Ringing in 2020: New Year’s Celebrations

This month, we’ll be toasting not just to a new year but to a new decade! Here are some ideas of where to celebrate around town with family and friends on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. 

Welcome the new year in the CITYCENTRE plaza on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. with a family-friendly Noon Year’s Eve celebration.

Bring the Kids

The Aquarium’s New Year’s Eve Family Celebration  
Dec. 31, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and 3-5:30 p.m. 
410 Bagby St.
Admission: Kids (3-10): $21.99; adults: $29.99
Close 2019 with a family celebration at the downtown Aquarium including a buffet meal, a kids balloon drop, dance party, appearances by Sharkey and Nero and party favor. Reserve by calling 713-223-FISH. 

CityCentre’s Noon Year’s Eve  
Dec. 31, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
800 Town and Country Blvd.
Admission: Free
Bring the family to ring in the new year at CityCentre. Dance with a DJ and cap the noon hour off with bubbles! Enjoy face painting, a balloon and caricature artist, and capture the fun with Lucky Shots’ magic mirror photo booth.

This end-of-year bash at the Children's Museum of Houston rings in the New Year at the stroke of noon with a parade and shimmering ball drop.

The Children’s Museum of Houston’s Rockin' New Year's Noon  
Dec. 31, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
1500 Binz St.
Admission: Children under 1: Free; Adults/Children: $12; Seniors (ages 65+): $11
The end-of-year bash at The Children’s Museum of Houston rings in the New Year at the stroke of noon with a parade and shimmering ball drop. Enjoy music, a noon countdown, two simultaneous ball drops and a DJ dance after party.   

Memorial City Mall’s Noon Year’s Eve  
Dec. 31, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
303 Memorial City
Admission: Free
Memorial City Mall is hosting a family-friendly celebration including a DJ dance party, face painters, balloon artists and, when the clock strikes noon, there will be a balloon drop and lemonade toast. 

Rockets Game
Dec. 31, 6 p.m.
Toyota Center, 1510 Polk St. 
Admission: See information about tickets and food vouchers here
Kick off the new year with the Rockets! Tickets to the Dec. 31 game vs. Denver will include one food voucher to redeem for choice of one beer, soda OR water AND one hot dog, popcorn OR pretzel. 

Ring in the new year at this buzzy champagne spot. The regular dinner will be available on New Year's Eve at a’Bouzy plus a New Year's Day brunch. (Photo: Becca Wright)

Bring on the Champagne

a’Bouzy   
Dec. 31, 11 a.m.; Jan. 1, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
2300 Westheimer 
Admission: Guests can order off the regular menus.
Ring in the new year at this buzzy champagne spot. The regular dinner menu will be available, plus a DJ. On New Year’s Day, a’Bouzy is having a special brunch from 10 a.m. until they close at 6 p.m. For reservations, call 713-722-6899.

The Annie Café and Bar
Dec. 31, 7 p.m.
1800 Post Oak Blvd., Suite 6170
Admission: No ticket fee or prix fixe menu 
The Annie will feature an evening of food, specialty cocktails, 2020 swag and live music. Singer Bob Luna, accompanied by a pianist, will kick off the night at 7 p.m., followed by The Richard Brown Band from 10 p.m.-1 a.m. Guests can order off the regular dinner menu along with a few specials.

Bar Boheme  
Dec. 31, 8 p.m.
307 Fairview St.
Admission: $45 minimum spend per person
Ring in the New Year at Boheme with nonstop entertainment including belly dancers, a drag show, DJ and a midnight champagne toast.

