The biggest night of the year is almost upon us, and if you’re still scratching your head over how to plan the perfect New Year’s Eve celebration, we’ve got you covered. This list includes some of Dallas’ most legendary parties, plus a couple of family-friendly events for those looking for a fun activity sans the crazy crowds.
The Hilton Anatole in Downtown Dallas will again be hosting a New Year’s Eve bash to remember with their Rock the ’19 party featuring the Emerald City Band. This homegrown collective has gone on to enjoy national acclaim, performing all across the country and even at the White House. As usual, however, they’ll be back home in the Big D on New Year’s Eve to help you dance 2018 away. General admission tickets start at $85, and dinner-included options are also available. This event tends to sell out, so make sure to purchase tickets soon if you’re interested in attending.
If you’d rather escape the club scene while still enjoying quality music, then head to the Meyerson Symphony Center for a family-friendly event. The Dallas Symphony Orchestra will be performing a special New Year’s Eve concert, showcasing crowd-pleasing works from composers such as Gershwin, Schubert and Strauss. Co-Concertmaster Nathan Olson (violin) will be the night’s featured soloist. Tickets start at $39 and include a complimentary champagne toast during intermission to officially welcome in 2019. In addition, this year’s event will include a first-ever NYE party in the Meyerson lobby after the show comes to an end, complete with celebratory hats, noisemakers and a live Motown band.
A New Year’s Eve in Dallas wouldn’t be complete without mention of Reunion Tower, which will light up the night sky come midnight thanks to the more than 4,000 pyrotechnics to be launched from the top of the 560-foot structure. If you’ve never seen the spectacle in-person, make 2018 your year. The Old Red Museum will be hosting its annual masquerade party, New Year’s Eve 2019 Champagne Life: Royalty at the Castle, which will include what is arguably the best view of the show in the entire city. This black-tie event has consistently racked up high ratings — it was recently voted the best NYE party in Texas and one of the top NYE parties in the world — with four floors of fun and three DJs. Ticket prices start at $79. This event sells out every year, so snag tickets soon if you’re interested.
If you’d prefer to watch Dallas’ famous fireworks from something of a safer distance, make your way to the city’s largest patio bar: Happiest Hour. This watering hole provides a 360-degree view of Downtown Dallas, making it one of the best outdoor areas from which to view the show. This NYE MEGAPARTY (cover charge: $40) will also include a complimentary champagne toast, multiple DJs and five balloon drops — because why not? — to keep the party going until 2 a.m.
However, if you have young children who won’t be staying up that late, head to the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden at the Dallas Arboretum, where you can still celebrate the turning of the calendar when the clock strikes twelve. This Happy NOON Year takes place in the garden’s Exploration Center and includes a flower “ball drop” at 12 p.m., plus plenty of kid-friendly activities centering around science, crafts and music to keep the young ones busy. We bet they’ll be all “partied out” come early evening, leaving you a quiet night at home with your loved one and a glass of champagne.
What are your plans for the big night? Share with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, and from all of us at Downtown Dallas Parks Conservancy — we wish you a Happy New Year!
