Best Activities to Celebrate Twelfth Night
Twelfth Night, also known by many as Epiphany Eve, is the Christian holiday celebrating the 12th day after Christmas. The night marks the final day of the Christmas season, January 6, honoring the day the three wise men visited baby Jesus. The holiday also marks the beginning of the Carnival/Mardi Gras season, which features feasts, activities, and celebration.
This year, New Orleans has plenty of fun things to do to celebrate the commemorative holiday.
1. St. Joan of Arc Parade
joanofarcparade.org
The medieval parade honoring Joan of Arc is held in the French Quarter. For over 10 years, the parade has been lighting up the community through fun and cheer. In an effort to celebrate Joan, the military leader who led the French Army to victory against the English at Orleans, the walking procession features costumes, characters, jugglers, medieval music, throws, and even king cake. The parade is set to roll on January 6 at 7:30 p.m. through the French Quarter and looks to be a great way to spend Twelfth Night.
2. Phunny Phorty Phellows Parade
phunnyphortyphellows.com
Spend Twelfth Night having boatloads of fun at the Phunny Phorty Phellows Parade on January 6. The Krewe of Phunny Phorty Phellows is a satirical krewe dating back to 1878. The parade features masks and costumes, music, unique throws, king cake, and drinks. The celebration kicks off Carnival season, starting at 7 p.m. While typical parades feature floats, this krewe hosts its annual ride on the St. Charles streetcar line.
3. Rebirth Brass Band at the Rabbit Hole
1128 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., (504) 354-9709
rabbitholenola.com
Celebrate Twelfth Night at the Rabbit Hole with great live music and a good time. The Grammy Award-winning Rebirth Brass Band will take the stage on Tuesday, January 6. The band is known for its eccentric sound and looks to light up the holiday. Doors open up at 9 p.m., with tickets starting at $31.37. However, no need to worry if you can't make it on Twelfth Night—the legendary band plays at the Rabbit Hole every Tuesday.
4. Twelfth Night Party at Buffa's with Alex McMurray
1228 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., (504) 949-0038
buffasbar.com
Buffa's Bar and Restaurant offers delicious food, vibrant atmosphere, and live music. On Twelfth Night, have a party at the restaurant as singer and songwriter Alex McMurray will be performing live. The guitarist has been writing and performing since the late '80s and will ring in the new year at Buffa's by rocking the crowd. The event starts at 7 p.m., with tickets starting at $8.
5. Societé des Champs Elyseé Streetcar Ride
societedeschampselysee.org
The Societé des Champs Elyseé is a social aid club and krewe dedicated to bettering neighborhoods along the Elysian Fields and St. Claude intersection. This krewe caters to the community through serving food, filling the community fridge, delivering clothes, and more. Aside from helping the community, the Societé des Champs Elyseé hosts a streetcar ride featuring music from brass bands to quartets. The French Quarter ride kicks off at 7:30 p.m., beginning at N. Rampart and Esplanade.