B&B Butchers & Restaurant is offering a fun, festive night of food, drinks and music on New Year's Eve plus a brunch on New Year's Day. (Photo: Bonner Rhoden)

B&B Butchers & Restaurant
Dec. 31, 7 p.m.; Weds., Jan. 1, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 
1814 Washington Ave.
Admission: No ticket fee or prix-fixe menu; reservations are required
B&B is offering a fun, festive night of food, drinks and music. In the bar area, David Gallego, a singer and guitarist, will perform from 7-10 p.m., and then Flashdrive, a DJ and strings group, will perform upstairs from 10-11 p.m. The DJ will stay to spin tunes from 10 p.m.-1 a.m. on the upstairs patio (which is covered and heated). There is no ticket fee or prix-fixe menu, so guests can order off the regular dinner menu. On New Year’s Day, start the new year feeling refreshed at the “Hangover Cure Brunch” with live music on the rooftop patio, brunch dishes include a black-eyed peas and greens special. Reservations are required; call 713-862-1814 or reserve through OpenTable.

B.B. Italia Kitchen & Bar
Dec. 31, through midnight 
14795 Memorial Dr. 
Admission: No ticket fee of prix-fixe menu; reservations are required
Join B.B. Italia on New Year’s Eve for a fun, festive evening of delicious food, drinks, party favors, and (most importantly) live music! Singer Alicia Gianni will perform with a guitarist from 7-11 p.m. There is no ticket fee or prix fixe menu, and guests can order off the regular dinner menu. 

B.B. Lemon - Washington  
Dec. 31, through midnight
1809 Washington Ave.
Admission: No ticket fee or prix-fixe menu; reservations are required
B.B. Lemon is offering a fun, festive evening of delicious food, drinks and party favors. There is no ticket fee or prix-fixe menu, and guests can order off the regular dinner menu. On New Year’s Day, B.B. Lemon is offering a Hangover Cure Brunch with live music on the patio (which is covered and heated). 

Benjy’s
Dec. 31, 5 p.m.
2424 Dunstan
Admission: $50/person
Benjy’s in Rice Village is offering a special social tasting menu for $50 per person (plus tax and gratuity), as well as a complimentary NYE champagne upon arrival. Social NYE dinner seating from 5-10 p.m. Reservations recommended but will accept walk-ins. The tasting menu and champagne is for a minimum party of two. To make reservations, call 713-522-7602.

Bisou’s New Year’s Eve Masquerade  
Dec. 31; several seatings, starting at 7 p.m.
4444 Westheimer Rd.
Admission: Three courses: $75; four courses, $125 with a complimentary glass of champagne; Five courses, $250 with complimentary half bottle of champagne. Guests will enjoy decadent dishes and the sounds of a DJ throughout the evening. 

Black & White NYE Electric Ball at Hotel Derek  
Dec. 31, 9 p.m.-Jan. 1, 2 a.m. 
2525 W. Loop S.
Admission: $36+ 
The Black & White NYE includes multiple fully stocked bars, party favors, light bites, DJs and more. Formal trendy attire is required - black and white attire encouraged (tuxes not necessary). Masquerade masks are encouraged. VIP packages available.

Bloom & Bee
Dec. 31 
1600 W. Loop South
Admission: $95 for three courses; $195 for five courses
Enjoy a three-course meal at Bloom & Bee at The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown for $95 or a five-course meal for $195. To make a reservation, call 346-227-5139. 

Brunch Crawl – New Year’s Day 
Jan. 1, 2020, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Clutch Bar: 5334 Washington Ave.
Admission: $30 
Start 2020 off with brunch dishes and drinks. Hop around several bars around the Washington area and enjoy food, drinks, live music and more. 

Kick off the New Year’s celebration by taking a tour of champagne at Camerata at Pualie's from 5-6 p.m. on New Year's Eve. (Photo: Camerata at Paulie's)

Camerata at Paulie’s 
Dec. 31, 5-6 p.m.
1830 Westheimer Rd. 
Admission: $75 includes a flight of five different champagnes
Kick off the New Year’s celebration by taking a tour of champagne. Learn about the past, present and future of champagne production and enjoy a tasting of five different champagnes. 

Celebrate the new year at CityCentre with live music, a countdown to midnight and fireworks. 

CityCentre’s New Year’s Eve celebration  
Dec. 31, 9:30 p.m.-Jan. 1, 12:30 a.m. 
800 Town and Country Blvd.
Admission: Free
Starting at 9:30 p.m., enjoy live music in the CityCentre plaza from five-piece, variety dance band A Sure Thing, followed by a countdown to midnight capped off with confetti and a 60-second rooftop fireworks show. 

