Cotton Bowl goers will have plenty to do in Dallas come Dec. 31.
Arkansas Razorbacks and Missouri Tigers will swarm the arena at Fair Park on Jan. 1, but out-of-towners can also partake in New Year’s festivities and Dallas culture outside of the game.
Dallas, the ninth-largest city in the U.S., is now home to the nation’s largest art collection, said Phillip Jones, the president and CEO of the Dallas Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. Within the park is the Women’s Museum, the African American Museum and 33 blazing Christmas trees for Fair Park in Lights.
“The other thing Dallas is known for is shopping,” Jones said.
Renowned NorthPark Mall is home to every major designer plus the “The Trains at NorthPark,” a 40-car holiday display that runs across 2,500 feet of track in the mall.
The Galleria in Dallas is a destination for indoor ice skating, and The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza features a guide to the life and death of John F. Kennedy near the street where he was assassinated.
Thirteen entertainment districts in the city boast hundreds of restaurants, clubs and bars busy year-round with special attractions for the holidays.
Going to the game? Here’s what’s happening in Dallas on New Year’s Eve:
Comerica Bank New Year’s Parade
When: 2 p.m. Dec. 31
Where: Comerica Bank in downtown on the corner of Ervay and Elm.
Details: A free welcoming festivity for thousands of people coming into town for the AT&T Cotton Bowl.
Info: Comerica Bank New Year's Parade
Cotton Bowl Classic Music Festival and Pageantry
When: Dec. 29 through Jan. 1
Where: Loos Field in Dallas, Plano Centre in Plano and downtown Dallas
Details: 2,000 students from 30 high schools across the nation will compete in free concert band, jazz and field shows such as drill team routines throughout the four days surrounding the Cotton Bowl.
Info: The Cotton Bowl's official Web site
Cross Canadian Ragweed
When: Bands take stage at 9 p.m. Dec. 31
Where: House of Blues, 2200 N. Lamar St., Dallas
Details: Cross Canadian Ragweed with Wade Bowen and Jonathan Tyler and the Northern Lights to perform at the House of Blues on New Year’s Eve as part of a live show and dinner. Reservations are necessary for dinner.
Cost: Dinner and show packages available for $275 and up. General admission is $75.50.
Info: The House of Blues
Live music from B’Ann Grant and The Stingers
When: Dec. 31
Where: Poor David’s Pub, 1313 S. Lamar St., Dallas
Details: Traditional black-eyed peas party favors to ring in the New Year and an adult-only kissing contest after the clock strikes midnight. Winners receive $100 gift certificate.
Cost: $15
Info: Poor David's Pub
New Year’s party at a Dallas subterranean lounge and bar
When: Dec. 31
Where: obar, 1602b Main St.
Details: New Year’s ushered in with a midnight complimentary champagne toast and party favors. Reservations required. Must be 21 or older.
Info: obar
Cruise on the Chamonix II, a luxury sailboat
When: 9 p.m. Dec. 31
Where: Chamonix II on Lake Lewisville; board at Charlie’s Restaurant, Pier 121
Details: From 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. dine on mini grilled tenderloins, crab cakes, dips and cheeses. Beer and wine available at takeoff site or BYOB.
Cost: $69 per person. 50 spots available.
Info: Discover Chamonix