2022 is coming to an end! It’s time to start those resolutions and make plans for ringing in the New Year. From raging rooftop parties and live music to dinner celebrations and champagne toasts, celebrate the end of the year with a bang, and start 2023 with unforgettable memories!

Austin

The Zanzi Bar

Austin’s rooftop bar, Zanzibar, is hosting a celebration to ring in the New Year. From seven stories up, guests will have a panoramic view of Downtown Austin and a premier view of fireworks over Lady Bird Lake. 

The party will feature a live DJ, island-inspired bites, and a complimentary glass of bubbly to toast to the new year. For those looking for a little more celebration, Austin Marriott Downtown has created a special NYE package. The package includes an overnight stay in a guest room, four-course dinner at Corrinne featuring lobster mac and cheese, champagne and mushroom risotto and wagyu filet and, of course, tickets to the NYE party. Package prices vary depending on room selection and reservations can be made online. 

Tickets here. 

APT 115

Looking for an intimate and unique New Years Eve experience in Austin? APT 115, East Austin’s retro-fancy wine bar & restaurant with James Beard nominated Chef at the helm, Charles Zhuo. Treat yourself to making it through 2022 and welcome an abundant new year with a special decadent tasting menu, featuring a 10 course experience for the senses at $150 per person with the option to add wine pairings for $100 per person. 

 The intimate restaurant, set in an apartment unit, will make you feel like you’re being welcomed into someone’s home, with eclectic decor adorning the walls, and a curated selection of records from owner & musician Joe Pannenbacker’s collection. An ideal New Year’s Eve setting!

Reservations here.

Austin’s New Year celebration at Auditorium Shores 

The City of Austin is hosting its annual Austin’s New Year celebration at Auditorium Shores on Saturday, December 31. The lawn will open at 6 p.m., and the event will conclude with the firework show at midnight. 

The free, all-ages event will showcase live music from local favorites El Combo Oscuro, Taméca Jones, and The Texas Gentlemen, with interspersed drag performances by Extragrams.

Guests can enjoy bites from 10 local food trucks and, for the first time, beer, wine and champagne will be available for purchase for guests who are 21 and older, in a designated beer hall.

Attendees can view a street closure and parking map here and can reserve their parking space through the event’s parking partner Pavemint for RiverSouth and One Texas Center.

Wax Myrtle’s New Year’s Eve – Pink Power

Head to Wax Myrtle’s this New Year’s Eve for Pink Power: A raucous disco celebration thrown in gratitude of Austin’s LGBTQ2+ history. Inspired by the groundbreaking 1970 article in local underground newspaper The Rag that called for the “liberation of homosexuals,” Pink Power will run from 9 p.m.-1 a.m., and will be hosted by nationally recognized burlesque and drag performer World Famous *BOB*, with music by DJ Chorizo Funk, and will feature live drag performances from special guests throughout the evening.

Tickets are $35 and include a welcome cocktail and midnight toast. Wax Myrtle’s is proud to partner with Rainbow Connections ATX, a local nonprofit focused on connecting and uplifting Austin’s older adult LGBTQ2+ community. A portion of ticket proceeds will be donated directly to Rainbow Connections ATX.

A menu of 1970s-inspired shareable dishes will be available all evening, as well as a full bar featuring cocktails, sparkling & still wine, beer, non-alcoholic cocktails, and more.

Tickets here.

San Antonio 

Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk’s Rooftop Party

For the second year in a row, Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk is celebrating the New Year in style with an epic firework show at the iconic rooftop restaurant & bar, The Moon’s Daughters. This year’s theme is “Celestial Ball,” paying tribute to the Goddess of the Moon, Celine. Perched on the 20th floor of the hotel floating high above the River Walk, The Moon’s Daughters dazzles with views of the twinkling city lights of the San Antonio skyline. Guests will dance the night away with celebrity performer DJ JAX, who has spun for the Latin Grammy’s WMC, UMF, and many other festivals and has recently opened for the Chainsmokers.

 Several Table Packages, named after the hotel’s monthly cosmic night series, will range from $400 to $100,000; the ultimate experience includes flights and a three-night stay at any other Hyatt property in the world. From Cosmic to The Universe, select from the VIP packages to enjoy an open bar, champagne, spirits, and magnum bottles to toast the New Year.

Tickets here.

Carriqui’s New Year’s Eve 1970’s Themed House Party 

Carriqui will be hosting a New Year’s Eve 1970’s Themed House Party on December 31, 2022, from 10 p.m. until 2 a.m. In addition to standard dinner service (last seating at 9:00 p.m.), the house party includes musical performances by Buttercup and DJ Steven Lee Moya, appetizer stations, a champagne toast at midnight and breakfast tacos as a parting gift. 

 Tickets are $25 each. Guests are encouraged, but not required, to dress in 70s attire for the party. (Carriqui is located at the Pearl).

Tickets here.

Fort Worth

Lonesome Dove Fort Worth 

Celebrate the new year at Lonesome Dove with a five-course prix fixe meal!

 Includes:

• First Course: Scallop Carpaccio, Fennel Leek Escabeche, Chorizo Oil and Herb Flatbread
• Second Course: Baby Kale, Pecorino Romano, Pomegranate Seeds, Rosemary Wheat Bread Croutons and Lonesome Dove Caesar Salad Dressing
• Third Course: Mushroom Black Garlic Bisque, Polenta Croutons and Dill Creme Fraiche
• Fourth Course: Bison NY Strip, Truffle Butter, Garlic Chile Broccoli, Boulangerie Potatoes and Red Wine Demi
• Dessert: Basque Cheesecake, Cranberry Compote and Rosemary Oil

To Reserve: Call 817-740-8810

Price: $170 or a la carte

Tannahill’s Tavern & Music Hall 

Ring in 2023 at Tannahill’s Tavern & Music Hall with a tequila and champagne tasting, dinner and dancing!

 Includes:

• 7:00 p.m.: Tequila and Champagne Tasting
• 7:30 p.m.: Dinner – Raw & Cold Bar (Shrimp, Crab Legs, Raw Oysters, Tuna Sushi), Salad Station, Carving Station (Beef Tenderloin, Prime Rib, Porchetta), Mashed Potato Bar, Dessert Station.
• 9:00 p.m.: Party – Live Music Featuring 4 Ya Soul, Dancing, and Ball Drop, Open Premium Bar (Avion Tequilas, TX and Jefferson’s Whiskeys & Bourbons, Mumm Champagnes & Sparkling Rose, and More)
• 12:30 a.m.: After Party – DJ Set Featuring VIP Special Guest

Tickets here. 

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Cover Photo cottonbro studio

Leean Vargas is the Highlight Reel newsletter editor at Texas Lifestyle Magazine and an honors graduate of Texas State University with a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations. She is a concert enthusiast who loves traveling, photography, good food, and discovering new hangout spots in her beloved city, Austin, Texas.