There are plenty of cheerful places to welcome in the New Year with those you love. From family events to formal dinners, and even crazy dance parties. Wherever you find yourself on New Year’s Eve we hope that you feel happiness and contentment for the year ahead. Happy New Year from your friends at Neighborhood Journal!
Grab the kids and head to Jungle Jam Playground. This special event is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Come for live music, a DJ, photo booth, arts and crafts, and a noon balloon drop with guest appearances from some of your favorite characters (Snow White, Princess Ariel and Spider-Man!). Tickets are $35 each and include Jungle Jam grippy socks, a slice of pizza and a 16-ounce drink.
Address: 9227 Coors Blvd. NW
Presented by Pirate Radio 96.7, ASTRL Entertainment and Electric Playhouse. Come for EDM sounds, art, fashion and culture. Doors open at 8 p.m. Guests must be 21-plus. Neon attire is strongly encouraged. Tickets start at $20 for admission.
Address: 5201 Ouray Road NW
3. Disco Ball Drop with Vanilla Pop
Hosted by Hotel Andaluz, this New Year’s Eve party is going to be one hip party from 9:30 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Dec. 31. General admission is $65, and guests must be 21-plus. Glitz, glam and sparklers are encouraged!
Address:125 Second St. NW
With free admission for the whole family at Albuquerque museum, tour the galleries and be inspired by art. Create your own 2023 calendar based on Eddie Dominguez’s Correspondence (currently on view in Common Ground: Art in New Mexico). Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31.
Address: 2000 Mountain Road NW
Get your salsa on at JUNO Brewery+Cafe+Art. Both singles and couples are welcome. Free Bachata lessons with Marvin Nathan at 9 p.m. Admission includes a champagne toast at midnight and traditional NYE party favors. The kitchen is open until 10 p.m.; guests must be 21-plus. Tickets range from $12-$40.
Address: 1501 First St. NW
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
7. 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
9. 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
10. 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
11. 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
12. 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
