Event Dates
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Gay Christmas &
New Year’s Eve in New Orleans 2025
New Orleans is the perfect place to celebrate Christmas and ring in the new year.
Gay Christmas & New Year’s Eve in New Orleans 2025
New Orleans is the perfect place to celebrate Christmas and ring in the new year, from gala dinners to all-night parties, street celebrations and more.
- Are you visiting New Orleans for New Year’s Eve? Stay at the stunning Virgin Hotels New Orleans, rated “Superb” by guests and host of official pool parties, beautifully decorated rooms and great location.
Krampus New Orleans
- Awaiting dates – Krampus knows when you’ve been naughty, and he doesn’t care if you’ve been nice. The Krewe of Krampus returns with the largest Krampus parade in America, full of all sorts of Christmas monsters and characters.
- The Sisters of SHHH, the Y’ules, and our two new troupes, the Barbegazi and Dance of the Edelweiss, will all be there, so beware.
Holiday Parades
- In New Orleans, there’s never a bad time for a parade. And when it comes to holiday parading, there’s no better way to celebrate than with the New Orleans Holiday Parade and Jingle on the Boulevard parades.
- Put on your Santa hat and watch floats, reindeer, stilt performers, snowmen, and fantastic live jazz musicians stroll by.
- Typically the first Saturday of December – Holiday Parade – The French Market through Downtown, ending with a holiday experience and concert in Lafayette Square from 1–3 pm!
- Typically the last Saturday before Christmas Day at noon – Jingle on the Boulevard – Jingle on the Boulevard celebrates the holiday season throughout New Orleans East by highlighting the local retailers, restaurants, and shops along its trail. Follow along as the parade rolls down Crowder Boulevard to Haynes Boulevard, making its way to Read Boulevard and strolling to Lake Forest Plaza.
Luna Fete
- Awaiting dates – LUNA Fête is a free and public interactive light festival held at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center Pedestrian Park.
- This attraction is the perfect place to make new and cherished holiday memories, featuring innovative light and projection art, jaw-dropping visuals, and colourful performances. The event also features local food, drink and craft vendors serving the best regional flavours and ingenuity. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind holiday experience.
NYE Countdown Jackson Square
- For the biggest party in the city, head to Jackson Square for the annual NYE countdown.
- The Quarter is packed with festive partygoers eager to countdown the arrival of the new year.
- Just as New York has the Ball drop, New Orleans has the Fleur De Lis drop, followed by fireworks over the Mississippi.
- Events kick off at 10 pm with live music and shows. Arrive early.
- Jackson Square is a historic and iconic meeting space in New Orleans and is always a hub for local events.
- Check out the best places to stay and grab a hotel deal in the French Quarter; just a two-minute walk from the square.
Fireworks Viewing Points
- Crescent Park offers fantastic views along the Mississippi, giving visitors an excellent view of the annual fireworks show.
- The park stays open until 1 am for the New Year’s eve celebrations and can be accessed via Bywater and Faubourg Marigny.
- Those looking to see the display against the New Orleans skyline can take the Algiers/Canal Street ferry to Algiers Point.
Allstate Sugar Bowl Parade
- The New Year’s eve parade is a Mardi Gras style parade kicking off at 2 pm on New Year’s Eve.
- The parade begins at the “bottom” of the Quarter, where it meets Faubourg Marigny at Elysian Fields Avenue and Decatur Street intersection.
- It moves through the French Quarter, past some of that neighbourhood’s most iconic landmarks, including the French Market and Jackson Square.
- Events culminate with a two-minute finale show on Decatur Street at 3 pm.
- The offbeat Marigny district is known for its Cajun bistros, bohemian bars and jazz clubs, especially along Frenchmen Street.
Gay NYE Parties in New Orleans.
- NYE at The Bourbon Pub Parade – Two Floors, the party kicks off at 4 pm and until 2 am. Hosted by Aubery Sinclaire with DJ Liz, Chris Allen, and Bill Hincks, complete with a Cash Balloon Drop at Midnight.
- The Phoneix – New Year’s Eve kicks off at 9 pm with the Men of Onyx Beer Bust, followed by music all night long with DJ Sammy Jo.
- OZ Bar – Events kick off at 5 pm with “Dance Bitches Dance”, followed by Drag Bingeaux at 6.30 pm and Misc4Misc counting down the New Year.
- Stay close to all the gay parties along Bourbon Street at the Hotel St.Marie rated “Fabulous” by guests just steps from all the events.
Drag Shows
- True to New Orleans’ spirit, the Drage scene is a melting pot of queer culture, with stage acts blending the lines between the worlds of Drag and Burlesque.
- The Sisters of Saint Claude – Held bi-weekly on Fridays at 10 pm at The Allways Lounge & Cabaret, The Sisters of St. Claude is a Drag and Burlesque variety revue featuring a rotation of local favourites and special guests!
- Freaky Friday at Oz – Drag show hosted by Ivy Dripp and JoJo (with DJ Tim Pflueger) features acts that celebrate glam and horror! The show is 21+, and tickets are $5 at the door.
