3, 2, 1... Happy New Year!
There is no place like Fredericksburg to ring in 2024. 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 2024 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.
If you're in the mood to dress up, costumes are encouraged at the New Year's Eve Big Band Dance at the Hangar Hotel, a party featuring the 1940s-style big band featuring Bill Smallwood and The Lonestar Swing Orchestra. Concessions will be available for purchase. A costume contest will be held for those wearing their best 1940s-inspired outfits. Tickets are limited.
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 2024 from the top of the rock! For more info click here.
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 Sunday, January 7. 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
Enjoy live music throughout Fredericksburg and the surrounding area on New Year's Eve and into 2024. Several restaurants venues will host live music and special events, too.
Grab your dancing boots and kick up your heels at New Year's Eve at the Albert, Texas Dancehall with Two Tons of Steel. Doors open at 7 p.m. and there will be a champagne toast at 11 p.m. Tickets are $30 in advance and $40 at the door.
Or head to Luckenbach Texas to see Kin Faux and Thomas Michael Riley on New Year's Eve. Tickets are $45, and the show starts at 8 p.m.
Pop, Fizz, Clink!
As the sun sets on 2023, you can countdown to 2024 in a more intimate setting, if that is more your pace. For a special dining experience, Sage Restaurant and Lounge will host a New Year's Eve Tribute Prix Fixe Dinner on Dec. 30 and Dec. 31 beginning at 5 p.m.
Or Head over to Six Twist for a Masquerade New Year's Eve Party! This event features an evening of mystery, bubbles, delicious bites, and merriment. Don your most glamorous mask and welcome the New Year in style. Tickets include food and two glasses of champagne. Tickets limited. Additional bottles and glasses available for purchase. Link to clink here.
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.