My typical New Year's Eve kicks off with a trip to American Airlines Center to watch the annual Dallas Stars NYE game before walking over to check in to the W Hotel and sip champagne at Ghostbar. Might as well stay off the streets on the holiday some refer to as "Amateur Night," due to the notoriously dangerous amount of drinking on driving. But this year, we have no Stars game due to the NHL lockout and no Ghostbar as the club on the 33rd floor of the W closed last summer shortly after its sixth anniversary.
So unless we go the house party route, it's time to do some serious investigating on where to go and what to do on NYE in DFW. Here is a random sampling of events that have popped up on the radar for Monday Dec. 31, 2012:
WINSTAR WORLD CASINO'S BIG D NYE in Victory Park in Dallas is the 6th annual bash that seems to grow every year. While last year's party had more than 35,000 people, I am curious to see if the lack of a Dallas Stars game will make any impact on the scene, which is the closest thing in DFW to the Times Square NYE experience. The party runs from 7pm-12:30am and has fireworks to ring in the New Year at midnight. The event is free, but there are a limited number of VIP 'Red Carpet' tickets available here for $200.
LEVU, located at 2505 Pacific Ave., is DFW's newest hot spot and is hosting Avant Garde NYE at LEVU for its first New Year's Eve party. Two-time Grammy nominee producer/remixer and recording artist Carmen Rizzo will be on hand for the event that will sell out soon. General admission $30; VIP $50; couples $70. here.
DREAM NYE AT EM LOUNGE is billed as the 'Biggest NYE Party in Dallas.' EM Lounge is the party venue at 1500 Dragon St. in the Design District that was known as the Grey Goose Lounge for the Super Bowl XLV party scene. This party will have three rooms, 10 DJs and 12 bars. Tickets begin at $25 for general admission and go up to $75 a 'Dream Ticket.' There are also seven table packages ranging from $425 up to $5,000. Further information call (214) 506-0933.
SFUZZI LAS COLINAS is already the most popular spot in the upscale Irving community. This event will feature two seating options (6:30 and 8:30 pm) with a five-course dinner by Chef Andrew Rini. Table reservations are available in the bar/lounge area with entertainment provided by DJ Micheal Jerome. With the theme being Neon New Year, glow in the dark accessories will be given out after 10pm and there will be a complimentary champagne post at midnight. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (214) 390-9801.
MAXIM'S NEW YEAR"S EVE MASQUERADE BALL at ZOUK, with its tag 'Bring Your Fantasy to Life,' will be one of the crazier scenes as the two-level mega-club will be filled to capacity. Hosts for the party are 106.1 KISS-FM's Billy the Kid, Maxim cover models and Playboy cover model Crissy Henderson. Entertainment is provided by Andres Fresko from Miami and Redbull Thre3style Champion Joe Vega. Tickets are $50 (general admission), $70 (VIP) and $150 (Own The Night Package). Packages begin at $1200 and go up to $6000.
BROWNSTONE in Fort Worth's West 7th corridor is hosting NYE @ the Stone. Expect this to be one of the bigger parties on West 7th with tickets ranging from $20-$55. Table packages are available from $110 to $1,900. Further information available at NYE@brownstonefw.com or by calling (817)382-2085.
KUNG FU SALOON in Uptown will start its first NYE party with its old school arcade games at 8 pm. DJ Fishr Pryce will provide entertainment. Tickets are $20 or $30 for couples by visiting here.
THE POUR HOUSE on West 7th in Fort Worth is hosting its NYE party with the theme of Deception with masquerade attire. General admission is $20 or $100 a table, which gets you two free appetizers, two bottles of champagne and party favors. The Dick Beldings perform on stage in the main bar and DJ Cisco will be in The Garage. For reservations, call
972-310-9683.
DFW SOIREE COUTNDOWN 2013 will transform the entire third level of the Omni Dallas Hotel into a huge party area that features four different areas including a Las Vegas-style casino lounge, a Young & Chic room, dinner buffet by Chef Jason, party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. For special room rates at the Omni, visit here. Tickets ranging from $99 up to $3000 can be purchased here.
RIO ROOM in Dallas is hosting the Neon New Year for the Dallas hotspot named by Playboy as one of America's best bars. General admission is $100 (Tickets available here). Table service is $2000 for Upper Level (8), $3000 for Center Stage (12) and $4000 for Dance Floor (16). Tables include Belvedere Magnums and Dom Luminous Magnums. Contact reserve@rioroom.com for further details.
GLASS CACTUS at the Gaylord on Lake Grapevine will again feature the group known as 'the greatest disco band in the world,' Le Freak. The big night features hors d'oeuvres, a champagne toast at midnight, NYE party favors and a photo booth. General Admission tickets are $89.00 and are available through Ticketmaster. Special NYE room packages at the Gaylord are available by calling 817-778-2000.
BAR LOUIE, which recently celebrated its one-year anniversary in its West 7th locale, is having an NYE party with all inclusive tickets for just $95. Each include select open bar from 9 pm - 12 midnight, live entertainment, champagne toast at midnight, party favors and a late night buffet.
CANDLEROOM is hosting its New Year's Eve party featuring DJ Rob Vaughn, balloon drop, champagne toast and party favors. To RSVP for what is annually one of the biggest NYE events, contact events@candleroomdallas.co m.
MCFADDEN'S ADDISON is hosting its New Year's Eve party with a red carpet, $5,000 in cash and prizes and a balloon drop at midnight. Ticket packages range from general admission for $10 up to VIP for $100. To purchase tickets, visit here.
PETE'S DUELING PIANO BAR in downtown Fort Worth is kicking off its NYE party at 8 pm with hors d’oeuvres, party favors, singing and a bottle of champagne. Reservations are required for all seating options. For more information or reservations, call (817) 335-7383
Happy New Year Everybody!
FOLLOW JAY BETSILL ON TWITTER @THEFAMOUSJAY