LA Fire Marshal offers New Year fireworks safety tips

 By Teiko Foxx

If you plan to start the New Year with a bang, the State Fire Marshal’s Office wants to remind you of some simple tips regarding fireworks safety.

Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says the first thing you should do is to make sure there are no fireworks restrictions in your parish.

“Make sure wherever it is you are planning to pop fireworks that it’s legal to do so. There are different roles, different laws in different parts of our state,” she said.

Rodrigue says it’s best to attend a public display where professionals are handling the pyrotechnics.

“Make sure wherever you’re setting up your fireworks to be set off that it is at least 200 feet away from structures, people who are watching, vehicles, any type of environment or objects that are easily set ablaze,” she said.

Rodrigue suggests having a water source nearby in case of any type of emergency or fire. Also, do not pop fireworks when impaired because it slows your reaction time. She reminds adults to never give children fireworks, even sparklers.

“Don’t allow children to play or use fireworks even with a parent present at all. It’s best to give them some alternative options like glow sticks or glow little items like necklaces and bracelets,” said Rodrigue.

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — The holidays have arrived in Greater New Orleans, and local law enforcement agencies want to make sure residents get home safely after festive celebrations.

While making your holiday plans, officials with the St. Tammany Parish and St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s offices are reminding residents of their efforts to curb impaired driving throughout the season.

Holiday travel at MSY going smoothly

St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Randy Smith said his office is participating in the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign and is increasing patrols to “target impaired drivers.”

Smith said the STPSO is also offering free rides home to people in St. Tammany Parish who cannot get a sober ride home.

“If you know you’re going to be drinking alcohol, have a plan. Get a designated driver, call a cab or arrange for a lift from a rideshare company. If you have exhausted all resources and cannot find a way to get home, call the STPSO. We will provide you a safe ride home,” Smith said.

STPSO officials said those who don’t live in the parish can still contact deputies who will work with them to find a safe way to get home.

St. Tammany Parish residents looking to use the service can call (985)-898-2338 through New Year’s Day.

St. Charles Parish Sheriff Greg Champagne said the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office is also offering parish residents free rides home this holiday season.

Champagne said anyone who consumed alcohol and needs a safe ride home in St. Charles Parish can call (985)-783-6807 through New Year’s Day.

The St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office is also bringing back its “Holiday Ride Home” program, where parish residents can call the sheriff’s office at (504)-271-2501 for a free, no questions asked ride home through Jan. 2.

NOLA Christmas Fest Returns December 2023

By: Abby Palopoli

THE JOYS OF CHRISTMAS IN NOLA

Coming this December is the 10th Anniversary of a classic New Orleans holiday attraction. Nola ChristmasFest, presented by Coca-Cola, will be hosted in the New Orleans Convention Center from December 30. There will be dining options such as Mrs. Claus's Sweet Shop, Mistletoe Grill, and Polar Pub filled with holiday treats.

"For 10 years, families, friends and neighbors have gathered at the Convention Center to share in the holiday season together and create cherished memories," said Michael J. Sawaya, Convention Center President and CEO, in a press release.

"As we reflect on the past 10 years, we look forward to hosting this holiday tradition each year, and welcome everyone to celebrate the spirit of the season with us," said Sawaya, in a press release.

At Christmas Fest, locals and visitors can enjoy several activities that are filled with holiday cheer. This years event features a brand new ice rink, a gingerbread village, Santa and friends visits, ice slides, and entertainment everyone can enjoy. The rides, Jolly Jingler and Big Blast Blizzard, are returning this year along with other carnival rides for all ages.

Skating with Santa will be returning on Friday, December 22 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. For this special event, guests can enjoy doughnuts, coffee, and hot cocoa as they skate with Santa. All of this will take place before doors open for entry to the regular session of the day. A separate ticket purchase is required for Skating with Santa.

Each day opens at 11 a.m., closes at 3:30 p.m. for an hour, and then reopens at 4:30 p.m. until 9 p.m.

Tickets for Nola ChristmasFest

Tickets are available for purchase on weekdays for $25 and $30 on Saturdays and Sundays. Ticket purchases are valid for a single admission on the specific day and session selected and each session lasts four and a half hours. Tickets are available online for both NOLA Christmas Fest and Skating with Santa. For guests under the age of 18, a parent or guardian is required for admission. The event is credit card only for tickets and concession purchases. The ParkMobile app can be used to reserve parking spaces.

If you love the stage and you'd like to get involved, apply to become a volunteer entertainer. As a volunteer, you'd receive complimentary admission to the festival and you'd be provided with technical support, sound, and stage lighting.

DEFINITIONSWhat does "diachronic" mean?

A medical disease

Being out of sync

Chronic pain

Studying time related changes

514 Frenchmen St. , New Orleans, LA 70116

P: (504) 944-8461

SATURDAY DEC 30 OPEN AT 11 AM FOR LUNCH

WELCOME SUGAR BOWL FANS

ONLY 2 MORE DAYS IN 2023

THE JAYWALKERS11:00AM-1:45PM

BOARDWALKER & THE 3 FINGER SWINGERS2:15PM-6PM

JOHNNY MASTRO BLUES6:30PM-9:30PM

PAGGY PRINE AND SOUTHERN SOUL10:00PM-2:00AM

RING IN THE NEW YEAR WITH THE PERFECT CELEBRATION

SUNDAY DEC 31, 2023 NEW YEAR'S EVE AT BAMBOULA'S

THE VILLIANS1:15PM-5:00PM

MIDNIGHT BRAWLERS5:30PM-8:30PM

ED WILLS BLUES 4 $ALE9:00PM-12:00AM

Fair Grounds Race Course and Slots

By Popular Demand: Homage to Trees Exhibition at Crevasse 22 l River House Open Saturday, December 30 12-4 pm, 8122 Saro Lane, St. Bernard

WHAT:  Contemporary Sculptures and Monumental Works, combined with Traditional Plein Air Paintings and photographs invite viewers to appreciate the importance of better caring for our treasured Live Oaks and other trees. As one of over twenty exhibitions at Crevasse 22 | River House and other regional locations over our 15 year history, the Creative Alliance of New Orleans has endeavored to shine a light on the important but underappreciated work of our regional creative artists of all disciplines, and of our unique but threatened environment. See a stop action review of the work here.