Doris Metropolitan  
Dec. 31, 5-10:30 p.m. 
2815 S. Shepherd Dr. 
Admission: Guests can order from the regular menu
This steakhouse will be sabering a six liter of Delamotte champagne and offering a festive balloon drop, confetti cannons and party favors. Guests can order from the regular menu.

Downtown Houston  
There will be lots of New Year’s events happening downtown, mostly walkable from one to the other. Details will be updated here throughout the month.

Emmaline 
Dec. 31, starting at 5:30 p.m.
3210 W. Dallas St. 
Admission: $75 for early seating; $125 for late seating 
Emmaline is offering retro dishes this New Year’s Eve such as Pigs in a Blanket, Waldorf Salad, Chicken Fried Steak and Spiced Cherries Jubilee! Early seating (5:30-8 p.m.) for $75 per guest (*not including tax/gratuity), which includes a four-course prix fixe menu and a champagne toast. Late seating (8:30 p.m.-midnight) for $125 per guest (*not including tax/gratuity), which includes a 4-course prix fixe menu, champagne toast at midnight, DJ, dancing and party favors! Reservations required, please visit OpenTable or call 713-523-3210. On New Year’s Day, Emmaline is having brunch from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and dinner from 3-10 p.m. 

Howl at the Moon
Dec. 31, 9 p.m.-Jan. 1, 2 a.m.
612 Hadley St.
Admission: $20+ 
Have a howling New Year’s Eve at this piano bar. The “Just Dance” option ($30/person) includes guaranteed entry, $7 cocktail options. General admission ($20/person): walk up only and doesn't include food and drink specials or seating.

Hotel ZaZa - Memorial City
Dec. 31, 10 p.m.-Weds., Jan. 1, 2 a.m.
9787 Katy Freeway
Admission: Check the website for pricing information 
Hotel ZaZa is bringing out all the neon glitz and glam for this futuristic party. Look forward to champagne, light bites, entertainment and an official countdown to ring in the new year. 

House of Blues - Five Minutes To Midnight NYE 2020 Celebration
Dec. 31, 8 p.m.
1204 Caroline St.
Admission: $40; VIP table seats are $62.50/each and sold in multiples of four 
Enjoy live music and fun at this House of Blues celebration. The lineup includes: The C.I.T.Y Band, Def Jam Blaster and DJ B-Love. VIP seating available with a complimentary champagne toast at midnight.

Kemah Boardwalk
Dec. 31, 1 p.m.-Jan. 1, 12:30 a.m.
215 Kipp Ave., Kemah, TX 77565
Admission: Live music, entertainment and fireworks are free; Dinner Cruise: $174.99, Senior (55+) $169.99
Celebrate New Year's on Kemah Boardwalk. Free concerts in the plaza include: Dead Stereo (1-5 p.m.) and Velvet Punch (6-10 p.m.) and a fireworks show at 10 p.m. The Fireworks Dinner Cruise sails from 9 p.m.-12:30 a.m.

La Table
Dec. 31, starting at 4 p.m. 
1800 Post Oak Blvd #6110
Admission: $95/person
Celebrate the new year at La Table with a dinner tasting menu and a toast as a DJ plays on both floors. There will be a projector for the new year’s countdown. Make your reservation anytime between 4-11 p.m. at either Château at La Table or Marché at La Table. There will be special champagne from 9 p.m.-o 1 a.m.  

Le Colonial 
Dec. 31; dinner starts at 5 p.m.
4444 Westheimer Rd.
Admission: $85/person
Ring in the new year at Le Colonial with a curated $85 three-course menu featuring Moet Chandon specials and then head to the lounge after dinner for live music, specialty cocktails and more Moet Chandon giveaways. New Year’s Eve lunch will end at 3 p.m. and dinner service to begin at 5 p.m. Reservations encouraged.  

