[dropcap]I[/dropcap]t's almost time to ring in the New Year, and if you're planning to be in the Lone Star State, there are plenty of places to catch some amazing fireworks shows, go to fabulous parties and of course, raise a glass of champagne. Whether you prefer a quiet New Years in the wide open spaces of West Texas, the serene salty air of the Texas gulf coast, or the bright lights and excitement of the big city, we've got the info on where to go. Here are the top 10 places to celebrate New Year's Eve in Texas.
10. Galveston
In the city of Galveston, they have it all - history, fun in the sun, and an exciting nightlife. Enjoy the Downtown Lanterns and Lights in Saengerfest Park, and then take in a formal dinner and champagne toast at the historic Hotel Galvez on the seawall. Or spend an evening of fun and excitement at Midnight in the Gardens New Year's Eve Gala at Moody Gardens.
9. West Texas
Flickr/Nan Palermo
There's nothing like reflecting on the past year and anticipating a new one in the tranquility of West Texas. Check out Marfa for some incredible food and art exhibits and enjoy the unique Western winter wonderland created by the desert covered in frost. Spend some time in the solitude of the Davis mountains looking at the stars at the McDonald Observatory and experience the constellations as they can only be seen in West Texas.
8. Luckenbach
Head out to the dance hall in Luckenbach this December to enjoy some incredible live music featuring Thomas Michael Riley. The cover charge is $35 which gets you all the country music and dancing you can handle and a champagne toast at midnight!
7. Fort Worth
Cowtown is the perfect place to celebrate New Year's Eve in Texas. Billy Bob's Texas and Bar Louie are both having parties on Dec. 31, and Ampersand is hosting the NYE Masquerade Ball which is guaranteed to be a good time. Find more events here.
6. Gruene
If you've never visited the famed Gruene Hall, make New Years the time you do. Live music will be provided by Shinyribs. Tickets are $45 and include popcorn and tamales, with champagne available for purchase. Don't show up late though. Due to New Braunfels liquor laws forbidding the sale of alcohol past midnight, New Year's Eve will be celebrated at 11 pm.
5. South Padre Island
Check out South Padre Island for an amazing New Years Eve experience. The tiny south Texas island lights up the night sky with fireworks every December 31st, and the celebration doesn't stop there, there are events and parties all over the city. Winters are notoriously mild that far south, so if you don't want to bundle up, check out the festivities in South Padre for an awesome beach-themed New Year's Eve in Texas.
4. Dallas
Though the annual party extravaganza that was Big D NYE seems to be on permanent hiatus, there is still a plethora of New Years Eve celebrations in the Dallas area to keep you dancing until dawn. Dallas and the surrounding areas are notorious for glamorous parties and events this time of year! Check Guidelive for more details.
3. Houston
2017 was full of ups and downs for Texas' largest city. Hurricane Harvey devastated much of Houston, but then the Astros won the World Series, which gave H-Town something to celebrate. NYElectric at the Hotel Derek promises to be an exciting event, and if that doesn't blow your skirt up try the All Access Pass that will get you into several bars in Midtown. Find out where to party in Houston here.
2. San Antonio
Ring in the New Year in style at Celebrate San Antonio! Located in downtown San Antonio, just steps from the famous Riverwalk, the citywide celebration features live music and entertainment as well as the delectable food that can only come from San Antonio. The evening ends with a fireworks show at midnight!
1. Austin
The live music capital of the world obviously is going to have some seriously epic New Year's Eve celebrations. With fireworks over Ladybird Lake, Austin's New Year's Eve is anything but ordinary. Gatsby House at the Omni has a roaring 20s theme. Catch some live music and dancing at Austin's historic Broken Spoke, or watch Wille Nelson and sons at Austin City Limits. Check here for more events.
