10 Ways To Ring In The New Year Around Atlanta

10 ways to ring in the new year in and around Atlanta
Life Dec 23, 2019
By

    Nina Hemphill Reeder, For the AJC

For those of us who relish in the symbolism of starting a new chapter each year, then the year 2020 might hold a little extra significance — because we are not just turning the page to another year, we’re beginning a whole decade. That said, you’ll likely want to plan something dynamic to honor the event. New Year’s Eve parties, of course, are the classic choice, but your options also include kid-friendly day parties, live concerts, bowling nights and more. So, even without the annual Peach Drop (which Atlanta decided to forgo this year), here are a few remarkable ways to ring in the new year.
A firework display helps to signal the new year at the Battery Atlanta New Year s Eve Bash. Contributed by The Battery Atlanta
Photo: For the AJC

Live! at The Battery

For those who want to spend their eve on the dance floor, Live! at the Battery may be the perfect venue. Advertised as “Atlanta’s biggest New Year’s Eve party,” you can celebrate amid a large crowd in three adjacent venues: the Live!, Sports & Social and PBR bars. The all-inclusive ticket offers party goers live entertainment, favors, a buffet until 10 p.m. and drinks until midnight — plus a champagne toast at midnight. After midnight, guests can indulge in complimentary chicken and waffle baskets and more party fun until 2 a.m. This event is 21 and up.

8 p.m.-2 a.m. Dec. 31-Jan. 1. Admission starting at $115. Live! at the Battery Atlanta, 825 Battery Ave SE, Suite 600, Atlanta. 404-965-2511, liveatthebatteryatlanta.com.
Performers help to ring in the new year at the Battery Atlanta. Contributed by The Battery Atlanta
Photo: For the AJC

The New Year’s Eve Bash at the Battery Atlanta

If you’re looking for a free festivity to celebrate the new year, the Battery has you covered. The third annual New Year’s Eve Bash at the Battery Atlanta presented by Xfinity is a free family-friendly event that promises live music, a performance painter and fireworks. The New Year’s Eve bash is separated into two time periods: A program for families from 6 to 8 p.m., which includes an inflatable ball drop at 8 p.m., so young kids can partake in an early countdown; and a “late innings” program, which includes a live concert from the 12 South Band and a firework display to signal the new year.

6 p.m.-midnight Dec. 31. Free. The Battery Atlanta, 800 Battery Ave., Atlanta. batteryatl.com.

New Year’s at the Omni Hotel at the Battery

Whether you’re attending one Battery event or both, note that the Battery’s Omni Hotel is offering special all-inclusive NYE packages for overnight guests. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy casino games, live music and heavy hors d’oeuvres such as shrimp tempura, lamb lollipops, stuffed mushrooms and holiday desserts. In addition to select specialty cocktails, beer and wine, guests can enjoy a midnight champagne toast on their rooftop deck, which will overlook the Battery’s midnight fireworks display. Overnight guests won’t have to venture far after a night of celebrating, and they can also wake up to the Omni’s New Year’s Day breakfast. The hotel’s non-staying guests are also invited to participate in the Omni’s evening celebration, with party prices starting at $155 per person. This event is 21 and up.

Dec. 31-Jan. 1. Admission starting at $155. Omni Hotel at the Battery, 2625 Circle 75 Parkway, Atlanta. 678-567-7327, omnihotels.com.

The Roof at Ponce City Market’s Noon Year’s Eve

As another great option for families (with curfews), Ponce City Market is offering a special Noon Year’s Eve party, which kicks off at 10 a.m. Dec. 31. With $15 admission to the rooftop, the family-friendly day party will include face painters, balloon artists, a magician, complimentary snacks and craft stations. Instead of a midnight countdown, families can anticipate a balloon release when the clock strikes noon. Additionally, Noon Year’s Eve party guests will have the option to participate in the rooftop’s carnival games, mini golf and ice skating for an additional fee.

10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 31. $15 (free for ages 3 and younger). The Roof at Ponce City Market, 675 Ponce de Leon Ave., Atlanta. poncecityroof.com.
Families can enjoy a massive balloon and confetti drop at LEGOLAND’s Noon Year’s Eve Party. Contributed by LEGOLAND Discovery Center
Photo: For the AJC

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Atlanta’s Noon Year’s Eve

Head to LEGOLAND at Phipps Plaza for their sixth annual Noon Year’s Eve celebration. With regular admission, kids can enjoy the usual LEGOLAND thrills, including rides, build-and-play stations and the indoor playground. However, the special Noon Year’s Eve party will include party favors, a video countdown and balloon drop at noon.

