Many cities around the country are incredibly calm during the first month of the year. However, the Big Easy never settles down. It doesn’t matter if you’re a local or a tourist; there are many things to do this January in New Orleans. Take advantage of one of the most fantastic months and enjoy the weather outside!
Things to do January in New Orleans
1. Twelfth Night
Kick-off carnival season! The first day of the carnival is Twelfth right and starts with three different parades.
Phunny Phorty Phellows will ride the streetcar from uptown to Canal Street at 7:00 pm.
Krewe of Joan of Arc parade goes from Jax Brewery in the French Quarter at 7:00 pm.
Société des Champs Elysée parade starts at 7:30pm on Rampart Street going to the CBD.
When: January 6
2. Commemoration of the Battle of New Orleans
This ceremony takes place each year at the monument at Chalmette Battlefield. It honors the troops of the Battle of New Orleans with different events such as crafts and cooking demos, weapons firing, and military drills.
When: January 8
3. Pardi-Gras
Pardi Gras has been celebrated since 1997. It’s held annually at the French Quarter and features special happy hours, pub crawl, and live music performances on Bourbon Street. It’s open to the public in general!
When: January 16 through 19
4. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
NOLA city throws a block party on January 20 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at two different venues: Al Davis Park and Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard.
When: January 20
5. Eat King Cake like there’s no tomorrow
King Cake Season is here! You’ll find this traditional cake in many stores and bakeries from January 6.
When: After January 6
6. Danny Barker Banjo and Guitar Festival
This festival pays homage to the well-known musician. Tickets for different events are now on sale on their official website. The events feature a master class, film screenings, patron parties, a birthday bash, and brass band parades.
When: January 12-15
7. Crystal shops
Start the year with the best vibes. Visit crystal shops around New Orleans and balance your energy with their different magical products, stones, gems, and jewelry. We’ve got a whole list of places you need to see here.
Featured image by Gema Duran from Shutterstock.