10 Best Things to Do in Dallas on New Year's Eve

Sure, they've cancelled the city's big event in Victory Park, but that doesn't mean you need to sit on your ass. And sure, partying with strangers isn't always the best way to start a new year, but nothing's perfect and you never know who that stranger will turn out to be. Make the most of the night at one of these awesome New Year's Eve parties. 

Masquerade Party at Random Art 
Looking for something of a black tie affair? Newcomer gallery Random Art (2242 Monitor St.) is throwing a massive party in masked array. There will be DJs, unlimited Champagne and aerial performances by Les Cirque Dolls. The party starts at 9 p.m. Thursday and goes through 2 a.m. Tickets are $90.67-$264.74. 

Singapore Slingers NYE
Of all your options as you look toward 2016 on New Year’s Eve, is it possible that a throw-back party could be one of the most fun? The answer is yes, and the reason we know that is because the Singapore Slingers basically don’t mess around when it comes to being festive. For New Year’s, this 18-piece jazz orchestra will take over the acoustically tight Kessler Theater, 1230 West Davis St., to present a swinging, elegant bash perfect for dancing or even just spectating tableside. At 9 p.m. Thursday, the sounds of American pre-swing dance music will meld together new and old — so get gussied up and leave plenty of room for drinks and dessert: Your tickets will include a Champagne toast and a sweet treat. Buy now for $35 to $55 at prekindle.com. Jennifer Davis-Lamm

3014 Space's New Year's Eve Party
For Dallas art buffs, it’s been a heck of a year. It’s hard to remember a time when the arts have figured so prominently in our city — and thanks to high caliber speakers, high profile events and a community devoted to elevating the discussion about how art touches our everyday lives, it seems like all that energy is here to stay. 3014 Space (3014 Canton St.) keeps the momentum flowing with their New Year’s Eve party — an art-centric celebration that’s gallery show, performance art and concert all wrapped up in one aesthetically pleasing package. Explore Eric Trich’s projection mapping installation, Diffusion, and see him perform live; catch sets from Boston Kassidy, Lily Taylor, and Blue, The Misfit; and countdown to midnight in an atmosphere that’s both experimental and inspiring. Tickets to the event, which starts at 9 p.m. Thursday, are $20 in advance and $30 at the door. Find more information on Facebook. Jennifer Davis-Lamm

Ishi, Dezi 5, Tru Def and Supersonic Lips at Trees
If you're looking to dance the night away with some of the music scene's provocateurs, then Trees is the place to be. You can't beat the tunes delivered by dance pop legends Ishi and Dezi 5. The show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15-$30. 

Le Cirque @ Citizen
Want to blur the circus with your starry eyed entry into the New Year? Uptown hotspot Citizen invites the upscale circus into the nightclub with fire eaters, aerial acts, stilt walkers and a whole lot more. Get there at 7 p.m. Thursday. There will be Champagne and canapés floating around the room, or you can order from the bar. Tickets start at $106. 

NYExcess 2016
If you like your New Year’s celebrations to be about as subtle as a Bret Easton Ellis novel, then the Texas Theatre, 231 West Jefferson Blvd., has the party for you. NYExcess 2016 is a tribute to a decade when less was stupid — the '80s-themed bash tips its hat to style over substance, à la Gordon Gekko and Patrick Bateman, with a costume contest, and also packs in quality performances from post-punk synth rockers Nervous Curtains, the Texas Burlesque Peepshow and comedian Clint Werth. The evening turns into straight spectacle as the clock strikes midnight: Not only do ticket-holders get a free Champagne toast, but they’re also treated to a human ball drop, featuring a gravity-defying aerial performance from Olive Avira, when the countdown is over. Tickets to the event, which kicks off at 9 p.m. on Thursday, December 31, are $25 for general admission and $40 for VIP access at prekindle.com. Jennifer Davis-Lamm

I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change
If you want to squeeze one more play into 2015, then catch the first preview of Theatre Too's annual hit musical, I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change. This adorable romp follows two couples as they find their way through love and marriage. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. Thursday so there's still plenty of time to grab dinner and make a midnight toast afterward. Tickets at theatre3dallas.com.

CRISPdallas New Year's Eve Bash
Get a handle on your New Year’s situation at CRISPdallas' New Year’s Eve Bash — a full-throttle celebration that puts you square in the midst of a funk and hip-hop extravaganza as 2016 approaches. Mic Stewart hosts an epic evening at That That, 3901 Main St., which includes performances from The Outfit, TX; Jayson Lyric; Thatkidcam; and Curtiz Mayz. Dance from 11 p.m. Thursday until 4 a.m. Friday as this party rages, powered by massive sound and style. Admission is $10 if you get there before midnight, and $15 after the ball drops. Head to Facebook for details. Jennifer Davis-Lamm

Dallas Symphony Orchestra's New Year's Eve Concert
It's never too early in the game to ask the sweetheart in your life to spend New Year's Eve with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. This popular annual event lets you ring in 2016 with some of the classiest folks around. The night's selections include Debussy's gorgeous L'isle joyeuse and Mendelssohn's Nocturne from A Midsummer Night's Dream. Plus there will be a free Champagne toast at intermission.

Henry's Majestic Roaring '20s Party
Looking for an extravagant party but on a budget? Wanna party like Gatsby is your host? Pull out that flapper dress and head to Henry's Majestic for jazzy tunes and drink specials. There will be a Champagne toast at midnight to fuel your dancing legs late into the night. There's no cover, but reservations are available by calling 469-893-9400.