Event Dates
From: Friday, November 13, 2026
To: Thursday, December 31, 2026
Gay Christmas &
New Year’s Eve in New Orleans 2026
New Orleans is the perfect place to celebrate Christmas and ring in the new year.
Gay Christmas & New Year's Eve in New Orleans 2026
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.
The Events
- From November 13th to December 31st 2026 – New Orleans hosts a series of festive events throuhgout the season from early November, kicking things off with a light festival and continuing the celebrations with holiday parades and an end-of-year firewworks extravaganza.
Krampus New Orleans
- Saturday 5th December, 2025 – 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.
Christmas Markets
- Longue Vue Free Family Sunday: Merry Market Edition – Holiday shopping with local artists, crafts, Santa photos, and festive gardens – Longue Vue House & Gardens
- Arts Council New Orleans Holiday Art Markets – Local gifts, photography, jewelry, ornaments, and more – Marsalis Harmony Park & City Park
- Christmas Market at Deutsches Haus – Arts, crafts, German treats, drinks, and live entertainment – Deutsches Haus
- Holiday Bake Sale and Gift Market – Seasonal sweets and unique gifts – Hotel Peter & Paul
- Paradigm Holiday Market & Brunch – Local vendors, plants, juices, cold brew, and brunch bites – Paradigm Gardens
- Little Flea: HOLA Holiday Edition – Vintage clothing, antiques, furniture, and textiles – Hotel Saint Vincent
- Bayou Wine Garden Holiday Art Market – Over 30 vendors with candles, ceramics, gourmet food, and vintage finds – Bayou Wine Garden
- The French Market – Year-round flea market with festive holiday décor and local art – French Quarter
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.
- Saturday 5th December, 2026 – 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, Typically the second weekend in November – 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.
Save on Hotels
Book your hotel in advance & save money
Book Now and Pay on arrival!
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.
Address: 130 Roosevelt Way, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Historic grand-hotel steps from the French Quarter.
- Elegant lobby, stylish rooms and marble bathrooms.
- Rooftop pool, spa and upscale dining on-site.
- Famous Sazerac Bar — ideal for cocktails and jazz-era ambiance.
- Great for travellers seeking comfort, history and central location.
- Website
Address: 300 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
- Luxury hotel on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter.
- Elegant rooms, some with balconys, others quiet & courtyard-facing.
- On-site pool, bars, restaurants, jazz club — full-service resort feel.
- Excellent location: walkable to nightlife, historic sites and transport.
- Good balance of historic charm and modern convenience for any stay.
- Website
Address: 100 Gravier St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
- Historic-style hotel with spacious, comfortable rooms.
- Pool deck, fitness center and on-site dining for added convenience.
- Calm and quiet interior despite central downtown location.
- Easy walking distance to French Quarter, nightlife and transport.
- Good choice for travellers wanting comfort and city access.
- Website
Address: 541 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
- Hotel on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter.
- Modern rooms with courtyard or street views.
- Outdoor pool and a relaxed bar on-site.
- Easy access to music, nightlife and dining.
- Good pick for a central, no-fuss stay.
- Website
Address: 830 Conti St, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Hotel in the French Quarter, steps from Bourbon Street.
- Clean, basic rooms with WiFi, AC and sometimes fridge, good value.
- On-site bar/restaurant (Bombay Club) + café for easy meals
- Friendly staff and convenient central location.
- Street noise possible at night if room faces busy areas.
- Website
Address: 626 Saint Ann St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
- Historic French-Quarter hotel with classic charm.
- Calm courtyard spaces and small outdoor pool.
- Simple, comfortable rooms with useful amenities.
- Friendly team and reliable, relaxed atmosphere.
- Steps from Jackson Square, cafés and nightlife.
- Website
Address: 801 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
- Gay bar & club on Bourbon Street with two floors.
- Downstairs: video-bar vibe; upstairs: dance floor + balcony.
- Drag shows, go-go dancers, video nights, themed parties.
- Inclusive mixed LGBTQ+ crowd and welcoming atmosphere.
- Top pick for late-night fun, dancing, meeting people.
- Open: Mon–Sat 12pm–5am, Sun 12pm–3am
- Website
Address: 2513 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70117, USA
- Gay dive-bar on Royal St in Marigny, New Orleans.
- Dim, unpretentious vibe with pool table and jukebox.
- Cheap strong drinks, friendly bartenders and regulars.
- Mixed crowd of locals, gay men and travelers.
- Great for casual drinks or a quiet night out.
- Open: Mon–Sun 10:00am–3:00am
Address: 718 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
- Gay bar with a relaxed, dive-bar feel.
- Dim lighting, wooden bar and cheap strong drinks.
