3, 2, 1... Happy New Year!

There is no place like Fredericksburg to ring in 2025. Plan to have a very happy New Year at one of the many venues to enjoy live music. If you're looking to take a load off your feet, enjoy dinner and a show at local restaurants hosting live bands and don't forget to call ahead for reservations. 

Countdown to 2025 at the City of Fredericksburg's Countdown to the New Year at Marktplatz. The family-friendly event will be held on Dec. 31 from 3-6:30 p.m. and features children's amusements, face painting, dance performances, free activities, arts and crafts and more. The ball drop will conclude the event at 6:30 p.m.

Ring in the new year from the summit of Enchanted Rock. Join park rangers on a guided hike where you can enjoy the outdoors and miles of dark starry skies. Once at the top, count down to midnight and ring in 2025 from the top of the rock!  

While you're here, don't miss Fredericksburg's Christmas Nights of Lights with thousands of twinkling Christmas lights at the lighting of the German Christmas Pyramid and the Community Christmas Tree each evening at 6 p.m. at Marktplatz through Monday, January 6. Each evening will feature holiday music starting at 5 p.m., and the 6 p.m. audio presentation and lighting countdown. After the countdown, the music will conclude at 6:30 p.m. Note that the audio program will not take place on New Year's Eve, but the lights will still turn on. 

Dance the night away at a local dancehall 

Grab your dancing boots and kick up your heels at New Year's Eve at Albert, Texas Dancehall with Cody Widner and The Lone Star Souvenirs. Doors open at 6 p.m. and there will be a champagne toast at 11 p.m. Tickets are $30 in advance and $40 at the door. 

Pop, Fizz, Clink! 

As the sun sets on 2024, you can countdown to 2025 in style. Head over to the Hangar Hotel for their annual New Year's Eve Dance. This masquerade ball has limited tickets available and is open to adults 21 and up. Dinner starts at 7:30, doors open for seating in the Pacific Showroom at 8:30 and live music begins at 9:30 p.m. At 11:30 p.m. there will be black-eyed peas, champagne, cornbread and more. Tickets must be purchased by phone. 

Head to Western Edge Kitchen & Cocktails to celebrate the New Year with The Outlaw Firm. Music begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $75 per person and can be purchased by calling or online. 

New Year's Day

In general, most shops, restaurants and wineries will be open on New Year's Eve, while typically 50% of the businesses will be open on New Year's Day in Fredericksburg. We recommend calling ahead of time to check on any closures or places that require reservations. 

On New Year's Day spend time outside at Cross Mountain or Enchanted Rock for a New Year's Day hike in the old German tradition of Volkssporting. Note that reservations are required for entry to Enchanted Rock and can be purchased up to 30 days in advance. 

Make your New Year's Resolution to come back to Fredericksburg! 

Not sure where to start with your planning? Check out these sample itineraries to help you plan your perfect trip. To see us soon, click here.