WHY: We as citizens of this region need to make sure our creatives have the opportunities they need to build their creative practice here in New Orleans and thereby create a more robust and sustained creative economy. The Creative Alliance of New Orleans has been working on this mission through many initiatives, including a major Strategic Plan now in final production; creative career training; networking meetings, " CANOpeners"; and a plethora of marketing and advocacy initiatives. Thankfully, we are hearing more and more people and leaders referring to the "Creative Industries" section of our economy. It has been our message to help our citizens understand the economic value of the creative disciplines, support and invest in them, including visual, performing, media, design, literary and culinary arts.

We have done this with minimal funding, but the enthusiastic appreciation of our region's creatives, and many leaders. You have only to listen to one of literally thousands of interviews with creatives over the ten years I have presented on my radio program Crosstown Conversations to hear directly about their interests, love of our region, desire to stay here, but limitations for advancement. Listen to Crosstown Conversations interviews on soundcloud.

Dominic Massa

We're happy to bring a piece of the past back to WYES starting this weekend. GREAT CHEFS OF NEW ORLEANS, the vintage TV series that began WYES’ legacy of award-winning nationally broadcast cooking shows, returns to the station – 40 years after its debut. Tune in Saturdays at 1pm. The original 26 episodes of GREAT CHEFS OF NEW ORLEANS will air on WYES, followed by other episodes of the multi-part series every Saturday.

Thanks to executive producer John Shoup for sharing the series (produced and directed by the late John Beyer) with us. It begins Saturday in the kitchen of the legendary Chef Warren Leruth, and you'll see many other local icons below in the weeks to come. For all the episodes, the distinctive voices of Mary Lou Conroy and Andres Calandria narrate, with original music from the Charlie Byrd Trio, the Dukes of Dixieland and Banu Gibson. LeRuth’s Gourmet Foods Andreas Preuss Marc Preuss Frank G Wong

Grande Krewe

That’s right! Stock up for your New Year celebration with 10% off our entire sparkling wine selection! Champagne, Prosecco, Cava and more! Now through 12/31.

• 2305 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA, United States, Louisiana
• (504) 309-8309

In Person

Expressions of America

December 30 & 31 | 5:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

BUY TICKETS

Our newest attraction brings history to life like never before! Expressions of America is an immersive, outdoor sound and light show that combines cutting-edge technology and special effects with the real words and stories of everyday people who made a tremendous impact during a time of monumental conflict.

945 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70130

info@nationalww2museum.org

504-528-1944

Texas Longhorns 

Texas Athletics invites Longhorn Nation and the community of New Orleans to the Burnt Orange Bon Temps Bash at the famed Mardi Gras World complex on Saturday, December 30, @6pm along the banks of the Mississippi River. Featuring performances from rock icons Third Eye Blind and Austin-based electro-dance rock pioneers Ghostland Observatory!

In which war did the Battle of the Bulge take place?

War of 1812

World War II

Civil War

World War I

In which war did the Battle of the Bulge take place?

The Battle of the Bulge, also known as the Ardennes Offensive, was a major German offensive campaign on the Western Front during World War II which took place from 16 December 1944 to 25 January 1945.

Did You Know? Tanks originally got their name from the British. It was during their development that the Brits took to calling these massive machines ‘tanks’ to make any German spies think that they were building massive water tanks to provide water to troops. 

DEFINITIONSWhat does "diachronic" mean?

A medical disease

Being out of sync

Chronic pain

Studying time related changes

What does "diachronic" mean?

Studying time related changes

diachronic Pronunciation: dahy-uh-kron-ik

Definition: relating to or studying changes or developments in a phenomenon over a period of time

Origin: from Greek dia- meaning "through" and khronos meaning "time"

Example: The diachronic study of language evolution allows linguists to trace the historical changes in pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar over centuries.

"Diachronic" refers to the study or consideration of changes and developments that occur over time within a particular phenomenon. It is commonly used in various fields such as linguistics, anthropology, and history to analyze the evolution and transformation of elements or systems. This term emphasizes the temporal aspect of understanding how something has changed or developed, offering insight into the processes and trends that shape its current state. By taking a diachronic approach, researchers gain a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms and influences that have contributed to the present condition of a given subject.

Fri.

Dec 29

VS.

NORTHWESTERN STATE

Baton Rouge, La. (Maravich Center)

7:00 PM CT

Sat.

Jan 6

AT

TEXAS A&M

Bryan-College Station, Texas (Reed Arena)

7:30 PM CT

St Ann Wine Bar

•  · 22 St Ann Drive, Mandeville, LA, United States, Louisiana
• (985) 249-9801

Join us at St Ann Wine Bar as we kick off our holiday lineup! Here are the artists setting up the ambiance, this holiday season:

Dec 29- 8pm- PaperChase

Dec 30- 8pm- The Electrix

NY EVE- 8pm- Tease Me Band

The musicians appearing at the Palm Court are some of the legends of New Orleans music. We have live music five nights a week - dinner 7pm til 11pm. The Palm Court is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays but is available for private party bookings on those days We take group bookings up to 180 persons any day or night of the week. A variety of options are open to such groups and we are very happy to work with our clients to provide their group with a customized evening of entertainment and catering according to their needs.

