Voodoo Mass and Vigil. Voodoo Spiritual Temple, 828 N. Rampart St. Priestess Miriam Chamani leads a voodoo mass and candlelight vigil for all souls moving forward into the new year. Free and open to the public. Call 522-9627. Mass and vigil noon to 8 p.m. today through Dec. 30, and noon to midnight Dec. 31; feast 3 p.m. Jan. 1

Dec. 30

New Year’s Cruise. Riverbarge Excursion Lines Inc., 201 Opelousas Ave. Nine-day river vacation featuring a front-row seat for the New Orleans fireworks celebrations on New Year’s Eve. Cost $2,500 Royal Deck, $2,800 Platinum Deck. Call (888) GO-BARGE. Today through Jan. 7, 2001

‘Grand Piano Bar Night.’ le chat noir, 715 St. Charles Ave. Vocalists sing short sets with open mic in-between, and champagne and cocktails until the wee hours. Call 581-5812. 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Dec. 31

Cruise with the Critters. Cajun Critters Swamp Tours, 363 Louisiana St., Westwego. Two-hour swamp tour. Cost $17. Call 347-0962. 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Children’s New Year’s party. Louisiana Children’s Museum, 420 Julia St. The annual celebration features live music and a countdown by children’s entertainer Papillion, arts and crafts, face painting, balloon launch and confetti drop with a New Year’s toast at noon. Free with regular $5 museum admission. Call 523-1357, ext. 200. 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

New Year’s Eve party. Bombay Club, 830 Conti St. Earlier seating features four-course dinner; later seating also includes live music, champagne and party favors at midnight. Tickets $75 (6 p.m.); $135 (8:30 p.m.). Club available for dancing and cocktails ($25 per person). Call 586-0972. Seatings 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

Riverboat cruises. Creole Queen Riverboats, Canal Street Dock at Riverwalk. Dinner jazz cruise offers Creole buffet, open bar and live jazz. Midnight fireworks cruise offers open bar, musical entertainment, party food and favors, and fireworks. Dinner jazz cruise $69 adults, $39 children 6 to 12; midnight fireworks cruise $89 adults, $49 children 6 to 12. Call 524-0814. Jazz cruise 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.; fireworks cruise 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.

New Year’s Eve party. House of Blues, 225 Decatur St. Legendary roots rocker Jerry Jeff Walker headlines a bash featuring a buffet, open premium bar, champagne toast, party favors and a balloon drop at midnight with one of the balloons containing a $1,000 cash prize. Tickets $150. Call 529-BLUE. 7 p.m.

New Year’s Eve party. W Hotel, 333 Poydras St. Reserve a table at Zoe Bistrot for a six-course meal of French delicacies, followed by a midnight champagne toast and dance party at "Swim," the hotel’s fourth-floor landscaped pool area overlooking downtown New Orleans. Call 525-9444. 9 p.m.

New Year’s Eve party. Jackson Square. Outdoor concert featuring live music, Mayor Marc Morial and District C Councilman Troy Carter as celebrity guest hosts, ball drop, fireworks, and Baby New Year at midnight. Free admission. Call 565-8104. 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Legendary roots rocker Jerry Jeff Walker headlines the New Year’s Eve bash at the House of Blues.

‘Pop a Cork.’ Pavilion of the Two Sisters, New Orleans Botanical Garden, City Park. Friends of City Park hosts an evening of dining, dancing to Bobby Cure & the Summertime Blues, and celebration. Includes five-course gourmet buffet dinner, open bar and party favors. Tickets $125. Call 483-9376. 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

‘New Orleans at Its Best.’ Jackson Brewery, Fourth Floor, Riverview Room. Reserved seats for "Times Square of the South" celebration features a full buffet dinner, premium open bar, champagne, party favors, live music by the Top Cats, and great views of the midnight ball drop and fireworks. Cocktail attire/black tie. Tickets $150. Call 525-3000. 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

New Year’s Eve party. Harrah’s Casino, Canal Street at the Mississippi River. Cha-ching in the New Year with a second-line parade and midnight toast. Must be at least 21 and have a valid ID. Call (800) HARRAH’S. 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

New Year’s Eve party. Pat O’Brien’s, 718 St. Peter St. Special New Year’s Eve hats will be thrown from the patio balcony. Restaurant is open to the public. Call 561-1200. 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

New Year’s Eve party. Pat O’s at the River, Jackson Brewery, 600 Decatur St. Buffet dinner, open bar (including hurricanes), champagne, party hats, and live entertainment. Tickets $150. Call 561-1200. 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Fireworks cruise. Steamboat NATCHEZ, Toulouse Wharf behind Jackson Brewery. Dance to live music by Ivy, enjoy hand-passed delicacies, an open bar and party favors. A commemorative photo will be taken of you and your companion upon boarding and will be ready for pick up before the evening is out. Tickets $140. Call 587-8666 or (800) 233-BOAT, ext. 480. 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

‘Lights on the Tchefuncte.’ Tchefuncte River, Madisonville. Watch decorated boats sail along the Tchefuncte River. Call 845-7311. Midnight