Wondering where to ring in the New Year? With so many options, we've come up with a guide to some of Houston's most appealing events (and overnight stays) to make your decision a little easier. From rockin' dance parties to a soiree just for kids, there's something for everyone.
NOTABLE BASHES
The Sixth Annual Art of Celebration
Where: Wortham Theater Center
What: This annual party, which draws a crowd of around 2,000, spans fewer than four rooms. Drink tempting libations and hit the casino to the backdrop of acrobats, stilt walkers and more.
When: 9 p.m.
Cost: Tickets start at $40 per person.
The 3rd Annual Rock the Clock New Year’s Eve Celebration
Where: Red Oak Ballroom in CityCentre next to Hotel Sorella
What: Hosted by Andre Johnson of the Houston Texans and Chandler Parsons of the Houston Rockets, this NYE bash will feature tunes from some of Houston’s hottest DJ’s, plus a fireworks display at midnight.
When: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Cost: Tickets start at $35 per person.
H-Town NYE Countdown 2014
Where: Silver Street Studio
What: Bright lights, flying aerialists and booming beats from LC ROCKS, DJ Tony Styles and Mickey Avalon make this party over-the-top. Add to that a midnight line-up of food trucks to satisfy those late night hunger pangs.
When: 10 p.m.
Cost: Tickets start at $105 per person.
FPH NYE
Where: Sam Houston Park - downtown
What: Two stages of live music, including George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic, Josiah Gabriel and more.
When: Gates open at 4 p.m.
Cost: Tickets start at $50 per person.
Venetian Carnival
Where: Hobby Center for the Performing Arts
What: Ars Lyrica celebrates Venice with exotic music from the City of Masks. The music program is followed by a gala with hors d’oeuvres, champagne and wine, and a cash bar. Venetian masks, entertainment and a silent auction are also on the bill.
When: The concert is at 9 p.m. and the gala is from 10:30 p.m. to midnight.
Cost: Tickets start at $55 per person.
Rockin' New Years's Noon Bash
Where: Children's Museum of Houston
What: It's a noon to remember at the museum's Rockin' New Years's Noon Bash. Kids will celebrate the New Year at the stroke of noon with a parade and shimmering ball drop. An after-hours dance party follows till 3 p.m.
When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost:$9 per person.
AvantGarden's New Year's Eve Party
Where:AvantGarden
What: AvantGarden celebrates the spirit of the holidays, with proceeds from this NYE party going to typhoon relief efforts for the Philippines.
When: 6 p.m.
Cost: No cost for admission.
City of Sugar Land's New Year's Eve on the Square
Where:Sugar Land Town Square
What: Children's celebration features Radio Disney on the main stage, a bubble artist, LED balloon artists and other street performers. The party resumes at 9:30 p.m. with alcohol for sale.
When: Children's celebration at 7 p.m. with fireworks at 9 p.m. Celebration resumes at 9:30 p.m. with fireworks at midnight.
Cost: No cost for admission.
BAR FESTIVITIES
Where: Dogwood Midtown
What: Come dressed to impress at this Gatsby-themed party with complimentary champagne toast at midnight.
When: Doors open at 6 p.m.
Cost:$30 per person.
Where: Mr. Peeples
What: Celebrate with live music and dancing, champagne toast, breakfast stations at 12:30 a.m.
When: 9 p.m until 2 1.m.
Cost:$40 advance, $50 at door.
Where: Anvil Bar & Refuge
What: Ring in the new year with a midnight balloon drop and toast of champagne or bourbon.
When: Open regular hours.
Cost: No cost for admission.
Where: OKRA Charity Saloon
What: Cheers to your champagne toast and festive balloon drop at midnight.
When: Open regular hours.
Cost: No cost for admission.
Where: Rosemont Social Club
What: Celebrate NYE at Rosemont with a champagne toast and balloon drop at midnight, and music by DJ Get Low starting at 9 p.m.
When: Open regular hours.
Cost: Tickets start at $20 per person.
Where: 13 Celsius
What: This Midtown bar celebrates its seventh anniversary with a Roaring Twenties theme. Patrons are encourage to dress up as their favorite Roaring Twenties Parisian personality. Enjoy a bubbles toast at midnight and specials on bottles of Champagne and other sparkling all night long.
When: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Cost: No cost for admission.
HOTEL CELEBRATIONS
Where: Hotel ZaZa
What: Travel-through-time at this 1928 speakeasy-styled shindig. Your party ticket gets you passed hors d'oeuvres and two drink tickets good for specialty drinks or champagne. Get your dancing shoes ready as the night turns into a dance party at the stroke of midnight.
When: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Cost: Party tickets are $89 per person. NYE overnight accommodations are also available starting at $495 for accommodations, valet parking, two NYE party tickets, and New Year's Day brunch for two.
Where: Hyatt Regency - downtown
What: For 36 years and running the Hyatt Regency has hosted an all-night celebration. This year will see a 50,000-balloon cascade at midnight, live performances by Roger Creager and The Fab 5, and a DJ.
When: December 31
Cost: General admission tickets are $89 and include four beverage tickets. NYE overnight packages start at $299 per couple.
MINI STAYCATIONS
Where: Royal Sonesta Hotel Houston
What: Your royal stay features a special overnight rate and an in-room bottle of champagne.
When: Dec. 31
Cost: The “New Year’s Eve” package starts at $169 per room, per night and includes overnight valet parking.
Where: Hotel ICON
What: Hotel ICON, located in the heart of the downtown historic district, is double the fun this year with an offer that includes two deluxe guestrooms, a four-course dinner for four in the Wine Vault with wine pairings, a midnight champagne toast in-room, breakfast for four on New Year’s Day at LINE & LARIAT, overnight valet parking for two vehicles, and late check-out.
When: Dec. 31
Cost: The “Double Date ICONic New Year’s” package is $2,014.
Where: Wyndham Houston West Energy Corridor
What: Start your evening with a three-course dinner for two before popping your personal bottle of champagne to enjoy before the ball drops. Sleep in with a late checkout and then make your way to Park Restaurant & Grille for a breakfast buffet for two on New Year's Day.
When: Dec. 31
Cost: The “Wyndham NYE” package starts at $199 per room, per night for standard accommodations.
Where: Hotel Sorella CITYCENTRE
What: Indulge in a five-course, prix fixe dinner at the Bistro or make an evening of your celebration with “The Quite the Night Monnalisa” package that includes champagne in-room upon arrival, plus tickets for two to Monnalisa bar’s annual party where you’ll have the best seat in the house for CITYCENTRE’s midnight fireworks spectacular.
When: Dec. 31
Cost: The overnight package starts at $319 for double occupancy.
If you have other suggestions, please let us know in the Comments section below.
The big New Year's Eve party at the Hyatt Regency Houston always has a great balloon drop.
Ken Hoffman was a CultureMap kind of guy.
Photo courtesy of MikeMcGuff.com
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