- Local regulars mixed with visitors from the Quarter.
- Good for conversation, casual drinks and low-key nights.
- A simple, friendly stop away from Bourbon Street noise.
- Open: 24/7
Address: 1328 St Bernard Ave, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
- Gay bar in New Orleans with dive-bar + music-club vibe.
- Live bands, DJs and underground-style nightlife events.
- Mixed crowd of locals, queer community and party-goers.
- Casual, unpretentious atmosphere, strong drinks & outdoor space.
- Good for late-night partying, music and social nights out
- Open: Mon–Thu 8pm–4am · Fri–Sat 8pm–6am · Sun 8pm–4am
Address: 2240 St. Claude Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117, USA
- Gay lounge and cabaret with drag, burlesque and live shows.
- Cabaret/theater upstairs + bar/lounge downstairs for drinks.
- Mixed gay crowd, nightlife locals and performance-arts fans.
- Affordable drinks, regular events and relaxed vibe.
- Good for nights of shows, cocktails or low-key partying.
- Open: Daily 6pm–2am
- Website
Address: 800 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
- Gay dance club on Bourbon Street, French Quarter.
- Two floors: dance floor + balcony for people-watching.
- Drag shows, go-go dancers & DJs nightly.
- Mostly gay men, party-goers and travelers.
- Energetic nightlife spot with classic gay-club vibe.
- Open: Mon–Wed 6pm–4am, Thu–Sun 12pm–4am
Address: 2021 Foucher St, New Orleans, LA 70115, USA
- Gay bar uptown with a small-town, dive-bar feel.
- Casual, cozy interior — low-key atmosphere.
- Affordable drinks, daily specials and friendly bartenders.
- Mixed crowd: locals, regulars and gay visitors.
- Nice spot for relaxed drinks instead of club chaos.
- Open: Mon–Thu 4:30pm–12am,
- Fri–Sat 4:30pm–1am, Sun 4:30pm–12am
Address: 2301 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70117, USA
- Gay dive-bar in Marigny with laid-back, welcoming vibe.
- Wrap-around bar, pool table, jukebox and casual seating.
- Cheap drinks and friendly staff make it easy to relax or socialise.
- Mixed crowd of locals, travellers and LGBTQ regulars.
- Good for chill nights, pre-party drinks or quiet hang-outs.
- Open: Mon–Thu 12pm–2am, Fri–Sun 11am–2am
Address: 634 Louisa Street, New Orleans, LA 70117, USA
- Upscale bar-restaurant with a clothing-optional pool.
- Creative cocktails and refined Creole-leaning food.
- Garden, cabanas and relaxed daytime pool vibe.
- Weekend drag brunch draws an LGBTQ crowd.
- A chic mixed venue in the Bywater.
- Open: Mon–Fri 10am–11pm, Sat–Sun 9:30am–11pm
Address: 901 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
- Gay bar claiming to be the oldest continuously operating in the USA.
- Downstairs dive-bar vibe + upstairs Balcony Bar for people-watching.
- Frequent drag, music, dancing and welcoming LGBTQ crowd.
- Historic spot on Bourbon St with long legacy & lively nightlife.
- Great for cocktails, late-night fun & nights out during festivals.
- Open: Daily 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Address: 740 Burgundy St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
- Gay leather-bar in the French Quarter for cruising, drinks.
- Pool table, jukebox, leather crowd and dive-bar ambiance.
- Strong drinks, happy hours and occasional karaoke or themed nights.
- Mixed-age men’s crowd — bears, leather, locals & travelers.
- Raw, unpolished nightlife spot a classic leather-bar experience.
- Open: Wed–Sun 1 pm–3 am (bar may be closed Mon–Tue)
- Website
Address: 740 Dauphine St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
- Gay bar in the French Quarter with two floors and local-bar charm.
- Downstairs bar with pool, TV screens and casual drinks.
- Upstairs balcony pub gives a quieter, laid-back vibe.
- Friendly staff, affordable drinks, welcoming regulars and visitors.
- Good mix of chill atmospheres & lively party nights when events hit.
- Open: 24 h / day (open continuously)
Address: 940 St. Louis St, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Gay bar in the French Quarter with dive-bar + dance-show vibe.
- Pool table, bar, nightly go-go dancers and drag-show energy.
- Affordable drinks, strong happy-hour specials and friendly service.
- Mixed crowd of gay men, travellers and nightlife regulars.
- Good for casual drinks, drag nights or full party-mode late evenings.
- Open: Mon–Sun 12pm–2am
Address: 834 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
- Gay bar in the French Quarter with cocktail-bar energy.
- Cozy brick courtyard, full bar and easy-going indoor vibe.
