Hyatt Regency Houston 1200 Louisiana, 713-654-1234 www.houstonregency.hyatt.com For a romantic hotel retreat, couples can stay in the heart of downtown for just $299 a couple and up. A $579 package includes a dinner at the Spindletop, and for non-hotel guests, tickets are $99 per person. All packages and tickets include four beverage tickets per person, access to the party with a DJ and live bands from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m., a balloon cascade at midnight, and festive party favors.
Improv Houston 7620 Katy Freeway, Suite 455, 713-333-8800 houston.comedyreservations.com This Houston venue is pulling out all the stops for New Year's Eve. At both 7 and 10 p.m., Ralphie May is taking the stage. The Last Comic Standing alumnus and Comedy Central specialist will make you shoot your complimentary champagne out of your nose, should you choose to attend. General-admission tickets are $45, and VIP tickets, which include dinner, are $100.
Joke Joint Comedy ?Showcase 11460 Fuqua, #300, 281-481-1188 www.jokejointcomedyshowcase.com For an extra-funny New Year's Eve, the Joke Joint is presenting two stand-up comedy shows by Michael Palascak, one at 8 p.m. and the other at 10:30 p.m. Palascak, who won HBO's Lucky 21 stand-up contest, will help make sure your final hours of 2014 are hysterical. Tickets are $20 presale, and because it's a special event, no discount or complimentary tickets will be accepted.
Lucky's Pub and Warehouse Live 801 St. Emanuel, 713-522-2010 www.sportsmonkey.com These EaDo venues, along with SportsMonkey, The Rod Ryan Show and The Buzz, are teaming up for a huge party all night long. The theme is "B.L.T.," but no, there won't be free sandwiches. Instead, B.L.T. stands for "Black Tie, Lingerie and Toga" — so come dressed accordingly. There will be DJs, live music and a midnight toast. The event is from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., and tickets are $75 per person, with deals for groups and table reservations.
Majorca 207 Gray, 832-582-7176 www.majorcabistroandtapas.com Eat your way to the new year at Majorca's gourmet buffet from 7 to 10 p.m. for just $39.95 per person. The cost includes the buffet, party favors, music from a DJ and champagne — all to the backdrop of Houston's beautiful downtown skyline.
Meridian Banquet Center and Catering 5200 Bissonnet, 713-516-2050 Feel absolutely royal at this "Once Upon a Time" ball organized by Ella Promotions from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. General admission is $80 at the door, but VIP tickets are $150 and up for extra perks, though everyone will dine and dance the year away. There will be an open bar, and formal wear or royal costumes are required.
MKT Bar at Phoenicia Specialty Foods 1001 Austin, 832-360-2222 www.mktbar.com Tickets are just $40 — and even cheaper if you buy presale — for the black and white New Year's Eve Soul Celebration. Enjoy hors d'oeuvres and music from The Journey Agents from 9 p.m. to midnight and DJ Tempty from midnight until 2 a.m. Plus, at midnight, enjoy a champagne toast and chicken and waffles to ring in the new year. The party is 18 and up and VIP tables are available.
McGonigel's Mucky Duck 2425 Norfolk, 713-528-5999 www.mcgonigels.com Enjoy music, food and fun at one of Houston's great concert venues. Honky-tonk songsmith Mike Stinson will take the stage after a four-course meal and party favors. Doors open at 7 p.m., and tickets are $95 presale and $100 at the door.
Omni Houston Galleria Hotel 4 Riverway, 713-871-8181 www.omnihotels.com Beginning at 9 p.m., the Omni's Black Swan bar will be doing NYE up right with a night of decadent food, party favors, a photo booth, two drink tickets, and a champagne toast and balloon drop at midnight. Plus, watch the New York City ball drop on the live feed, or enjoy the magician who'll be working the crowd. All this for just $70 a person, which does not include a room at the hotel — but you are entered to win one.
Pete's Dueling Piano Bar 1201 Fannin, Suite 310, 713-337-7383 www.petesduelingpianobar.com End 2014 on a high note at Pete's at GreenStreet downtown. Tickets are $20 per person, $45 to reserve a stool and $300 for a table. Admission includes hors d'oeuvres, party favors and a night full of singing. Doors open at 8 p.m. Reservations are recommended.
Rainbow Lodge 2011 Ella Boulevard, 713-861-8666 www.rainbow-lodge.com Reservations are strongly suggested if you're planning on dining at this Heights hot spot. The set menu, four-course meal is $79 a person and seating is from 5 to 10 p.m.
Red Oak Ballroom 800 West Sam Houston Parkway, 832-512-6515 eventbrite.com Tickets start at $35 for the fourth annual Rock the Clock New Year's Eve event at the Red Oak Ballroom in City Centre. The pricier passes include a four-course dinner and access to live music, but everyone will be dancing the night away from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Sambuca Restaurant 909 Texas, 713-224-5299 www.sambucarestaurant.com Choose from three times — 6, 7 or 9:30 p.m. — to dine on a four-course dinner at Sambuca's NYE Dance Party. Ken Mondshine and the Brotherhood perform all night. Tickets start at $45.
San Luis Resort 5222 Seawall Boulevard, Galveston, 800-445-0090 www.sanluisresort.com Welcome the new year from the coast at San Luis Resort's annual celebration. This year's theme is "An Evening in Old Havana," and the Havana night starts at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $199 per person or $599 per couple, which includes a room in the hotel. Both packages include a four-course meal, party favors, a champagne toast and a balloon drop, as well as a performance by the Billie Ledbetter Orchestra.
Stafford Centre 10505 Cash Road, 281-208-6900 www.staffordcentre.com Enjoy a buffet and a night of dancing at the Stafford Centre's Rockin' New Year's Eve Bash. Tickets are $55 a person presale and include two drink tickets, a champagne toast and party favors. The doors open at 7 p.m., and fair warning: The bars are cash?only.