New Year's Eve in Houston was never so much fun as it's going to be Dec. 31 when revelers take over Discovery Green and the George R. Brown Convention Center for the free, family-friendly (read that alcohol-free), funky outdoor bash billed as Gloworama. Live entertainment and an illuminated art car parade (don't miss it) fill the night leading up to the Big Glow, a 3-D light show and fireworks to ring in the New Year. Performers include the Fire Spinners, America's Got Talent's ArcAttack, Runaway Sun and headliner Jesse Dayton.  Illuminated costumes are encouraged.

For those wishing food and drink with their New Year's festivities, there is a VIP pre-party and VIP seating/viewing for the parade. The Hilton Americas-Houston (with front-row seats from the hotel windows) is offering a New Year's Eve package that includes two VIP Gloworama tickets. For serious partygoers, the Hilton bars and surrounding establishments will be pouring as long as the law allows. (No open containers in the park or on the parade route.)