Things to Do for New Year's Eve in Little Rock

If you're not going to a private party on New Year's Eve and are looking for something smashing to do to ring out the old year and ring in the new in the Little Rock area, you have a lot of options. All over, restaurants are putting on their special celebratory menus and bars and clubs are open if you want to celebrate the new year with music and dancing.

You'll find many events in town, but if you go the extra mile to towns like Hot Springs, you'll have even more options to ring in the new year

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The River Market District

Little Rock, Arkansas, Interior View — Walter Bibikow / Getty Images

The River Market District is a perfect destination if you want an exciting New Year's Eve. It's the premier nightlife location in Little Rock, and you'll find plenty of bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and live entertainment. If you're more into doing your own thing on New Year's Eve instead of a party, this is definitely the place. If you're in the mood for a concert, don't miss the rocking NYE show with The Big Dam Horns at Reverb Nation in 2020.

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The Joint

At The Joint, you can laugh your way into the new year and welcome 2021 with "The Main Thing," a two-act comedy show with sketches and music. Your ticket includes a hot meal during intermission and champagne for a toast at midnight. Once the new year has been ushered in, the tables will be pushed aside and the comedy club will be turned into a dance club. Tickets can be purchased online.

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A New Year's Eve Masquerade

In downtown Little Rock, you can attend a masquerade ball with a dedicated karaoke room and multiple dance floors. This year's theme is all about celebrating the last few decades and guests are asked to wear their best 90's and 2000's-inspired outfits, plus a mask Your ticket includes food, unlimited photo booth access, a full bar, free parking, and the midnight champagne toast. Location details are kept under wraps until after you purchase your ticket.

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Allfam's New Year's Eve Bowling Party

Bowl your way into the new year at the annual party at Allfam Bowling & Entertainment Center. This is a family-friendly event that goes on until 1:30 a.m. For one entry price, you can bowl as much as you want and there will plenty of food and fun prizes, as well as party favors for the midnight countdown. You will need to make reservations in advance.

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Arlington Resort Hotel and Spa Gala in Hot Springs

Get away to Hot Springs for a one or two-night stay and ring in 2021 at the annual New Year's Eve Gala Dinner Dance at the Arlington. Tickets include live entertainment by Stardust Big Band, a five-course gourmet dinner, limited drinks, and the champagne toast. Your ticket will also gain you access to the Festival Party happening next door. The dress code is black tie optional.

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Live Music at Oaklawn Racing & Gaming in Hot Springs

Every year, Oaklawn Racing & Gaming puts on a New Year's Eve party with live music in both the Silks Bar and Grill and Pop's Lounge. At Silks Bar, Susan Erin will open the show with her pink piano and there will be performances from Dino D and the D Train at Pop's Lounge. The party gets started at 6 p.m. on December 31 and keeps going until 5 a.m. If you get hungry, check out the breakfast special at the bistro, which will be available until the wee hours of the morning.

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New Year's Eve in North Forest Lights

You can celebrate the new year in a winter wonderland by visiting the North Forest Lights, a light and sound experience in the middle of the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. The forest is brought to life using light, sound, and other effects in a mind-blowing and family-friendly way. During New Year's eve, you can enjoy music from The Vine Brothers Acoustic Variety Show, as well as circus performances, and crafting stations. There will be food trucks on site and your ticket even includes a complimentary drink!