We may be counting down to the last few days of the year, but that doesn’t mean there’s not still time to make big plans for ringing in 2018. If you haven’t yet resolved to celebrate the New Year in style, look in and around Downtown Dallas. We’re confident that, even at the last minute, you’ll find opportunities here to take a cup of kindness and not forget old acquaintances.
For anyone feeling particularly fancy, first up is Dallas’ New Year’s Eve Ball at the West End’s Crowne Plaza Hotel. The official party of radio station Hot 93.3, this event actually takes place on three different floors, each dancing to its own genre of music and making its own countdown. The dress code for the Ball may be formal, but tickets aren’t for VIPs only. They can be had for as low as $40 (or $75 for general admission plus dinner).
If you’re looking for live music instead of DJs, look no further than the Emerald City Band’s Rock the ‘18 New Year’s Eve Party at the Dallas Hilton Anatole. In the words of Mayor Mike Rawlings, the Emerald City Band is “THE House Band of Dallas.” They play both classic hits and contemporary favorites and entertain with their high level of on-stage energy. Various packages are available for this event, up to a luxury inclusive complete with reserved table seating, access to a band meet-and-greet, a three-course dinner, complimentary party favors and more. You can also pair your party attendance with a New Year’s reservation for a Luxury Suite at the Anatole, which is located just five minutes from Downtown Dallas.
Less interested in champagne than you are in locally crafted refreshment? Head over to Noble Rey Brewing Co. in the Design District for a low-key night. This “Brew Year’s Eve” will feature live music, bottomless beers, food and the venue’s famous vintage arcade games. In addition to Noble Rey brews, you’ll also find beers from Pegasus City Brewery, Four Bullets Brewery, Oak Highlands Brewery and, on the sweeter side, cider from Bishop Cider Co.
For those in need of a family-friendly option, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra will be putting on a special New Year’s Eve performance at the Meyerson Symphony Center. The show, which lasts from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., will feature a champagne toast at intermission and whimsical pieces from composers like Antonín Leopold Dvořák, Joseph Hellmesberger Jr., Johann Strauss II and more.
And, of course, it wouldn’t be New Year’s Eve in Dallas without the AT&T Streaming Lights show at Reunion Tower. This famous display features more than 15,000 pounds of fireworks and 4,000 pyrotechnics. You can see the fireworks from a number of nearby locations that will be throwing their own special viewing parties, including the Harwood District’s Happiest Hour, the historic Old Red Museum and Saint Rocco‘s in Trinity Groves. Or you can brave the winter elements and camp out at Continental Avenue’s pedestrian bridge to watch the show for free.
No matter where you decide to make memories this New Year’s Eve, you’ll be entering 2018 knowing that the future for Dallas is as bright as it’s ever been. Share your plans with us on Facebook and Twitter, and remember to celebrate responsibly. We’re looking forward to all the coming year has in store — and to sharing the excitement with our neighbors and fellow Dallasites.