Here are a few parties and events to ring in the New Year that people have let me know about. It looks like there is something for everyone. Those who want to rock in the New Year have many choices but, surprisingly, those who want a more subdued evening have a few. There's even an AR event for those with small children.
All of the typical clubs and bars will be celebrating.
1. New Year's Eve at Peabody Little Rock
The Peabody claims to have the biggest party in Little Rock with musical acts stationed from the lobby to the ballrooms. Best of all, after the party you can just crash there and avoid driving home. I have friends who go to this and have a blast every year. Tickets are limited: $50.00 in advance in the gift shop; $65.00 at the door, (must be 21 or over). 501-906-4000.
2. New Year's Eve at the Arlington in Hot Springs
The Arlington knows how to do the holidays, and they offer a New Year's Eve Party. They have several options including breakfast, an international feast dinner, a gala dinner fance and a festival party. One party (the gala) is more formal. The gala is $175, and the festival party is $45. The dinners and breakfasts can be included as package deals or separately. 1-800-643-15023. Zoo Year's Eve
Zoo Year's Eve is back this year with live music, tasty beverages and animals are all rocking at the zoo for New Year's. Cost is $75.00 per person with all proceeds benefiting the Arkansas Zoological Foundation. Dress is black-tie optional and tickets include admission to the event, free wine, beer, champagne and light appetizers with live entertainment by Shannon Boshears Band. 501-661-7208.
4. Radio Disney's Noon Year's Eve
From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on December 31, Radio Disney FM 99.5 Little Rock invites kids and families to ring in the New Year at the Veterans Park Community Center in Cabot. This family-friendly celebration gives kids the opportunity to have all the fun of New Year’s Eve before their bedtime featuring songs from Radio Disney’s "Top 50 Countdown of 2011," interactive entertainment and prizes.5. Go Till Midnight Run
A three mile run that starts whenever you want, so you cross the finish line at midnight. It starts and ends at the North Little Rock River Trail station. There's a party at the finish line until 2 a.m.6. The River Market
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7. Cajun's Wharf
New Year's Eve is a blast at Cajun's. They have a band at 5 p.m., but the main event starts at 9 p.m. Thirty dollar cover. Located at 2400 Cantrell Rd. 501-375-5351.
8. The Empress Hotel
The Empress presents a yearly "Victorian Affair" that includes 1 night in the room of your choice, wine dinner dance beginning at 8:00 p.m. followed by dancing in the parlors just like "the olden days". Champagne toast at midnight. Period attire requested. Tickets are $200.00/couple with stay, $225 without stay. 877-374-7966.
9. Last Night Fayetteville
This is a new event this year, in the same spirit as the kid-friendly "First Night Fayetteville." The party is at various indoor venues around the Fayetteville Square. With a VIP Lounge, beer & champagne gardens, children's entertainment, midnight Hog Drop, fireworks display & the return of the famous Giant Puppet Parade, a fun time is guaranteed for all ages! The festival ends in Fireworks. Check their website for a schedule.10. The Arkansas Queen New Year's Cruise
The Arkansas Cruise offers dinner cruises on New Year's Eve for a more relaxed evening. The cruise boards at 9:30 p.m. and returns around 12:30 a.m. on New Year's Day. The midnight cruise is around $50. 501-372-5777. The Queen also offers an early cruise with dinner, but it returns to the dock around 8 p.m. to allow you to ring in the actual New Year somewhere else.
