Historic public space expected to draw residents and visitors for a free, walkable midnight celebration

Jackson Square has long served as a natural gathering place on New Year’s Eve because of its central location and walkable access to the French Quarter.”
— -Karen Brem Marketing Director Historic Mardi Gras Inn, New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS, LA, UNITED STATES, December 26, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- New Year’s Eve revelers in New Orleans are expected to gather at Jackson Square on Wednesday, December 31, for one of the city’s most recognizable and accessible year-end traditions: an informal, open-air midnight gathering in the historic French Quarter.

Jackson Square, located at 701 Decatur Street and framed by the St. Louis Cathedral, serves as a focal point for New Year’s Eve activity each year due to its central location, pedestrian access, and proximity to restaurants, music venues, and public transportation. The event is free to attend and open to the public.

While there is no ticketed or programmed event hosted by the City at the square, crowds typically begin arriving in the early evening, with the largest concentration forming between 10:00 p.m. and midnight. The informal countdown to the New Year takes place just before 12:00 a.m., after which attendees disperse throughout the surrounding French Quarter.

The area is well-suited for walking, and visitors are encouraged to plan ahead for street closures and increased foot traffic. Public transportation, including nearby streetcar lines, will be operating on adjusted holiday schedules. Attendees should anticipate limited vehicle access within the Quarter as midnight approaches.

Jackson Square’s appeal on New Year’s Eve lies in its accessibility and setting. The square offers unobstructed views of the cathedral and surrounding historic buildings, creating a recognizable backdrop for the midnight moment. Its location along the Mississippi River places it within walking distance of riverfront areas where fireworks are typically visible shortly after midnight, weather permitting.

“This annual gathering reflects the way New Orleans marks the New Year — outdoors, on foot, and in shared public spaces,” said Karen Brem, Marketing Director of Historic Mardi Gras Inn in New Orleans. “Jackson Square has become a natural place for people to pause at midnight before continuing their evening throughout the French Quarter.”

Local officials and hospitality professionals recommend that attendees dress comfortably, remain aware of personal belongings, and follow posted guidance from law enforcement and city agencies. The New Orleans Police Department traditionally maintains an increased presence in the area to assist with crowd flow and public safety.

With New Year’s Eve falling on a Wednesday this year, visitor activity is expected to extend beyond a single night, with many travelers arriving earlier in the week and remaining through the weekend. Jackson Square’s central role in the city’s New Year’s Eve landscape continues to make it a point of reference for both residents and visitors seeking a walkable, no-cost way to welcome the New Year.

Karen Brem
Historic Mardi Gras Inn
+1 (504)949-5815
email us here

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