmas lights before heading to Cane River Lake to see over 100 other magnificent seasonal displays. At the end of the day, there will be a free fireworks display over the water.

Planning a trip to Louisiana this holiday season? Book a stay at one of the Louisiana Bed & Breakfast Association's many charming properties located in all corners of the state.