- You can find The Country Club’s infamous drag brunch on Saturdays and Sundays at 10 am & 1 pm Featuring classic drag acts; one thing is for sure: you’ll want to plan ahead, as these brunches get booked up to several months in advance.
Recommended Hotels in New Orleans
The best place to stay is in the French quarter, which is where you will find most of the gay bars and clubs,
Here are the hotels we recommend that have good reviews and keep you close to all the action
The Roosevelt Hotel, Omni Royal, Royal Sonesta Hotel, French Market Inn.
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Where we stay!
The Hotel Monteleone is where we stay
in New Orleans, close to all the gay bars.
Official Website
For information and advice on
Christmas and New Year’s Website
Gay Map of New Orleans
If you want to be close to all of New Orleans famous attractions, including the top gay-nightlife options in the city, the French Quarter remains the hub of where to stay, with dozens of hotels of all types and grades.. Adjacent to the Quarter and just downriver, you’ll find a number of gay-friendly smaller properties in historic and trendy Faubourg Marigny, which is also home to several gay-popular restaurants and bars.
130 Roosevelt Way, New Orleans, LA 70112
This 5-star hotel in is a 15-minute walk to Jackson Square. The elegant hotel features The Rooftop Bar, a full-service spa and rooms with a 42-inch flat-screen TV.
Guest rooms at The Roosevelt offer stylish décor and luxury amenities. Bathrobes and a 14-inch TV are offered in the bathroom and each room has a minibar.
300 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Located in the historic on Bourbon Street, Royal Sonesta Hotel New Orleans offers accommodation with an outdoor pool, multiple bars, and a jazz club. The hotel is decorated with modern art and offers several on-site dining options.
Complimentary WiFi, a flat-screen TV and a refrigerator are included in all rooms at this New Orleans Royal Sonesta. Each room includes a seating area, safe and private bathroom. Some rooms offer a balcony overlooking Bourbon Street or the pool. Extras include bathrobes and luxury toiletries.
621 St Louis St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Located on the most fashionable corner, St. Louis at Royal, the hotel has received the 4-diamond luxury award for the past 27 years and has earned the Pinnacle Award for meeting services.
Whether you’re visiting for work or play, you’re in company – the is truly the place to see and be seen.
541 Bourbon St New Orleans, LA 70112
This boutique hotel is located on in the center of ’ . It features an outdoor pool surrounded by a tropical courtyard and a bar.
All guest rooms at Four Points by Sheraton French Quarter have views of the courtyard or French Quarter and feature a flat-screen TV and minibar. The spacious rooms are elegantly decorated with wood furniture.
509 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Situated in the , this hotel was built in the 1800s and provides simple rooms with coffee facilities. Guests are a 5-minute walk from Jackson Square.
Each air-conditioned room at the provides a desk and cable TV. The rooms include carpeted floors and exposed brick walls.
830 Conti StNew Orleans, LA 70112
Steps from Bourbon Street and the Aquarium of the Americas, this hotel is located in the French Quarter of New Orleans and offers 24-hour concierge service and an on-site restaurant.
Prince Conti Hotel features completely non-smoking guestrooms with convenient coffeemakers.
625 St Ann StNew Orleans, LA 70116
Situated in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Place D'Armes provides accommodation in a historic hotel and rooms with exposed brick walls. Popular points of interest nearby include St Louis Cemetery No 1, Bourbon Street and Morial Convention Center. Free WiFi available.
All units in the hotel are fitted with a TV, seating area and complimentary toiletries.
234 Loyola Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112
This air-conditioned apartment features free WiFi, the kitchen features a dishwasher, a living room with a flat-screen TV with streaming TV options and local channels are available. Other facilities at this two-bedroom apartment include a fitness centre.
822 Perdido St, New Orleans, LA 70112
All units feature a cable flat-screen TV and iPod docking station. Units include a seating and/or dining area. The kitchen is equipped with a dishwasher, Every unit comes with a private bathroom with a bath or shower, free toiletries, & a washing machine
127 Carondelet St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Featuring accommodation with free WiFi, air conditioning and flat-screen TV, Bourbon Place I Sextant is situated 500 m from Bourbon Street and 700 m from St Louis Cemetery No 1. metered parking and a garage parking close to the property.
1111 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112
All units here are air-conditioned and feature a flat-screen TV, a living room with a sofa bed, a well-equipped kitchen with a dining area, and a private bathroom with shower, a hairdryer and free toiletries. A dishwasher, a microwave and fridge.
801 Bourbon StNew Orleans, LA 70116
The Bourbon Pub Parade is New Orleans' largest gay bar and nightclub that welcomes everyone. We are simply the place to be! Big gay bar with 3 bars & a dance floor always busy
2240 St Claude Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117
Alternative theater & gay bar putting on live entertainment, burlesque cabaret shows including Burlesque Bingo with Lefty Lucy and jock strap lube wrestling
800 Bourbon StNew Orleans, LA 70116
New Orleans Premier Gay Dance Club and the GAA Dance Club & Show Bar One of the best gay night clubs in town
901 Bourbon StNew Orleans, LA 70116
Cafe Lafitte in Exile is the oldest Gay Bar in North America. It is multilevel venue with out door seating and wrap around balcony that allows sweeping view of world famous Bourbon St. and beyond.