Reservations Suggested

(504) 525-0200

December 2023

30

7:30 pm

Leroy Jones & Katja Toivola w/Crescent City Joymakers

1

7:30 pm - 10:00 pm

Kevin Louis & Yolanda Robinson w/Palm Court Jazz Band

1 event,

2

7:30 pm

Louis Ford & Sammy Rimington w/Palm Court Jazz Band

1 event,

3

7:30 pm

Duke Heitger w/Sunday Night Swingsters

1 event,

4

7:30 pm

CLOSED

1 event,

5

7:30 pm

CLOSED

1 event,

6

7:30 pm

Lars Edegran & Palm Court Jazz Band

1 event,

7

7:30 pm

Duke Heitger & Crescent City Joymakers

1 event,

8

7:30 pm

Yolanda Robinson w/Palm Court Jazz Band

1 event,

9

7:30 pm

Will Smith & Palm Court Jazz Band

1 event,

10

7:30 pm

Tom Fischer & Marla Dixon w/Sunday Night Swingsters

Mid-City Lanes Rock n Bow

 We are sending out 2023 with a bang! 

 Fri - Bag Of Donuts

 Sat - Bucktown All-Stars

 Sun - THE BOOGIE MEN nola

Bobby Cure & The Poppa Stoppa Band

 · 

Let's celebrate a day early. Come to a "New Year's Eve. EVE" party at the Max lounge on Saturday, December 30. 8:30 PM

Free champagne toast ! Lots of fun and great music ! See you on Saturday.

2828 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70119



Sat, December 30, 2023

8:00 PM

John “Papa” Gros

18 and over

Sat, December 30, 2023

11:00 PM

Sicard Hollow

21 and over

Sun, December 31, 2023

8:00 PM

"Country Come 2 Town NYE" ft. CC Adcock, Tommy McLain, Dickie Landry’s Quad Experience, an

TICKETS





Join Lakeside Shopping Center as we welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus with their friends Rudolph, Frosty and other Christmas favorites!

3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, LA, 70002

Capture your family memory with a visit and photo with Santa!

North Pole Express Train | 10:15 am

Train rides for your little elves begin at 10:15 am!

North Pole Express Train is open:

Thru - January 7, 2024

Monday–Saturday: 10 am – 7 pm

Sunday: Noon – 6 pm

$2/ride - Cash Only

Celebration in the Oaks

 New Orleans Botanical Garden

Thru - Dec 30

5:00pm - 11:00pm

City Park glows with than a million lights, Mr. Bingle and holiday displays, as well as dinosaurs, flamingos, a pirate ship, and the animated “12 Yats of Christmas.” The seasonal attraction is accessible by driving or walking tours and the City Park train, and there are dedicated bike nights on Dec. 5 and Dec. 12. The season opens on Thanksgiving (Thursday, Nov. 23), and decorated park attractions include the Botanical Garden, Carousel Gardens and the holiday-decorated Storyland.

New Orleans Botanical Garden

5 Victory Avenue New Orleans, LA 70119

City Park Prepares for Enhanced Celebration in the Oaks

Expanded holiday festival to include Driving Tour, amusement-park rides and reimagined Walking Tour

New Orleans City Park’s Celebration in the Oaks, one of the most-spectacular holiday lights festivals in the country, has fascinated guests for generations. The month-long fundraiser attracts over 135,000 visitors each year who come to see City Park’s famous live oak trees swathed in over a million twinkling lights and discover hundreds of breathtaking displays throughout the Park. This year, THE New Orleans holiday tradition is taking it to another level.

“With the Driving Tour and Walking Tour, this will be the biggest footprint Celebration in the Oaks has had since Hurricane Katrina,” said Cara Lambright, City Park Conservancy CEO. “As our largest annual fundraiser, we can’t wait to share this exciting celebration with our community.”

Boasting more light displays, new attractions and the return of the Botanical Garden Walking Tour, the 2022 Celebration will offer a variety of options, and price points, for guests to choose from.

Highlights this year include:

2.25-mile Driving Tour with enhanced displays

Walking Tour with Botanical Garden access and Carousel Gardens Amusement Park rides included

Multiple dedicated Bike Nights

Botanical Garden Dripping Tree, Poinsettia Tree, Historic Train Garden and “Cajun Night Before Christmas”

Carousel Gardens Train, Christmas Tree, Mr. Bingle and free marshmallows and hot chocolate

Holiday-themed Storyland

Iconic LED dinosaurs, flamingos and pirate ship

New exhibits such Toy Land, a 12-foot Dandelion Meadow Display and Winter Wonderland

“We heard the call of the community and challenged ourselves to step it up,” said Julie LaCour, Director of CITO/Special Events. “We know how important this event is to visitors, and we feel confident this year’s final product will make memories for folks that will last a lifetime.”

City Park Conservancy’s annual operating budget is largely reliant on self-generated activities, often weather dependent, and Celebration in the Oaks plays a key role in funding the Park’s continued maintenance and beauty each year, providing nearly 10% of the Park’s annual budget. The public’s investment and attendance at Celebration in the Oaks supports City Park’s success going forward.

For more information, and to purchase tickets, visit CelebrationInTheOaks.com.

###

WHEN

Nov. 24, 2022 – Jan. 1, 2023

Closed Mondays and Tuesdays until 12/19

Closed Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve

WHERE

New Orleans City Park

Driving Tour Entrance: 2 Friederichs Ave, NOLA 70124

Walking Tour Entrance: 7 Victory Ave, NOLA 70124

TICKETS

For pricing structure, schedule and more, visit CelebrationInTheOaks.com.

