9 ways to ring in the New Year in Dallas-Fort Worth
Celebrate 2026 with a dazzling New Year’s Eve party in Dallas-Fort Worth, some of which are kid-friendly.
Say “howdy” to 2026 in a big way—with a glittering ball drop, champagne toast, and colorful fireworks at one of the amazing New Year’s Eve parties in Dallas-Fort Worth this year.
As a lifelong Dallasite, I’ve had both dazzling downtown NYE celebrations and casual, low-key events as well. One thing I can tell you? It’s always a good time, no matter what. People here just like to have a good time and usher in a new year with as much fun as possible.
From upscale soirees to DJ-led dance parties—and even kid-friendly events—there are so many ways to ring in the new year in the DFW Metroplex.
1. Reunion Tower New Year’s Celebration
Location: Dallas
The only thing better than seeing fireworks on New Year’s Eve? Seeing fireworks above the downtown Dallas skyline from the top of Reunion Tower! This fireworks extravaganza will kick off at 11:59 pm, with over 5,000 pyrotechnic special effects, 259 LED light displays, and 500 drones shooting from the top of Reunion Tower.
See the display from anywhere you can spot the Reunion Tower in Dallas, including Trinity Groves, the Ronald Kirk Bridge, Riverfront Blvd., or North Beckley Ave. Alternatively, book a stay at Hyatt Regency Dallas for the most comfortable viewing experience. While watching, tune into a musical simulcast on 98.7 The Spot.
Stretch the party even longer by booking tickets to the New Year’s Eve Party at Virgin Hotels Dallas. Before the midnight fireworks, you can enjoy dancing, drinks, and more on the rooftop.
2. Buckin’ New Year’s Eve at the Cowtown Coliseum
Location: Fort Worth
Adrenaline junkies and those looking to “buck off” 2025 are invited to the Buckin’ New Year’s Eve party at Cowtown Coliseum. Expect bronc riding, bull riding, American freestyle bullfighting, and more rodeo-style fun at this event.
Live country music, including by artist Chancey Williams, and a midnight pyrotechnics show complete the wild evening. Tickets start at $61.
3. The Hub Family NYE Party
Location: Allen
“Shake It Off” family style at this Swiftie-themed event. Bring your whole fam to kick off 2026 at The Hub in Allen. This kid-friendly New Year’s Eve event features a Taylor Swift tribute band and the best dance party ever.
Confetti cannons go off at 9 pm, so you can get to bed before midnight without missing any of the fun.
4. Dallas Arboretum’s Noon Year’s Eve Celebration
Location: Dallas
Speaking of getting to bed on time, the Dallas Arboretum makes it easy with their Noon Year’s Eve celebration at the Children’s Adventure Garden. Start partying at 10 am with the kids, as they can enjoy a bubble dance party, winter STEM activities, and a ball drop that happens at noon instead of midnight.
This party is included with admission (and is free for members).
5. New Year’s Eve in Sundance Square Plaza
Location: Fort Worth
Everything’s bigger in Texas, and that includes our New Year’s Eve celebrations. In fact, the party at Sundance Square boasts the “largest in-person 2025 New Year’s Eve celebration in Texas”—talk about the FOMO you would feel if you missed it!
The free event includes live music and entertainment, such as jugglers, stilt walkers, trick ropers, aerialists, mimes, and disco ball dancers. You can admire the tallest live Christmas tree in the state and grab a bite from a food truck. Later, count down to a new year and a spectacular fireworks show.
Another cool way to see this show? With a New Year’s Eve flight on a vintage Southern Cross aircraft from the Vintage Flying Museum. It takes off over Sundance Square at 11 pm, includes champagne and chocolates, and lands in a new year!
6. Southside Ballroom New Year’s Eve Ball
Location: Dallas
Dress up for an elegant evening of dancing or let loose with a massive party at the Southside Ballroom’s New Year’s Eve Ball.
There are four different parties with four different vibes—the upscale Old Town Room with pop and country music; a Throwback Room with a swanky feeling featuring hits from the 80s, 90s, and 2000s; a Speakeasy Room, with a more intimate vibe and Latino-mix and Afro beats music; and the Mainstream Room, with two floors, a massive dance floor, and a mix of pop, hip-hop, Top 100 radio hits, and electronic dance music.
Tickets start at $55.20 for this popular event.
7. Hotel Vin’s Midnight Rodeo
Location: Grapevine
Have a glamorous throwdown this New Year’s Eve, with a Midnight Rodeo. The elevated event includes an (optional) four-course wine dinner, plus live music, open bars, and a casino to make the evening fly by.
Bring out your best dresses and boots, bolo ties and cowboy hats for this truly Texan-style event, complete with a ball drop to ring in the New Year. Tickets start at $170 per person.
8. Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar
Location: Frisco
Nobody puts on a show like Pete’s! This dueling piano bar includes a whirlwind show with sing-alongs, fantastic live music from four talented pianists, and a party that you won’t soon forget.
Your ticket on New Year’s Eve (starting at $25) includes party favors and a free champagne toast at midnight.
9. Dave & Buster’s New Year’s Eve
Location: Various locations
End 2025 with a lot of laughter—and tons of fun—with a New Year’s Eve party at Dave & Buster’s. This family-friendly event includes all the games your heart desires, plus a chef-curated banquet that even kids will love (think burger sliders and churros), drinks, and a ball drop with a midnight champagne toast for all the grown-ups in your group.
Tickets begin at $33.79 and include a $20 Power Card with unlimited video game play, unlimited soft drinks, party hats and favors. It’ll be a blast for all.
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