Ring in the New Year in Houston

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It’s that time of year again—that one time of year when you’re debating between begrudgingly staying in and having an all-night Netflix binge (like every other night) or hitting the town with some friends to ring in the New Year.
Whether you’re with the family or if you want a little glitter and pizzazz to accompany that glass of champagne, there is a little something for everyone to leave their cares behind and ring in 2016.
Music
New Year’s Eve Bash

The Suffers perform a special NYE concert at House of Blues.
Image: Daniel Jackson
Jam to the Gulf Coast Soul of The Suffers and other local acts while you enjoy your surf and turf or your pre-resolution burger at this multi-faceted bash. Before the music starts, catch the burlesque show of Texas’ own Ruby Revue. These lovely ladies have won “Best Troupe” at the Tournament of Tease in the Burlesque Hall of Fame, so you know this show will help you bring sexy back come 2016.
Happy hour, 4–7; dinner specials and the Bourbon Street Band, 7–11; Ruby Revue Burlesque Show, 8 and 10:30. Ruby Revue, $27–$42; tickets for The Suffers, $25–$35. House of Blues Houston, 1204 Caroline St., 888-402-5837. houseofblues.com/houston
Ars Lyrica’s Fire and Ice

Image: Pin Lim Photography
The Early Music troupe gathers round the bubbly for its annual NYE program featuring a dinner, gala and concert. Listen to Vivaldi’s Winter and Handel’s Apollo e Dafne featuring solos by renown musicians and led by Artistic Director Matthew Dirst. After the concert, guests can opt to attend the annual gala, bid on items in a silent auction and send off 2015 in style.
Pre-concert dinner, 7:30; concert, 9; post-concert gala, 10:30. Dinner, $70; concert, $37-$59; gala, $60. Hobby Center, 800 Bagby St. 713-622-7443. arslyricahouston.org
Family
Houston’s Rockin’ New Year’s Noon Bash
Known as the city’s longest-running New Year’s Eve celebration for kids, Rockin’ New Year’s Noon Bash begins with a pre-show of a Brazilian drum performance and a parade, and at noon: The drop of the awaited shiny ball. However, the party doesn’t end there: check out the after party with DJ Zin.
10–6, $10; Free Family Night, 3–6. Children’s Museum of Houston, 1500 Binz. 713-522-1138. cmhouston.org/event/newyearsnoon
New Year’s Eve Houston
If your kids are a little older, and you don’t mind them staying up past their bedtime, then check out the City of Houston’s NYE celebration held in the Theater District. Kids can run around, dance and enjoy the games and activities in the Family Zone area, located on Jones Plaza. Parents get to have their own fun too, toasting to the new year in the Bubbly Garden, enjoying the live music of The Tontons and The B52s, and taking in a fireworks show over Jones Hall.
7. Free. Houston’s Theater District. 832-393-0868. NYEhouston.org
Party
The H-Town Countdown 2016
Fans of full-on festiveness can throw their hands in the air at this fashionable fete. For the price of a general admission ticket, guests can browse selections at the open bar and breakfast buffet, then partake in a champagne toast. DJ Tony Styles and DJ Bizonee spin the latest party hits on the dance floor, helping to bring in the new year in style. Guests can stay for a classic ball drop at midnight accompanied by confetti and plenty of revelry.
9. $135–$215; bottle service, $3,000. Silver Street Venue, 2000 Edwards St. HtownNYE.com
Let Go 2015: A New Year’s Eve Masquerade
Ballin’ on a budget? Then check out Big Heart Sound’s Second Annual New Year’s Eve Masquerade. This masquerade party touts a music lineup that includes Space Villains, Devil Killing Moth, Pitter Patter, Black Lodge, and Dad’s Records, and comedy by the Houston-based art collective, Microsatan. And of course, there will be a glass of bubbly for the midnight countdown. How can it not?
8. $12 pre-sale; $18 at the door. Walter’s Downtown, 1120 Naylor. 713-222-2679. waltersdowntown.com