. (Photo by Chris Granger | The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate)

PHOTO BY CHRIS GRANGER

130 Roosevelt Way New Orleans, LA, United States, Louisiana 70112

5PM

During the Christmas season, almost every local has made their way through the cold streets of downtown New Orleans to see the lobby of the romantic Roosevelt Hotel.

Faux tree stems wrapped in glimmering white lights stand tall as they hover over guests and nearly touch the ceiling chandeliers. Neighboring the branches are snow-white Christmas trees covered in red ribbons and ornaments. Both decors line the lobby in a perfect, picturesque pattern.

Hence, it isn't hard to understand why Travel and Leisure named the Roosevelt one of the 15 most festive hotels in the U.S. during the holiday season.

“Our hotel guests, New Orleanians and tourists from all over the world come to The Roosevelt at this time of year because it is truly the brightest, most brilliant place to bring out the holiday spirit,” Tod Chambers, general manager of the Roosevelt, said in a news release.

This year, the Roosevelt is bringing back its beloved Christmas tradition on Nov. 28, unveiling 1,600 feet of garland and 4,000 glass ornaments, the hotel announced Wednesday morning.

New Orleans Saints Executive Vice President and General Manager Mickey Loomis will be there to help switch on the ceremonial lighting of over 112,000 lights, the Roosevelt said in a news release.

The hotel will also be offering various options for holiday dining experiences and drink options at the Sazerac Bar and Teddy's Café.

The Sazerac Bar is bringing back their annual holiday drinks, including the Christmas Cookie — a sweet, vodka-based mixed drink — and the Candy Cane, a sugar drink featuring Rumple Minze. 

CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK

December 16–December 30, 2023

Lafreniere Park

Lafreniere Park sparkles for the holidays with millions of twinkling lights and displays! Constructed with over 10 million LED lights, this holiday favorite features elaborate decorations, artificial snow, and festive light displays that illuminate Lafreniere Park, while adults and kids alike can watch for appearances by Santa, Rudolph, Frosty, Grinch, and Elf.

At Santa’s Express Mail Center, children are able to view Santa’s elves building toys for all the good little girls and boys. Attendees can also enjoy an interactive walking tour set to random scenes from their favorite holiday classics. Children can write a letter to Santa and mail it to him at the Elf Post Office. 

The 37th Annual Christmas in the Park will be held nightly at Lafreniere Park beginning on Friday, Dec. 9, 2021, and ending on Friday, Dec. 30, 2023.

Park Admissions & Entrances

The admission charge per vehicle is $10 in advance or $15 at the gate of the park

Credit and debit cards only. No cash will be taken at the gate. Tickets can be purchased online at https://lafrenierepark.org.

Additionally, the carousel will be open to the public every night till 9pm.

All vehicles must enter from West Napoleon Avenue and exit at Downs Boulevard. Upon entering the park, traffic will flow counterclockwise around the park. The Downs Boulevard Park entrance will close daily at 5:00 pm. The West Napoleon Avenue gate will close at 9:00 p.m. on Sunday – Thursday and 10:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights.

Lafreniere Park will be closed on Christmas Day, Saturday, Dec. 25th, and will reopen on Sunday, Dec. 26th.

Driving and walking tours through the exhibit will be available

• Sunday – Thursday: 5:30pm to 9:00pm
• Friday –Saturday: 5:30pm – 10:00pm

Visit The Northshore

Get ready for the most magical time of the year! The 24th Annual Holiday of Lights is back in Mandeville, Louisiana, and it's brighter and merrier than ever! This year, enjoy a laser light show, SNOW, and more expanded light areas!

NOW THROUGH SUNDAY, DEC. 31

HOLIDAY LIGHTS: 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. nightly, Baton Rouge General, 8585 Picardy Ave. The large green space in front of the hospital is transformed into a twinkling, singing and musically synchronized lights display. $5. eventbrite.com.

City of New Orleans Encourages Residents to Participate in the Annual Christmas Tree Recycling Program to Rebuild Wetlands 

NEW ORLEANS — The City of New Orleans today reminded residents of the annual Christmas Tree Recycling Program to restore our wetlands. For over 25 years, this program has contributed to the restoration of the Bayou Sauvage Urban National Wildlife Refuge, while preventing them from being placed in landfills. The trees also create an important habitat for birds, fish, crabs, crawfish and shrimp. 

"Every year, our Christmas trees bring light and happiness into our homes, but their significance goes far beyond spreading holiday joy," said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. "Recycling and placing these trees along our eroding coastline to help rebuild our wetlands will assist in the effort to protect our great city and state for generations to come. This robust tree recycling program is another example of how New Orleans will continue to lead in combatting the global climate crisis while promoting innovative opportunities to create a better, greener and more vibrant community. So far, recycled trees have restored an area of marsh equal to approximately 200 football fields. Thank you to our residents who continue to donate their Christmas trees year after year to enhance our coastline restoration efforts."

The program is coordinated by the City's Office of Resilience and Sustainability (ORS) and Department of Sanitation, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the Louisiana National Guard.  

“We’re bringing attention to the Christmas Tree Recycling Program today because Black Friday and Small Business Saturday are popular days for New Orleanians to buy and decorate live Christmas trees,” said Director of Economic Development Jeff Schwartz. “The City can only accept trees without tinsel and flocking, and we ask residents to please consider this while decorating your tree.” 

