Ringing in the New Year means combining the right location with family and friends. Some of you prefer staying home. Maybe cooking a nice meal while watching college bowl games or binge-watching a Netflix series. For those willing to brave the cool weather and chaotic crowds, here’s where to spend New Year’s Eve in the South.
Nashville’s Big Bash, Bicentennial Capitol Mall, Nashville, TN
I’m not too fond of large crowds or participating in amateur hour on New Year’s Eve. However, I rang in 2020 in Music City with my besties, Keith Urban and Stevie Nicks. Well, not that Keith and Stevie consider me a “bestie.” However, I did enjoy watching this incredible duo perform to their peak with a few thousand other buddies.
Stars galore will appear at the 2023 Nashville’s Big Bash in Music City
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This year’s Nashville Big Bash, appropriately sponsored by Jack Daniels. Feature Brooks & Dunn, Kelsea Ballerina, and the Zac Brown Band. If you’re not into braving the cool temperatures, the Gold Circle Party at the Nashville Farmers’ Market includes drinks, dancing, food, midnight fireworks, and a special viewing area.
City Market New Year’s Eve – Savannah, Georgia
One of the South’s most historic cities and known for its ability to throw an incredible party, Savannah’s City Market will play host to another big Southern bash.
Most restaurants, musicians, and bands playing around the Historic Landmark District will be open late. Forget the bubbly and grab a cup of Chatham Artillery Punch while watching a fireworks display over the Savannah Harbour.
Red Stick Revelry – Baton Rouge, Louisiana
No one can accuse LSU fans of not knowing how to celebrate anything. Baton Rouge residents and visitors can ring in 2024 at the annual Red Stick Revelry at Davis Rhorer Plaza and North Boulevard Town Square.
Attendees will find ample food, drink, and music starting at 8:00 p.m. with the Shaun Ward Xperience. You can watch the red stick drop over the Mississippi River with a champagne toast when the midnight bell tolls.
Charleston Wonderland New Year’s Eve – Charleston, South Carolina
If you find yourself around Charleston’s Festival Hall this week, don’t miss the Wonderland Festival. It’s an all-access, “dress-to-impress” event that takes people-watching to a new level. The all-inclusive event includes live music from DJs and regional bands, including cirque performances and an over-the-top balloon drop at midnight. Ticket prices are $195.
MoonPie Over Mobile – Mobile, Alabama
Home to the first Mardi Gras, about 50,000 revelers will ring in 2024 with a laser light show and MoonPie drop. Picture this: the world’s largest edible MoonPie is cut for everyone to sample.
Mobile, AL plays host to the MoonPie Over Mobile event each New Year’s Eve.
The MoonPie Over Mobile event takes place along Royal and St. Frances streets in down Mobile, so arrive early. Don’t forget to taste a MoonPie sample after the giant cookie is cut.
New Year’s Eve on Beale – Memphis, Tennessee
One of the places that lay claim as a home to Blues music, Memphis’ infamous Beale Street hosts an annual New Year’s Eve celebration. The street is blocked off while thousands of partiers stand shoulder-to-shoulder drinking punch from a paint bucket purchased at Silky Sullivan’s.
A word of caution: the crime rate in Memphis continues to increase, so walk in packs when going to and from your car. Once a great southern city, Memphis has slipped in recent decades. Hopefully, this Mississippi River city can rebound before everyone moves to the Florida Panhandle or Nashville.
New Orleans New Year’s Eve
Ahh, the infamous city that hosts the largest Mardi Gras celebration, New Orleans, definitely has something for everyone. Tons of live music, delicious food from area restaurants and food trucks, and a parade make this a fun-filled evening.
The fun starts around 2:30 p.m. with the Allstate Sugar Bowl New Year’s Eve Parade. End the evening in a street party, watching the Fleur De Lis drop at midnight on Jackson Square in the French Quarter.
Staying Home – Anyplace In the South
My favorite place this year will be the old homestead. Like Valentine’s Night (yes, I am a romantic), I prefer to remain at home, drinking some fine bourbon and listening to the talking heads predicting the winning teams in the College Football Playoff games. If I make it to midnight, I’ll thank the Lord for a blessed 2023—happy New Years from this southern man.
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