10 a.m.-9 p.m. Dec. 31. Admission starting at $17.95. LEGOLAND Discovery Center Atlanta, Phipps Plaza, 500 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta. 404-848-9252, atlanta.legolanddiscoverycenter.com.

New Year’s Eve with Electric Avenue at Park Tavern

With the promise of everything from all-you-can-eat sushi to Krispy Kreme doughnuts, Park Tavern is another tempting option for your New Year’s Eve plans. With general admission, attendees can also enjoy other all-inclusive offerings such as more hors d’oeuvres, an open bar (of beer, wine and champagne) and an after-midnight breakfast buffet. The popular ’80s-style cover band Electric Avenue will perform on the main stage while NAKD, an Atlanta-based DJ duo, spins their signature mix of “soulful street pop” in the Piedmont Room. This event is 21 and up.

9 p.m.-2 a.m. (with V.I.P. entry at 8 p.m.) Dec. 31-Jan. 1. Admission starting at $115. Park Tavern, 500 10th St. NE., Atlanta. 404-249-0001, parktavern.com.
A crowd gathers to celebrate at the annual Sol Fusion New Year’s Eve party. Contributed by Sol Fusion
Photo: For the AJC

Sol Fusion’s Twenty-Twenty NYE Celebration

Head to Buckhead for the 11th annual Sol Fusion New Year’s Eve party from the creators of ONE Musicfest. Sol Fusion’s Twenty-Twenty NYE promises a night of fun and variety at the JW Marriott in Buckhead. Party goers can dance and mingle throughout four ballrooms, each offering a different vibe from Caribbean/Afrobeat to R&B/Traphouse favorites. Atlanta-based soul and funk band Gritz & Jelly Butter will be on hand for a live performance from 8:30-10 p.m. In addition to the party favors and a midnight toast, attendees will also be able to enjoy complimentary passed hors d’oeuvres and sparkling wine from 8 to 9:30 p.m. Plus, expect a few surprise celebrity guests. Overnight packages at the JW Marriott are also available. This event is 21 and up.

8 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Dec. 31 -Jan 1. Admission starting at $55. JW Marriott Buckhead Atlanta, 3300 Lenox Road NE, Atlanta. solfusionnye.com.

Atlanta City Wine Festivals New Year’s Eve

Don your fancy cocktail attire and toast to a new year. Of course, sparkling wine will flow, but guests can also partake in other wine options, as well as liquor and beer. The all-inclusive event will offer a premium appetizer buffet, music and a live performance from the Atlanta-based party band Coast Guard. Though the open bar ends at 1 a.m., the party and cash bar will remain in full swing until 2 a.m. This event is 21 and up.

9 p.m.-2 a.m. (with V.I.P. entry at 8 p.m.) Dec. 31-Jan. 1. Admission starting at $99. City Winery, 650 North Ave. NE, Suite 201, Atlanta. atlantawinefestivals.com/new-years.
Enjoy craft cocktails and other bar items at Painted Pin’s and Painted Duck’s NYE celebrations. Contributed by Heidi Geldhauser/Our Labor of Love
Photo: For the AJC

New Year’s Eve at the Painted Duck and Painted Pin

If parties aren’t your thing, a night of bowling might be up your alley. Both the Painted Duck and Painted Pin will be open for business as usual on New Year’s Eve. Guest can spend the night on the bowling lanes, lounging by the bar or playing each venue’s complimentary games. Note that reservations aren’t accepted for bowling lanes, so arrive early to better your chances of getting a lane for the night (lane sessions are two hours). In addition to their normal cash bar and full-service menu, both venues are promising live musical performances and a champagne toast and ball drop at midnight. This event is 21 and up.

7 p.m.-2 a.m. Dec. 31- Jan 1. $20 cash cover charge. Painted Duck, 976 Brady Ave., Atlanta. 404-352-0048. thepaintedduckatl.com; Painted Pin, 737 Miami Circle NE, Atlanta. thepaintedpin.com

Gatsby’s Penthouse - Atlanta New Year’s 2020

Bring in the 2020s in roaring ’20s fashion. Advertised as the “most upscale VIP-only New Year’s Eve party in Atlanta,” potential guests should envision a Great Gatsby-style night of flowing champagne and cocktails. The event promises an open bar of premium beer, wine and spirits, including a champagne toast. As a DJ spins a collection of EDM, hip-hop and top 40 hits, guests can wander through multiple party rooms, including Ventanas’ outdoor balcony and helipad, which offer sweeping views of the city. Overnight packages at the neighboring Hyatt Place hotel are also available. This event is 21 and up.

8:30 p.m.-1 a.m. Dec. 31- Jan 1. Admission starting at $149. Ventanas, 275 Baker St., Atlanta. atlantanightlife.com