“While we are making great progress, protecting our natural resources remains more important than ever for New Orleans,” said ORS Deputy Chief Resilience Officer Greg Nichols. "The Christmas Tree Recycling Program is a great way for residents to get involved in the fight to restore our coast.”  

Residents are encouraged to place their trees curbside for collection by Department of Sanitation contractors from Jan. 8 - 12, 2024. Trees cannot be flocked, and all ornamentation must be removed before placing them on the curb.  Once they are collected, they will be sorted, bundled and airlifted by helicopter and dropped in targeted sections of the Bayou Sauvage Urban National Wildlife Refuge. The City’s goal is to collect 10,000 trees this year.  

“The annual Christmas Tree Drop represents a long-standing partnership between the Louisiana National Guard and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service," said Louisiana National Guard, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Gabriel Ruiz. "It benefits the City of New Orleans and surrounding coastal environment, while also providing valuable training hours for our pilots and crewmembers of the 1st Assault Helicopter Battalion, 244th Aviation Regiment."

“I’d like to thank the residents of New Orleans for sharing their Christmas trees with us each year and making their contribution to coastal restoration," said USFWS Refuge Manager Shelley Stiaes. "Their tradition of donating Christmas trees is helping to rebuild our coastline and build habitat for wildlife."

Fireworks will light up the sky at the stroke of midnight Sunday night when the Crescent City Countdown Club--in association with New Orleans and Company, the Mayor's Office of Cultural Economy, and the New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Fund--hosts the annual NOLA New Year's Eve Fireworks Show in the French Quarter. The club will count down the final seconds of 2023 by dropping their giant fleur-de-lis atop Jax Brewery. Once the fleur-de-lis completes its descent and 2023 gives way to 2024, a world-class pyrotechnics show will illuminate the New Orleans sky.

The Berger and Tiller Families, French Quarter Festivals, Inc., and J&M Displays are also assisting with the production of the fleur-de-lis drop and fireworks display.

If you're going to be out of town or if you can't make it to the French Quarter to take part in the festivities, you can watch them live at wwl.com or on the WWL Radio Facebook page.

The fleur-de-lis drop and fireworks show are the first in several New Year's festivities in New Orleans. The Allstate Sugar Bowl Parade will roll through the French Quarter on New Year's Eve at 2:30 p.m. Then on New Year's Day, the 90th Annual Allstate Sugar Bowl Football Classic featuring Texas and Washington will kickoff at 7:45 p.m. The winner of that game will advance to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game.

Pups & Pints at Chafunkta Brewing Co.

• Recurring Recurring weekly on Sunday
• Time: 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM
• Price: Free
• Chafunkta Brewing Company
• 69123 Skybrook Rd., Mandeville, LA 70471
• (985) 869-0716

Make your Sunday a true FUNDAY with Chafunkta Brewery's "Pups and Pints," every Sunday! Bring your dog to the brewery on Sundays and your second pint is free. Don't have a pup or can't bring one? That's OK, as 10% of ALL SALES will go to the Northshore Humane Society.

 NOLA Jitterbugs

Contemporary Arts Center, New Orleans

Tickets

nolajitterbugsfall2023.dancecamps.org/booking.php

Public 

Join the award-winning (1st place, baby!) NOLA Jitterbugs for a 6-week series with live music in the last class!

Our live music classes with local musicians and culture bearers, as well as our overall emphasis on music appreciation is what makes our lessons stand out among the rest!

Starts at The Contemporary Arts Center!

6-7pm Intro to Swing

For total beginners to swing dancing or dancing of any kind. Also for those looking to refresh their basics and learn some ragtime dances. We use these pre-swing era dances to teach beginners how to step on rhythm, step on rhythm while connected to another person, how to connect in order to lead or follow, you'll learn to syncopate your footwork, and then we'll slowly start to let go of one hand and create the beginnings of what will eventually be a bad-ass swing out.

7:30-8:30 Lindy Hop Vocab - Intermediate Level

This class is gonna give you some must know moves, some technique, some philosophy, and of course, we'll continue to clarify and polish up your swing outs.

No partner required to take either of these classes. Come alone or with friends!

SIGN UP HERE:

https://nolajitterbugsfall2023.dancecamps.org/booking.php

• 900 Camp St, New Orleans, LA, United States, Louisiana
• (504) 528-3805

Pat Jolly's Silly Hat Birthday Festivity

Jollyllama's PotLucky * Y'all Come 

for the Funtrepreneur's Folicking Fun 

Wednesday, January 3, 2024  7pm - 11pm

Café Istanbul  

2372 St Claude Avenue, Faubourg Marigny New Orleans

 in the back of the New Orleans Healing Center 

2 parking lots and back door entrance on N. Rampart Street

3

1 PM – 5 PM

German Coast

Farmers Market-

Westbank Bridge Park

13825 River Rd, Luling, LA 70070-6219, United States

January 4, 2024 | 6:00pm

Bach at the New Marigny

We kick off the New Year with Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 at the New Marigny Theatre! The program will also include works by Theofanidis, Fuller, St. George, Tansman, and Telemann.

RESERVE TICKETS

FEATURING

Matthew Kraemer, conductor

PROGRAM

Bach: Brandenburg Concerto No. 3

Christopher Theofanidis: Muse

Tucker Fuller: Orfeo & Eurydice

Tansman: Variations sur un thème de Frescobaldi

Telemann: Ouverture-Suite, TWV 55:D18

Doors: 5:00pm /// Concert: 6:00pm

Approximate concert length: 90 minutes

VENUE

New Marigny Theatre

Corner of Marais St and Mandeville St

2301 Marais St, New Orleans, LA 70117

Penny's Cafe

 · 

THURSDAY BUFFET $11.95

All you can eat fried chicken, baked chicken, fried okra, pork n' beans, boiled corn & potatoes, broccoli & bacon mac, cornbread, and dessert!

