There’s a dance party for everyone this weekend with lots of family-friendly events, fine dining, and inspiring art exhibits. Whatever your plans may be, we hope that they are full of joy and contentment.
From all your friends at Neighborhood Journal, we wish you the best in 2023 and beyond!
If a chill night with an “earlier” bedtime sounds appealing for New Year’s Eve, this event is made for you. Hosted by Gruet Winery, this dinner includes a three-course meal (with tapas and dessert!) for $125 per person. Tickets are available online.
Address: 8400 Pan American Freeway NE
2. Balloon drop
You can ring in the new year with balloons Saturday at Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum. From 9 a.m. to noon, this free event will allow visitors to take part in balloon science activities, make hands-on New Year’s crafts, listen to live music, explore museum exhibitions, and snap a selfie with a balloon background.
Address: 9201 Balloon Museum Drive NE
Sandia Resort and Casino is hosting a special live music event on New Year’s Eve with special guest DJ Spinderella from Salt-N-Pepa. The event is from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. in the Sandia ballroom. Seating is first come, first serve. Tickets are $65 and can be purchased online.
Address: 30 Rainbow Road NE
4. Live Music at Black Angus Steakhouse
Friday, Dec. 30, is the last night for festive live music by DJ Slick with your dinner. Beef, plus surf ‘n’ turf combos always make for a delicious meal. If you’re looking for a special activity to wrap up December, consider a fine meal with live music (starting at 7 p.m.).
Address: 2290 Wyoming Blvd. NE.
5. Battle of the Decades NYE Bash
Hosted by Sheraton Albuquerque Uptown, this party welcomes you to rock your favorite decade. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. for those age 21-plus. Tickets are $100 per person and include welcome beverages, hors d’oeuvres, dinner buffet, DJ, games and prizes, and champagne toast with a midnight snack.
Address: 2600 Louisiana Blvd. NE
6. New Year’s Eve Variety Party
CSP Dance Studios is hosting a social dance. Come early from 7-7:30 p.m. for a welcome lesson, and stay for the dance from 7:30-10 p.m. Favors and a champagne toast will be given at 10 p.m.; the cost is $20 per person.
Address: 1624 Eubank Boulevard Northeast
7. NYE: Brightburn Academy Irish Dancers at O’Niell’s
Luck of the Irish is a perfect thing to have for New Year’s. Head to O’Niell’s for this special performance on Saturday, Dec. 31, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Enjoy food and drink specials while you enjoy the entertainment.
Address: 3211 Central Ave. NE
8. 2022 New Year’s Eve Dinner at Central Bodega
Enjoy a five-course dinner with custom-crafted cocktails and a sweet surprise to take home. Ring in the New Year with this special dinner and delightful service, hosted by Central Bodega. Tickets are $100 per person. Find a reservation time here.
Address: 3418 Central Ave. NE
Citywide events
This New Year’s Eve dining experience is hosted by Curious Toast Cafe. A great way to start the evening, the gathering is from 7-10 p.m. with a live balloon drop at 10 p.m. Black and white dress attire is strongly suggested. This elegant dinner has limited seating. Tickets are $150.
Address: 718 Central Ave. SW
10. Clay Walker
This talented country artist is playing at the Isleta Resort and Casino from 8-9:30 p.m. Dec. 30th. Tickets range from $35- $55. Doors open at 7 p.m., and guests must be age 21 or over.
Address: 11000 Broadway Blvd. SE
If the family is still looking for some holiday fun, this massive Christmas light display will be available until Dec. 31. Hours are 4-9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Tickets range from $49.95-$149-plus.
Address: 100 Speedway Park Blvd. SW
12. Bugg Lights: Outdoor Christmas Display
Continuing through Dec. 31, this weekend is your last chance to enjoy this beautiful outdoor and indoor display. This free event is presented by Belen Art League Gallery and Gifts. With goods crafted by local artists, this is a wonderful chance to soak up the last views of the holiday. Hours are 5-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Address: 509 Becker Ave. Belen, NM
13. New Year’s Eve Dance Party
Located at Launchpad, grab your dance shoes and prepare for some serious dancing. Music will be provided by DJ Ren, DJ Riff Rat, DJ Bat Boy and DJ Moonside. Doors open at 7 p.m., and you must be age 21-plus to enter. Tickets are $10 with costumes and $15 without. Champagne toast at midnight.
Address: 618 Central Ave. SW
14. New Year’s Eve with the Opera
Located at the National Hispanic Cultural Center, this fun variety show offers something for everyone with performances by the Albuquerque Youth Symphony and the Opera Southwest Chamber Orchestra at 2 p.m. Dec. 31. Admission ranges from $53, $63 and $73 with an additional $95 for the Opera Southwest After-Party.
Address: 1701 Fourth St. SW
15. Sneakers, Sequins, and Suits
Presented by the Nu Rho Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated. Grab your finery — sequin dresses and fine suits — plus a pair of sneakers. This fun New Year’s event will be held at the Nexus Blue Smokehouse at 8 p.m. Dec. 31. Offering music, great food, door prizes, a silent auction and step show. Donations for tickets are $45.
Address: 1151 Broadway Blvd. SE
