Houston New Year's Eve Events

With a name like Hotel ZaZa, you know to expect some pizazz every night of the year. And New Year's Eve is no exception, as the Museum District hotel offers packages for an indulgent night out for two. Depending on the package, features include dinner and brunch for two, spa treatments and, of course, accommodations at the ritzy hotel. All you have to do is show up.

It wouldn't be New Year's Eve in Houston without fireworks. For the first time, they'll be shot from the roof of the George R. Brown Convention Center. For the best seats in the house, head to the Convention Center and Discovery Green area for New Year's Eve Live, a family-friendly event that will also feature a 3-D light show, parade, ice skating, and live music. Festivities kick off at 7pm.

Look back while moving forward with the Totally '80s New Year's Eve Bash at House of Blues. Thunderpants will provide the classic tunes, while you provide the big hair and spandex. Admission is $20 in advance, $30 day of. The show starts at 10pm at the Crossroads restaurant.

Free has a pretty nice ring to it any day of the year--especially on a day notorious for its pricey open bars and atmospheric admission fees. And at this Heights institution, you can hear some Houston bands, including Buxton, Fat Tony, Hearts of Animals, and more without opening your wallet. It's all courtesy of Free Press Houston. Doors are at 8pm.

Mark's fine dining experience is great for special occasions, and on New Year's Eve, the romantic Montrose restaurant will be serving a four-course dinner that's sure to be memorable. The first seating is $100 and the second is $175, but also features a live band, dance floor, party favors and the obligatory Champagne toast.

However cheesy a dueling piano bar may sound, you can't deny that it consistently provides some simple, good fun. This New Year's Eve, the Midtown nightlife spot will offer a variety of packages depending on what you think you'll be in the mood for, ranging from a Standing Room Package that includes dinner, $2 song requests and a Champagne toast for $25 per person, to the Champagne Supernova, which adds front-row reserved seating and some party favors for $90 per person. It all starts at 7pm. Come midnight, ?Auld Lang Syne? should be a given.

For a party where you can dress up to the nines, this stylish Galleria hotel will be throwing an equally stylish, Cotton Club-themed bash. That means a dinner and open bar for $135 in advance (by Dec. 16), $145 day of. As for the dress code, come decked out in your Harlem Renaissance finest. The party starts at 8:30pm.