11am-7:30pm

• 5442 E Judge Perez Dr, Violet, LA, United States, Louisiana
• (504) 272-0262

TWELFTH NIGHT KICKOFF BRUNCH AT COMMONS CLUB FRIDAY, JANUARY 5, 2024

Pop-Up Shops, Live DJ Entertainment & Themed Cocktails and Dishes

WHO/WHAT: The  Virgin Hotels New Orleans is welcoming Carnival season with a festive Twelfth Night Kickoff Brunch at Commons Club –  the social epicenter of Virgin Hotels New Orleans. Under the direction of recently-appointed Executive Chef Chris Borges, the dynamic restaurant, bar and lounge is kicking off Mardi Gras season with a very special Friday Brunch.

Guests can enjoy an array of tantalizing Mardi Gras themed dishes, along with Borges’ decadent a la carte brunch offerings such as Sweet Potato Buttermilk Drop Doughnut with marshmallow fluff brûlee, toasted pecans and maple glaze and Gulf Shrimp & Bayou Cora Grits. Cocktails are equally impressive with King Cake-inspired libations, baby ice cubes, and more. Guests can also enjoy bottomless mimosas ($35 per person) and bottomless Veuve Clicquot ($75 per person).

The Twelfth Night Kickoff Brunch will showcase a variety of local vendor pop-up shops, perfect for picking up items for costumes and revelry, as well as live DJ entertainment.

WHEN/WHERE: The Twelfth Night Kickoff Brunch will take place on Friday, January 5, 2024 from 11AM – 2PM. Common’s Club is located on the ground floor of Virgin Hotel New Orleans at 550 Baronne Street. For reservations or additional information, please visit https://virginhotels.com/new-orleans/eat-drink/commons-club/

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation presents Gladney in concert on Friday, January 5, 2024, at the George and Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Center (1225 N. Rampart Street). Doors open at 7pm and the concert begins promptly at 8pm.

Tickets are $10, available here on Eventbrite: https://gladney2024.eventbrite.com

Seating is general admission and limited, so please register in advance. All proceeds from this concert series directly support the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation.

The concert will be livestreamed: jazzandheritage.org/live

King Cake Hub

They're back Your favorite emcees, Professor Carl Nivale & Grand Marshal Marty Graw, are returning to host our King Cake Countdown Party and crown the 2024 Monarch Pageant winner! Who do you think will take the (King) Cake?

Mark your calendars for January 5th 9pm - midnight at @zonymashbeer! Music, food, drinks, and all the Mardi Gras madness you won’t want to miss #AlmostCarnival

KING CAKE HUB 2024

King Cake Hub Returns 1/6/24

Contact: Jennifer Samuels, King Cake Hub

(504) 616-6739 (cell)

JennSamuels@gmail.com

NEW ORLEANS, LA, Calling all King Cake Enthusiasts. Jennifer Samuels, owner of King Cake Hub, announced multiple parties to celebrate the beginning of the 2024 Carnival season. 

King Cake Hub and Zony Mash will host the second annual King Cake Monarch Pageant which will be part of our Countdown to Carnival Party and held in the tap room at 3940 Thalia Street. The party will be on Friday, January 5, 2024 from 9pm until midnight when our reigning Monarch Katrina Waters will pass the crown to the 2024 King Cake Monarch who will cut and share the first slices of king cake with all their royal subjects. The pageant will be emceed by our long time friends Prof. Carl Nivale and Grand Marshal Marty Graw and will also feature appearances by several dance krewes including El Lucha Krewe, Sassyracs and Voulez Krewe.  DJ Liz will be onstage playing Carnival and New Orleans music to help get us all in the mood for that first slice of king cake and all the fun that is Carnival! 

The King Cake Monarch will also be invited back to celebrate the opening of the King Cake Hub at 1464 S. Broad. The doors open and the party starts again welcome customers for the first day of the King Cake Hub, Josh Paxton will be playing Carnival favorites in the beer garden as well as HEY Coffee Co selling coffee and Paw Paws Donuts serving their amazing cream filled donuts. 

This will be King Cake Hub’s sixth year selling a wide assortment of the best king cakes you have ever and never tasted and will include a variety of more than 70 cakes from Bittersweet, Breads on Oak, Brennan’s, Bywater Bakery, Caluda’s, Cannata’s, Caywood and Randazzo Bakery, District, Hi Do Bakery, Gracious, Joe Gambino’s Bakery, NOCCA, Sugar Love, Nolita, Mad Matter Bakery, Marguerite’s King Cakes, La Vie En Rose and more as well as a number of king cake related sweets and other merchandise.

Many purists blame people eating king cake out of season for all kinds of calamities from hurricanes to dreary Saints seasons. While our extensive research can’t substantiate those claims we can conclusively say that king cake causes maximum joy when shared during the festivities of the Carnival season. So much so that we can’t wait a minute longer that necessary to start eating and sharing with all our fans. 

King Cake Hub will be open daily from 8:30am until 6:00pm daily beginning January 6 through Lundi Gras. Delivery will be available through D’livery and is scheduled to start the week of 1/8. King Cake Hub will only be operating out of the Zony Mash location to ensure our loyal customers get that wonderful overwhelming experience that is King Cake Hub! Stay tuned for more info via King Cake Hub’s social media sites on Facebook and Instagram.

1464 S Broad Street, New Orleans, LA, United States, Louisiana

 Kermit's Treme Mother In Law Lounge.

