Free Dallas New Year’s Events: 2018 Guide

DALLAS, TX – Love it or hate it, New Year’s Eve is happening again this year. Whether you plan to ring in 2018 at your favorite restaurant, a buzzing party with your friends, or all cozied up in front of the TV, we’ve got you covered.

So pop the bubbly, come up with some resolutions you can actually stick to and get ready to celebrate the New Year. Check out town-by-town listings below of New Year’s celebrations and events for 2017 in and near Dallas if you’re one to want to go out, plus a look at what television programming may make you want to stay in.

If you want to go out..

Midnight Fireworks at Reunion Tower

• In lieu of Dallas' regular Big D NYE, Reunion Tower will host a festival with fireworks at midnight. While event organizers discourage viewers from gathering on Reunion Lawn, they encourage Texans to enjoy the firework show via telecast on KXAS-TV (NBC5) and 18 other networks in Texas, Arkansas, Kansas and Missouri.
• The fireworks show will last eight minutes and include 4,000 pyrotechnic special effects.

Ring in the New Year with AC Hotel by Marriott

• Clink, sparkle, pop! Celebrate the New Year at the new AC Hotel by Marriott®, the first AC Hotel in Texas. Downtown Dallas’ first dual-branded hotel in the historic Mercantile Commerce Building is excited to welcome Dallasites to countdown to 2018 at the AC Lounge’s Neighborhood New Year’s Eve.
• Doors open at 5:00 p.m.
• No entry fee, but $5 valet
• 1712 Commerce St., Dallas, TX 75201

#ISSANEWYEAR Party at Red Jacket Night Club

• "Let's Pop some champagne, stop and reflect on the year that has gone by, and celebrate one last time with friends and Family!"
• Where: Red Jacket Night Club — 3606 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX
• When: Dec. 31, 2017 — No cover before 10:00 p.m.
• Reserved for adults age 21 and up. Section and bottle service available.

Potluck at Mt. Olive Church of Plano

• A New Year's Eve event with something for everyone. There will be clean comedy, live music of different genres and all facets of entertainment. This is a free, family-friendly event.
• 300 Chisholm Place, Plano, Texas 75075
• 9:00 p.m. - Midnight

Always Proper New Year's Eve Rooftop Party

• Free entry and BYOB at this rooftop party at SKYLOUNGE
• 8:00 p.m., Dec. 31 - 3:00 a.m., Jan 1
• 1400 Hi Line Dr., Dallas, TX 75207

Celebration at God's Remnant Assembly

• God has been faithful in 2017. Join us for a special time of fellowship as we enter the new year with powerful word, praise and worship, reflections, testimonies and all around celebration.
• Dec. 31, 10:00 p.m. – Jan 1, 1:00 a.m.
• 2133 S Great SW pkwy — Suite 507, Grand Prairie, TX 75051

Yin Yoga Class - Yoga Pod Dallas

• Sun, Dec. 31, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
• 2312 Victory Park Lane, Dallas, TX 75219

We’ll be adding new events to this post as they pop up, so be sure to check back as the big day nears!

If you want to stay in...

If your idea of the perfect New Year’s Eve is curling up on the couch with a hot toddy and watching the countdown in your pajamas, you’re in luck. These are the top two live TV specials people are already talking about. Here’s a peek so you can you can plan accordingly:

More on Patch:

• DART To Offer Free Rides On New Year's Eve
• These Dallas Restaurants Offer New Year's Eve Specials
• Here's What You Can't Do On New Year's Eve In Dallas

“New Year’s Eve Live” With Anderson Cooper And Andy Cohen
Where to catch it: CNN
Why you should watch: For the first time ever, Anderson Cooper will host CNN’s annual New Year’s Eve Live special with none other than “Watch What Happens Live” host Andy Cohen. As these two are best friends in real life, you can expect tons witty banter and hilarious moments from the pair. The Bravo mogul will replace Cooper’s former co-host Kathy Griffin, whom CNN fired after her controversial Donald Trump photoshoot.

“Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve 2018” Hosted by Ryan Seacrest
Where to catch it: ABC
Why you should watch: Remember last year’s infamous Mariah Carey mic incident? Yes, it happened on Seacrest’s watch. So if that’s any indication, this could be a good one to tune-in to. And even if there aren’t any crazy celebrity snafus, you can count on crazy views of Time Square packed with people, as well as awesome musical performances.

Image via Shutterstock, Patch