MAD – Roaring ‘20s
Dec. 31, open for dinner and a Roaring 20s party, 10 p.m.-2 a.m.
1800 Post Oak Blvd. 
Admission: $125/person
Ring in 2020 at this Spanish hotspot with a live DIJ, an exclusive menu (including a vegan menu option). There will be a 1920s themed party from 10 p.m.-2 a.m. that includes dancing, passed hors d'oeuvres and a champagne toast. For those who wish to join the party or stay after dinner, there are $100 tickets available. 

Mastro’s Steakhouse
Dec. 31; bar hours: 3 p.m.-12 a.m.; dining room: 4 p.m.-12 a.m.
1650 W. Loop South
Admission: $225
Mastro’s Steakhouse is ringing in the new decade with a four-course New Year’s Eve menu. Enjoy a decadent assortment of seafood and steak selections complete with Mastro’s signature seafood tower, a champagne toast and live entertainment. 

Midtown – New Year’s Eve  
Dec. 31, check-in starting at 5 p.m. at Pub Fiction
2303 Smith St. #100
Admission: $20.20+
Hop around various bars in Midtown on New Year's Eve. Check in at Pub Fiction to get your "All Access Pass" wristband from 6-10 p.m. and make your way around Midtown.

Omni Houston – Gatsby’s House  
Dec. 31, 9 p.m.-Jan. 1, 2 a.m. 
4 Riverway
Admission: $99+
Celebrate 2020 roaring ‘20s style. Look forward to top DJs, multiple bars and a casino night speakeasy. 

Ouzo Bay and Loch Bar
Dec. 31, 6 p.m. 
4444 Westheimer Rd., Suite G130/Suite G110
Admission: Guests can order from the regular menu 
On New Year’s Eve, experience an eleganT, Mediterranean themed experience at Ouzo Bay with chef specials and a saber presentation as the DJ spins into 2020. Next door, enjoy live music at Loch Bar and dine on seafood selections from the raw bar with chef and cocktail specials. There will also be festive party favors and a balloon drop at midnight. Toast to the new year with champagne and, if you wear a tiara or top hat, you can drink from the legendary Loch Bar hoof. Read more about these buzzy River Oaks District spots here. Reserve your seat: click here or call 832-430-6610 for Ouzo Bay; click here or call 832-430-6601 for Loch Bar.  

Peli Peli
Galleria Location: 5085 Westheimer Road, Suite B2515 
New Year's Eve: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; New Year's Day: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. 
This South African hotspot in the Galleria will offer its full dinner menu plus two specials: Beef Wellington and Grilled Center Cut Pork Chop. For reservations, visit www.pelipeli.com.

The San Luis Resort
Dec. 31, 8 p.m.
5222 Seawall Blvd., Galveston, TX 77551
Admission: $209/person for all-inclusive 
Ring in 2020 with an evening of dancing and entertainment at The San Luis in Galveston. Includes chef-inspires hors d’oeuvres, premium bar, party favors and a champagne toast. 

StereoLive – DJ Borgeous  
Tues., Dec. 31, 10 p.m.-Weds., Jan. 1, 2 a.m.
6400 Richmond Ave., Houston, TX 77057 
Admission: $15; NYE Resolution combo ticket: $60 
DJ Borgeous performs at StereoLive on New Year’s Eve.  

Tony’s  
Dec. 31, 6 p.m.
3755 Richmond Ave.
Admission: Various price options 
Tony’s is offering a party with Nick and the Hits, a live band that specializes in playing hits from every decade. Enjoy a four-course, multi-choice custom menu. Space is limited; call 713-622-6778 to RSVP.

Traveler’s Table 
Dec. 31, 6 p.m.-midnight 
520 Westheimer Rd.
Admission: $79/person
Get a taste from all around the world this New Year’s Eve with a three-course prix fixe menu at $79/person plus tax and gratuity. First seating is from 6-9 p.m. and the second seating is from 9 p.m.-midnight and includes a glass of champagne and live music by DJ John McLaughlin. Reservations required and can be made via Resy. Read more about Traveler's Table here.

More Events
Find holiday-themed events here, where to dine on Christmas Day here and all upcoming events here.