Hannah Steiner
Ten Dallas New Year's Eve Options, Depending On Your Personality Type.
We're rounding third and headed home toward that special time of the year when group texts are blowing around and everyone in your life is trying to pinpoint just exactly where, when, who and what is going to be done on New Year's Eve.
As the second most important party night of the year — Halloween, you still get the crown — it's imperative that you and your friends get these plans set.
To help, we've put together the below, handly little guide of the coolest events in town, catered to you and your squad's personality types.
That's right, folks: Here's how to end 2015 the correct way.
For the sports-inclined: Stars vs. Predators at American Airlines Center.
Tickets: $39 to $540.
The Stars organization continues its tradition of playing a New Year’s Eve game against the Predators. The puck drops at 7:30, giving you plenty of time to do dinner before or for drinks after. And, really, there's no better way to celebrate the new year than by watching your favorite hockey team — one of the best in the NHL — win at home.
For the attention-deficit disordered: NYEXCESS 2016: 80s New Year’s Party at Texas Theatre.
Tickets: $25 to $40.
This event's got it all, from an 80s costume contest to a burlesque show and even some live music. The real kicker? There's a human ball drop. A human, you guys. That'll one-up any coworker who watched the ball drop on TV, we promise. And it'll kill on your Snapchat feed. Plus it's affordable, at under $40 a ticket.
For your inner child… or the one you're stuck with: NYE at Pinstack Plano.
Tickets: $45 for adults, $39 for kids.
Honestly, I’ve already sent this to my friends as my preferred plans. Pinstack is already fun, but this package includes unlimited attractions (rock climbing, laser tag, bumper cars, laser maze, bowling, and a ropes course), plus a catered buffet, drinks and, of course, a champagne toast at midnight. For the parents that couldn't get a babysitter, this is perfect for you, too.
For the social butterfly: Wonderland 2016 at SISU Dallas.
Tickets: $40 to $100.
SISU is mainly known for its pool parties. But now that it's supposed to be cold outside, they're stepping their game up by going all out for NYE and throwing a bash hosted by a Maxim model named Crystal McCallum. You can expect a crowd just as young and attractive, with money to blow on the reserved table packages and bottle service. Oh, and you normies out there need not fret: The “Ultra VIP” ticket that runs $100 isn't a bad deal when you consider that 10 drink tickets are included (!), along with finger foods, priority admission and other base ticket perks like champagne. Here, you can dance the night away to a lineup of DJs and enjoy the “multiple balloon drops” and “thousands of glow sticks.”
For the old soul: Dancing & Desserts at the Kessler Theater.
Tickets: $35 to $55.
If you think you were born in the wrong century, you've probably been to the 1930s-styled Kessler Theater in Oak Cliff. For New Year's, they're bringing back the pre-swing band the Singapore Slingers for you to enjoy alongside dancing, dessert and the obligatory champagne toast.
For those dreading the new year: This Will Destroy You, Cygnus and John Congleton at Club Dada.
Tickets: $20 to $25.
This is not a concert for celebrating anything, folks. It's just a heavy, heavy bill — and a wide variety of heaviness and noise at that. Here, This Will Destroy You will have you contemplating the past year in a way that's more akin to drinking alone than anything else. But, hey, at least you'll be able to tell mom you did something.
For the classiest among us: The Dallas Symphony Orchestra at the Meyerson Symphony Center.
Tickets: $29 to $109.
Another annual Dallas tradition is the DSO's NYE concert, so put on your pearls and your best little black dress and head on over to the beautiful Meyerson for what's likely the classiest celebration in town. Enjoy the performances, and ring in the new year with a champagne toast — at intermission, of course.
For the EDM head: Lights All Night at Dallas Market Hall.
Tickets:$90 to $230.
Every year, Lights All Night takes over a gigantic space in Downtown Dallas. It's long been at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, but it's at Dallas Market Hall this year. Whatever, an Uber ride's still an Uber ride. Dance some weird dances, stare off into some glowing lights and take in the sounds of some of EDM's biggest names, including Bauer, Datsik, Porter Robinson and Hardwell. Oh, and that's just this night's lineup. That's right: On January 1, you can do it all again, because this sucker's a two-night deal.
For the penny-pinching craft beer fan Ballin' On A Budget at Braindead Brewing.
Tickets: Free.
Well, well, well. Over at Braindead Brewing in Deep Ellum — one of the best new bars in town, mind you — their serving up their four main house-brewed beers for just $3 apiece starting at 10 p.m. That's a magnificent steal, folks. Especially if you enjoy hanging among a sea of bearded men.
For the homebody: Your home.
Tickets: Relatively inexpensive!
Since this is the second biggest party night of the year, it's gonna be a bit chaotic. If you're not here for that nonsense, it's just best to stay at home and avoid the weekend warriors who rented stretch Hummer limousines for the night. Just you a few friends and fam and perhaps some Netflix? What's not to love. Plus, that Stars game is on TV, too.