 · New Orleans 

Fried catfish starting at noon every Friday at the mother-in-law lounge all day long

• 1500 N Claiborne Ave, New Orleans, LA, United States, Louisiana
• (504) 814-1819

5

TODAY AT 11 PM – 2 AM

Kermit Ruffins & The BBQ Swingers

Blue Nile

16th annual Joan of Arc Parade, Saturday, Jan. 6

• starts at 7pm
• 16th annual Joan of Arc parade, celebrating her birthday
• officially kicks off the Mardi Gras season
• Portraying King Charles XII- Louis Michot
• Portraying Queen Yolande of Aragon- Hannah Kreiger-Benson
• Portraying the Maid of Orleans, Jeanne d'Arc- Marley Marsalis

Mardi Gras Indian Presentation

Jan. 6, 2:00 PM - Sanctuary

Join us for a presentation and Q&A with two Mardi Gras Indian Queens - Big Queen Yellow Pocahontas and Big Queen Cinnamon Black. Learn more about this special and historic New Orleans tradition as we begin the Mardi Gras season!

St Charles Avenue Baptist Church 

7100 St. Charles Avenue, 

New Orleans, LA 70118

Fair Grounds Race Course and Slots

Tickets

bit.ly/4aogfPR

Public 

 ·

FAMILY DAY

Race over for a truly wild experience featuring ostrich, camel and zonkeys races.

Skip the line on race day, reserve your tickets today through Ticketmaster! Click 'Find Tickets' to the right or click here: https://bit.ly/4aogfPR to get yours today!

GENERAL ADMISSION: $10

Fair Grounds Race Course and Slots

2899 Fortin St, New Orleans, LA 70119-2801, United States

Rex den open house will offer a glimpse into the makings of Mardi Gras

Tori McRoberts Hoffpauir of YouthForce NOLA and her children, Lucia, 3, left, and Joshua, 5, look at Mardi Gras floats in the Rex den in New Orleans on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023.

• STAFF PHOTO BY SCOTT THRELKELD

Ever wanted to see the Boeuf Gras up close?

Take a gander at the King of Carnival's throne?

It is a month before Twelfth Night and the official beginning of the Carnival season and time to make plans to journey behind the scenes of the Rex parade in a special tour that benefits the Friends of the Cabildo.

The Rex Den Showing Open House and Float Viewing will be at 1 p.m. Jan. 13, 2024, at the 2531 S. Claiborne Ave. location that houses the majestic floats that will roll this season on Feb. 13.

From the iconic floats of the parade like the Butterfly King to His Majesty's Bandwagon, the signature aspects of the procession will be there along with floats that will provide a glimpse into the 2024 theme.

The den also is home to a museum of the Rex Organization and Rex Mart.

Tickets start at $40. Visit friendsofthecabildo.org.

Professor Carl Nivale

Welcoming the new marching krewe, Krewe Mosaïque! They have their first parade on January 13th, from Armstrong Park to Ursuline Convent. Your favorite Professor and Grand Marshal Marty Graw look forward to being there!

#Carnival2024 #MardiGras2024 #OurCarnivalHeritage #krewemosaique

https://www.axios.com/.../new-krewe-mardi-gras-parade...

A new walking krewe will debut for Mardi Gras 2024, marching through the French Quarter on Jan. 13.

Why it matters: The event fills in an otherwise parade-free weekend during the weekslong celebration of Carnival in New Orleans.

What's happening: Krewe Mosaïque will march for 12 blocks from Armstrong Park to the Ursuline Convent for the first time.

• This year's krewe will max out at 200 members, and organizers are putting an emphasis on DIY elements, handmade throws and cultural or historical relevance to the city.
• The idea stems from the krewe's founding members preference for DIY costuming and contraption-building.

What she's saying: "Everything is bright and colorful and very unique unto themselves, but when we come together, it's this beautiful experience, like a mosaic," says Krewe Mosaïque founder Terese Aiello.

Harmony Street Society To Host Free Tax Workshops For Local Musicians

 OFFBEAT STAFF

The Harmony Street Society will once again offer free workshops this fall and winter to assist musicians in the New Orleans area with their tax-related matters. These workshops provide valuable insights into navigating the often complex world of taxes, ensuring musicians stay tax-compliant and informed.

The details of the workshops are as follows:

Workshop 3 – How to Prepare Your 2023 Tax Return – January 17, 2024

• A step-by-step walkthrough of preparing your 2023 tax return using your phone.

Workshop 4 – How to Prepare Your 2023 Tax Return – January 31, 2024

• A repeat of Workshop 3, with additional tips for handling missing documents.

These Harmony Street Society workshops provide an excellent opportunity for musicians in the New Orleans area to gain essential knowledge and guidance on tax-related matters. 

ALL WORKSHOPS HELD IN PERSON AT THE NEW ORLEANS JAZZ MUSEUM. All workshops are free to attend, and those interested should register with jim@harmonystreetsociety.org. For those unable to attend in person, the workshops will also be available for viewing on Zoom, and the Zoom link can be obtained by contacting that same email.

The Balloon Glow & Laser Show - New Orleans is at NOLA Motorsports Park.

Coming January 19th & 20th 2024! Get the whole family out for a great family fun time! See incredible Hot Air Balloons, check that bucket list and get a ride on an actual Hot Air Balloon!

We will have a Kids Zone, with Games and Rides including trains, bounce house's, rock and much more!

Live Music for your entertainment from a variety of Artists.

Craft & Retail Vendor Booths with tons of cool and interesting stuff for sale!

Food Vendors with bunches of fantastic Festival Style food to choose from!

Bucket List!! Tethered Hot Air Balloon rides will be available for purchase during the event for $25 per person. While supplies last and weather dependent. Announcements on rides will be made at the event.

