Ringing in the New Year, New Orleans Style

Hurricane Katrina devastated the Crescent City, but New Orleans has quickly rebounded and is once again becoming a party destination for people from all over the world. Now, it's been said that residents and tourists in New Orleans don't need an excuse to throw a party, but New Year's Eve provides the perfect opportunity to, as New Orleans icon Emeril Lagasse says, "kick it up a notch." So, if you plan on being in New Orleans this holiday season, be sure to check out the New Year's celebrations below to make your welcoming of the New Year exciting and memorable.

1. Bourbon Vieux New Year's Eve Bash: The heart of New Orleans' famed French Quarter is the site of the renowned "finest party location in town," and the perfect spot to ring in the New Year in the legendary Crescent City. Featuring Bourbon Street's largest balcony, the Bourbon Vieux New Year's Eve Bash offers dancing, food, an open premium bar and music by DJ Gus Ramirez. For a great New Year's Eve party on one of the world's most famous streets, be sure to welcome 2007 at the Bourbon Vieux Bash.

2. New Year's Eve Celebration on the River: Welcome the New Year aboard the famous New Orleans Steamboat Natchez. Your ticket gets you Hors d'Oeuvres and several food stations, as well as a premium open bar, party favors, and music by the top 40s band "Ivy."

3. New Year's Eve New Orleans Cruise: Your tickets to this event provide a river cruise on a 19th century replica of the Riverboat Cajun Queen, complete with Hors d'Oeuvres, a food station featuring jambalaya and famous New Orleans red beans, an open call brand bar, music provided by DJ, party favors, a champagne toast at midnight, and a breathtaking view of New Orleans' New Year's Eve fireworks display over the Mississippi River.

4. New Year's Eve in Jackson Square: Located in the world famous French Quarter, Jackson Square is a traditional New Year's Eve party spot for residents and tourists alike. Enjoy fire-eaters, mimes, and other street performers at one of the nation's largest street parties. Wrap up the evening and welcome in the New Year with a fantastic fireworks display and lighted ball drop. Conveniently located nearby are multitudes of restaurants and nightclubs for all your entertainment needs.

5. Special New Year's Eve Celebrations for Kids: For families looking for something a bit more kid-friendly in New Orleans, New Year's Eve at the Audubon Zoo and the Kid's New Year's Eve Party at the Louisiana Children's Museum offer family-oriented fun to ring in 2007. The Zoo celebration features a daytime event with Radio Disney performers, a live music concert, games, prizes, party favors and a noontime apple cider toast. At the Children's Museum, patrons can take advantage of kid-friendly activities, a balloon launch, noisemakers, a confetti drop, and a non-alcoholic toast at noon.

No matter what you're in the mood for this New Year's Eve, the world famous Crescent City has something to offer for you and your family. So if you're headed south this holiday season, be sure to ring in the New Year New Orleans style.