740 Burgundy StNew Orleans, LA 70116
The French Quarter's seediest Gay Bar. Come thirstier than ever, and ready for a GOOD time!
740 Dauphine StNew Orleans, LA 70116
Popular and relaxed gay bar, Good Friends Bar is a multi level venue designed for a causal night on the town or a quite evening with that special someone or group of friends.
940 St Louis StNew Orleans, LA 70112
Where the Boys are dancing nightly on the bar!
The Corner Pocket is your basic neighborhood bar during the day and early evening. Crowds flock to the club 7 nights a week beginning at 9pm to see the latest dancin' boys the bar has cornered for its stable.
834 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116
Grand Pre's is the LGBTQ Cheers of the French Quarter. It's a friendly bar without big city prices
1012 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116
From the owners of the 700 Club comes a new bar, restaurant, courtyard, and event space to welcome the gay community and their allies. Along with a beautifully renovated building, we also bring a brand new menu that celebrates elevated bar favorites from around the world and adds healthy options to the French Quarter. Our full bar includes local beers and a wide selection of wine on tap as well as delicious daiquiris and craft cocktails.
941 Elysian Fields Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117
Gay bar catering to the leather crowd provides a no-frills 24/7 hangout with a pool table.
734 Bourbon StZNew Orleans, LA 70116
Gay lounge bar Bourbon Street's Premier Bar for Specialty Craft Cocktails & Never a cover charge. Famous for Mojito's, Bloody Mary's, Hurricanes, and the cleanest bathrooms on Bourbon St.
700 Burgundy St, New Orleans, LA 70116
Locally owned, LGBTQ tavern with pub grub, regular drag shows & outdoor tables.
1239 Royal StNew Orleans, LA 70116
Established in 1964, The Golden Lantern has maintained its reputation of being one of the best neighborhood gay bars in the quarter.
439 Dauphine St, New Orleans, LA 70112
Crossing is a neighborhood gay video bar in the historic Vieux Carré.
940 Elysian Fields Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117
New Orleans entertainment destination for Drag Shows, Male Revues, Cold Daiquiris, and more
542 N Rampart St New Orleans, LA 70112
New Orleans' Number One Black Owned Gay Bar
Recommended Hotels in New Orleans By Booking
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in New Orleans that keep you close to all the shops, restaurants & bars
The Roosevelt Hotel
5 Star, Luxury
- 5 Star – Lovely Rooftop Bar, Full-Service Spa
- A short walk to the gay bars
- 42-inch TV, luxury amenities
- Elegant 5-star hotel, 15 minutes to Jackson Square, with a rooftop bar, fully equipped spa, and luxurious rooms.
Omni Royal, 4 Star
Sophisticated & Stylish
- 4 Star – 4-Diamond Luxury, Pinnacle Award Winner
- Close to the gay district
- Fashionable corner location
- On St. Louis at Royal, offers 4-diamond luxury, award-winning meeting services, and sophisticated style.
Royal Sonesta, 4 Star
Right on Bourbon Street
- 4 Star – On Bourbon Street, Outdoor Pool
- Close to the gay district
- WiFi, flat-screen TV, refrigerator
- In the French Quarter, offers accommodation with an outdoor pool, bars, jazz club, and modern art.
French Market Inn
3 Star Central Location
- 3 Star – Located in an Historic 1800s Building
- Close to the gay district
- Coffee facilities, air-conditioned
- Historic hotel in the French Quarter, built in the 1800s, simple rooms with coffee facilities and a short walk from Jackson Square.
Video Christmas & NYE in New Orleans
A taste of what to expect in the Big Easy
Top Gay Neighbourhoods in New Orleans
New Orleans doesn’t have distinct gay neighbourhoods in the same way as some other cities like West Hollywood or Chelsea in New York City. However, the city is known for being LGBTQ+ friendly, and you’ll find gay-friendly establishments and events scattered throughout various neighbourhoods, especially along Bourbon Street in the French Quarter.
French Quarter | Home to Bourbon Street
Photo: Laissez les bons temps rouler! Bourbon Street is at the heart of Gay NOLA.
- The French Quarter is the historic heart of New Orleans and is located along the Mississippi River.
- Famous for its lively nightlife and vibrant atmosphere along Bourbon Street and the legendary Oz and Bourbon Parade Pub.
- The quarter is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in New Orleans and is known for its distinctive Spanish and French Creole architecture.
- Discover the best things to see and do in the French Quarter
Marigny
Downriver from the French Quarter with colourful, eclectic houses & a vibrant arts scene along Frenchman St.
Bywater
East of the Marigny and close to Crescent Park with stunning views of the River and the NOLA skyline.
Warehouse District
Known as the Arts District, perfect for art enthusiasts & museum-goers with trendy restaurants & boutique hotels.
Downtown
The CBD offers easy access to Bourbon Street and a variety of dining options, shops, and cultural attractions.
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