- Drag shows, karaoke or “Boylesque” nights several times a month.
- Welcoming crowd of locals, tourists and regulars alike.
- Good for relaxed drinks or a low-key night out rather than club night.
- Open: Sun–Thu 11am–2am, Fri–Sat 11am–3am
Address: 1012 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
- Gay bar/restaurant with cocktails, food and drag/tea-dance events.
- Stylish interior + courtyard for relaxed drinks or nights out.
- Menu with tacos, burgers, shared plates and affordable drinks.
- Mix of locals and travellers, open to LGBTQ+ community.
- Served as casual hangout or pre-party spot rather than full nightclub.
- Open: Mon–Sun from 3pm closing 1am (varied depending on events)
Address: 941 Elysian Fields Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117, USA
- Gay leather and bear bar with a tough, classic dive feel.
- Two floors with a pool table and a relaxed patio space.
- Regular leather, bear and fetish nights for men.
- Strong drinks and a crowd that’s easy to meet.
- Long-running spot for late nights and social energy.
- Open: 24/7 (always open)
- Website
Address: 1239 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
- Gay bar on Royal St with long local history.
- Famous as the birthplace of Southern Decadence.
- Casual dive-bar mood with strong cocktails.
- Regular drag and easygoing crowd.
- Good spot for cheap drinks and meeting people.
- Open: 24 hours / 7 days a week (always open)
- Website
Address: 439 Dauphine St, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Gay bar in the French Quarter with relaxed vibe and comfort food.
- Steampunk-inspired décor, pool table, screens and casual seating.
- Popular for burgers, drinks and laid-back socialising.
- Friendly service, mix of locals and visitors from around the world
- Good for chill nights, meals /post-party drinks without club chaos.
- Open: Mon–Sun 7:00 am–1:00 am (last orders around 1am)
Address: 940 Elysian Fields Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117, USA
- Gay bar in Marigny with drag shows and party nights.
- Casual dive-bar vibe plus lively performances and cocktails.
- Welcoming staff, mixed crowd of locals and travellers.
- Linked to guest-house accommodation — handy for visitors.
- Good for nights out when you want shows and easygoing nightlife.
- Open: Mon–Tue 11am–1am · Wed–Thu 10am–2am ·
- Fri–Sat 10 am–4am · Sun 10am–2am
Address: 542 North Rampart Street, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Gay bar in the French Quarter on 542 N Rampart St.
Black-owned and local-community oriented.
Pool table, jukebox, relaxed dive-bar vibe and affordable drinks.
Mixed crowd of locals and LGBTQ visitors.
Good spot for laid-back nights & after-hours drinks. - Open: Mon–Thu 5 pm–3 am | Fri–Sun 3 pm–3 am
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.
Other Events in November
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Jack-O-Lantern-Spectacular-Louisville-3.jpg
370
800
Andrew Stevens
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/logo-gt4u.png
Andrew Stevens2021-04-21 17:29:262026-03-13 17:30:10Jack O' Lantern Spectacular Louisville
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Day-of-the-Dead-Mexico-5.jpg
370
800
Andrew Stevens
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/logo-gt4u.png
Andrew Stevens2017-04-08 14:16:452025-11-17 16:10:21Day of the Dead Mexico Dia de los Muertos
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/day-of-the-dead-halloween-puerto-vallarta-4.jpg
370
800
admin
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/logo-gt4u.png
admin2020-10-20 15:28:042025-11-03 13:59:51Halloween Puerto Vallarta
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Key-West-Bear-Weekend-5.jpg
370
800
Andrew Stevens
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/logo-gt4u.png
Andrew Stevens2018-07-13 16:50:502025-11-03 15:01:29Key West Bear Weekend
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/gay-pride-taipei-taiwan-1.jpg
370
800
admin
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/logo-gt4u.png
admin2014-11-04 19:23:332025-10-27 13:02:32Taiwan Gay PrideLatest Gay Travel News
Gay Pride CalendarThursday, Apr 9th, 2026 - 5:01 pmDiscover our list of the top 200+ pride events from around the world! From Athens to Zurich, Berlin to Washington DC.
- The Top Gay Parties to attend This Memorial Day WeekendSunday, Apr 5th, 2026 - 2:48 pm
Gay Memorial Day Weekend brings with it the start of the Summer season. From Dallas to Pensacola, Puerto Vallarta and beyond. Where next?
- Bear events not to miss in 2026Sunday, Mar 22nd, 2026 - 7:28 pm
Check out our top 130+ bear events for 2025! From the lagoons in Iceland to the beaches of Sitges, bear weeks and festivals are becoming more popular!
Follow us on Facebook
