10 Things to Do in New Orleans January 2023
When you find yourself in New Orleans for the new year, you’ll also find lots of ways to have a great time. January in NOLA boasts an assortment of activities and experiences so you can start 2023 with a bang.
Carnival starts on January 6th in New Orleans, which means lots of king cakes, Mardi Gras madness, and parades. There are Comic-Con, Miss Universe, and Pelicans games and tasty Gumbo to warm you up on cold days. You can also attend various performances at the historic Saenger Theatre.
If you need help planning your itinerary for January in New Orleans, look no further. Here are 10 excellent ways to experience the Big Easy.
1. Celebrate New Year’s in NOLA
Ring in the New Year with fireworks on the river, parties, music, laser shows, and fantastic food. New Orleans showcases ways to celebrate for everyone. Listen to incredible music at Tipitina’s, see the Allstate Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Day, or take the Kids to Zoo Year’s Eve.
2. Kick Off Carnival on January 6th
People from all over the world come to New Orleans to celebrate Mardi Gras. But Mardi Gras is just one day in a festive and colorful carnival season. The celebration begins on King’s day, January 6th, with special parties, parades, and traditions.
3. Attend The Fan Expo (Comic Con) New Orleans January 6th – 8th
The annual Fan Expo (previously Comic Con) takes place from January 6th to 8th at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Hear from guest celebrities like Sam Raimi, Grace van Dien, Bonnie Wright, Sean Astin, and many more. Get your Fan Expo 2023 tickets and everything else you need to prepare for this mega event.
4. Go to a Pelicans Game
The New Orleans Pelicans are in full swing in January, with six home games. Get tickets and find out more info by checking out the Smoothie King Center’s website.
5. Bring on the King Cake
When Carnival begins, so does King Cake season. You don’t want to leave New Orleans without trying a few pieces of this traditional sweet treat. King cake abounds at restaurants, grocery stores, and bakeries throughout the city. Or visit the King Cake Hub for an assortment of some of the best of the best.
6. Visit the Jazz Museum and Cigar Box Guitar Festival
New Orleans holds tons of festivals every year. You could say they have a fest for everything, including handmade stringed instruments. This unique event showcases over 40 impressive performances featuring, you guessed it, cigar box guitars. The event takes place at the incredible New Orleans Jazz Museum, which is also worth exploring.
7. Attend a Performance at the Saenger Theatre
Get tickets for one of the many upcoming performances at the Saenger Theatre. This historic theatre showcases touring theatrical productions, concerts, and much more. Some of the highlights in January include Jesus Christ Superstar, The Temptations and The Four Tops, and comedian Louis C.K.
8. Warm Up with Some Gumbo
It might not get cold often in New Orleans. Still, January is one of the colder months in the Big Easy. Warm up your taste buds and soul with some satisfying, down-home gumbo, a true classic. Some top spots to find this popular local favorites are the Gumbo Shop and Dooky Chase. You can also learn to cook classic New Orleans dishes while you’re in town.
9. Check Out the Miss Universe Pageant on January 14th
New Orleans hosts Miss Universe in 2023, and you can be a part of the experience, held at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. The event takes place on January 14th and features roughly 90 women from around the world competing for the title of Miss Universe.
10. Create a Mardi Gras Headpiece at the Louisiana State Museum
Get a different perspective on Mardi Gras through beautiful costumes and colorful headpieces. Then design and make your own masterpiece during the Costume Tour and Headdress Workshop.
Need even more suggestions for your January vacation in New Orleans? The knowledgeable and friendly concierge services at our charming New Orleans hotels can give you unique ideas, suggest walking tours, and answer all your questions.