For the Grand Finale each night after dusk... about 9pm we will have the fantastic Hot Air Balloon Glow & Laser show where we will light up all the balloons in unison with crowd participatory "Count Downs"! This show incorporates Music and visually stunning coordinated burns by the Hot Air Balloons & Lasers.. creating a Glow!

Bring your blankets, chairs and umbrellas and set up your own "perfect" viewing spot i!

Tickets:https://www.freshtix.com/events/balloonsneworleans

FAQ:

Tickets are limited. Purchase as soon as possible before we sellout.

Volunteers needed to work with the balloon pilots to set up.

Parking is FREE and onsite.

DATE AND TIME

January 19th - 20th, 2024

Gate opening at 5PM each day: 5:00 pm

LOCATION

 NOLA Motorsports Park

11075 Nicolle Blvd.

Avondale, LA 70094

WYES New Orleans· 

Give the gift of king cake this holiday season! We can't think of a tastier gift.

Mark your calendars WYES KING CAKE AND CONVERSATION is back!!!!!!!

Join us for a king cake tasting and conversation in celebration of all things Carnival on Sat., Jan. 20th from 1-3pm at WYES.

Tickets are $25.

BUY NOW: https://kingcakewyes.eventbrite.com

WYES KING CAKE AND CONVERSATION

Saturday, January 20, 2024

1-3pm

WYES Paulette and Frank Stewart Innovation Center for Educational Media

916 Navarre Avenue New Orleans, LA 70124

Grande Krewe Friends...

Join us on Saturday, January 20th from 1:00 to 4:00 PM and

embark on a journey of effervescence and sophistication at our Sparkling Wine Festival! Join us for an exquisite afternoon, where we bring together four of our favorite distributors, each presenting a curated selection to help restock after your New Year's celebration...just in time for Mardi Gras!

Explore a world of bubbles with a diverse array of sparkling wines, ranging from crisp Proseccos to luxurious Champagnes. Our distributors have handpicked the finest bottles for any occasion! Every ticket holder enjoys a 10% discount on featured wines, making it the perfect opportunity to stock up for your carnival celebrations.

Don't miss your chance to be part of this sparkling sensation! Reserve your tickets now for an evening of sophistication and taste that will leave you bubbling with joy! 🥂✨

At $45 per person, these spots will sell out fast so sign up now!

Click here to reserve a space!

 Jefferson Performing Arts Society and Jefferson Parish Schools

Kick Off Winter Coat Drive

---Jefferson Performing Arts Society (JPAS) and Jefferson Parish Schools are partnering to collect winter coats for children in need.

Their goal is to gather 100 coats to be delivered to Woodmere Elementary in Harvey on February 6, 2024.

through February 4, JPAS will host a coat drive at their East bank and Westbank theaters:

●

●       Westwego Cultural Center 177 Sala Avenue, Westwego: January 25-February 4, 2024. 

Coats in good condition (only new or gently used will be accepted) for ages 4 to 14 will be received at both locations during show productions. Due to the varying sizes of middle school students, adult-size coats will be accepted and distributed appropriately.

Coats may be dropped off by appointment if donors cannot bring coats during these times:

January 25-February 4, 2024:  The Mountaintop performances at Westwego Cultural Center at 177 Sala Avenue in Westwego, Louisiana. Coats will be collected starting one hour prior to showtime for each performance on Thursdays through Sundays from January 25 to February 4. Please visit www.jpas.org for the show schedule of The Mountaintop. Coat donations will be accepted one hour before and shows, in the lobby.

Donors need not attend events or performances to donate coats. To arrange for coat drop-offs outside of the above-listed performance dates and times, email amy@jpas.org or call 504-885-2000 ext. 212.

Saturday, January 27

2024 Bayou King Cake Festival and Krewe of King Cake Children's Parade

Sample the taste of Mardi Gras and watch the Krewe of King Cake Children's Parade at the Bayou King Cake Festival in Downtown Thibodaux.

By Lafourche Education Foundation38 followers

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Date and time

Saturday, January 27, 2024 · 11am - 5pm CST

Location

Downtown Thibodaux

402 West 3rd Street Thibodaux, LA 70301

Agenda

10:00 AM

Parade Begins

11:00 AM

Festival Begins

11:30 AM

Mayor Clement's Official Krewe Toast

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

Band

2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Souled Out

4:00 PM

King Cake Winner Annoucement

About this event

Sample the taste of Mardi Gras and watch the Krewe of King Cake Children's Parade at the Bayou King Cake Festival in Downtown Thibodaux!

On Saturday, January 27, enter to participate in the parade or come and watch it roll at 10:00 AM in downtown Thibodaux. Following the parade, be entertained with music from Souled Out and We & Mrs. Jones as you sample king cakes from some of your favorite bakeries and bakers alike!

Don't forget to vote for your favorite King Cake to win Best of the Bayou King Cake Festival!

VIP tickets are available!

The Rolling Stones are coming to Jazz Fest

by: Raeven Poole

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — The Rolling Stones are headed to Jazz Fest!

Officials with the New Orleans Jazz &Heritage Foundation announced Tuesday, Nov. 21 that the group will headline the 2024 festival.

Their only festival appearance is set for May 2 as a part of their Stone Tour ’24 Hackney Diamonds.

“‘The Rolling Stones at Jazz Fest’ is a long-held prophecy coming true. The Festival thanks Mick, Keith, Ronnie, and Concerts West, for their steadfast dedication to making this once-in-a-lifetime Jazz Fest magic. The pilgrimage starts today, come get satisfied,” said Quint Davis, Producer/Director of Jazz Fest.