Even though you’re finally done with the bulk of your holiday shopping and baking, don’t forget to make your New Year’s plans. Luckily, the Texas Hill Country is not only a great place to visit and live year-round, it enjoys a vibrant social scene. You don’t have to go far to find a number of New Year’s Eve events, whether you’re looking for a fun evening with the family or a way to ring in the new year in style.
Kick up your heels in Fredericksburg, TX at the funky Hangar Hotel. Located at the Gillespie County Airport, and modeled after that romantic by-gone era of World War II flyboys, the Hangar Hotel continues its 1940′s-theme with a New Year’s party featuring The Lonestar Swing Orchestra. The party includes big band music, swing dance lessons, a 1940′s costume contest, champagne toast, black-eye peas and cornbread for luck, plus party favors to ring in the New Year. Tickets are $40/per person, with a $10 discount if you book two nights at the hotel. Those in military uniform will receive a free drink at the party, and 10% of the proceeds from the evening will be donated to the USO at Ft. Hood. Fly on in for a night of fun!
Made famous by “Willie, Waylon and the boys,” Luckenbach, TX is hosting its annual New Year’s Eve Dance. Entertainers include Mike Blakely and Thomas Michael Riley Bands. The dance starts at 8 pm, and ticket prices are $57/per person. Included with the party are favors, a midnight brunch and champagne toast.
The Symphony of the Hills, a classical music orchestra located in the Hill Country, will be holding a New Year’s Eve Concert & Champagne Gala at the Cailloux Theater in Kerrville, TX. The concert will take place from 7-8:15 pm, with the gala immediately following in Tucker Hall at 8:30 pm. Ticket prices are $75 for the concert and party, or $35 for only the concert.
Visit Blanco’s historic downtown square for a New Year’s Eve buffet at the Uptown Blanco Restaurant. Reservations are required for this lush meal, which includes dishes such as Prime Rib, Beef Tenderloin, Snow Crab Clusters, Lobster Tail and more. Seatings are available from 5-9 pm for $50/person. Champagne toast is included!
Things will be rocking at the WB Saloon & Cycles New Years Eve Party, with live music by Johnny Austin from 9 pm – 1 am. After midnight, guests receive complimentary “good luck munchies,” with a regular breakfast menu available for purchase. The bar has partnered with the Blanco Luxury Suites to provide not only discounted hotel rooms for the evening, but also a shuttle service between the hotel and the bar.
Roll in for a New Year’s Eve at the Miller Creek RV Resort. They’ll be firing up the grill for party-goers who would like to bring meat for cooking along with their favorite side dishes and beverages. Music by Graham Warwick begins at 8 pm in the Recreation Center; tickets are $5/person.
For the day after, bring luck to the new year with a trip to the 5th Annual Black-eyed Pea and Cornbread Cook-off. Torre di Pietra Vineyards, on Hill Country acreage just east of Fredericksburg, hosts this New Years Day event, which includes music from Almost Patsy Cline Band and lots of good food. Entering a dish into the cook-off requires a $20 fee, with a $500 first prize for each category winner. The cook-off takes place from 10 am- 6 pm with live music from 2-6 pm.