Nashville is a city synonymous with music, charm, and life year-round, but it especially comes alive as the calendar rolls over to a new year. Ringing in the New Year is a chance for Music City to flex its party muscles, and there’s no shortage of venues hosting parties and events for all walks and budgets.
Whether you’re looking to go all out on a VIP all-inclusive party, tuck into a memorable meal, see a music performance, or explore as much of the town as possible, the Music City has something for everyone.
We’ve put together a little collection of some of our top recommendations (in no particular order) for where to spend your New Year’s Eve in Nashville this year. While it’s by no means exhaustive, it should give you some nice ideas about how to make the most of a special night in Nashville and your stay.
Best Places to Go in Nashville on New Year’s Eve
1. Downtown Nashville
Experience the city’s heartbeat at the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, where the Jack Daniel’s New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash is set to erupt.
Imagine an evening of mesmerizing performances by big names like Thomas Rhett, Lainey Wilson, and the iconic Lynyrd Skynyrd. As midnight strikes, the sky illuminates with fireworks, accompanied by the ceremonial Music Note Drop®, Nashville’s answer to the famous NYC NYE ball drop.
Besides being set in the heart of Music City, amidst the honky tonks and country music clubs, this event is a must because it’s FREE to the public. If you’re trying to ring in the new year on a budget, that’s pretty hard to beat.
2. Ryman Auditorium
Nothing says Nashville like the historic Ryman Auditorium. Known as the “Mother Church,” it’s seen performances by legends like Elvis and Johnny Cash and modern-day superstars like Lizzo and Harry Styles.
This year, its epic legacy continues with New Year’s Eve performances by the phenomenal Old Crow Medicine Show alongside guest acts from Kasey Tyndall, Harper O’Neill, and Willie Watson. Two nights, one timeless venue—a night to remember is guaranteed. Tickets start at a very reasonable $60/head, which means you’ll certainly get plenty of New Year’s bang for your buck.
3. White Limozeen
Experience New Year’s Eve with Dolly Parton watching over you at this rooftop paradise. The sunset, quirky cocktails, magnificent Dolly sculpture, and city lights set the perfect backdrop. Check their event calendar to see what’s on for New Year’s Eve this year, and don’t expect to get in for free.
Past years have seen a relatively steep entry fee for White Limozeen’s party, but you get what you pay for: an entirely unique and unforgettable setting, with food, drinks, and food to boot. If you want to be a special kind of VIP this year, be sure to make a reservation. And if partying here in 2023 doesn’t work out, maybe you can try their famous brunch in 2024.
4. Harriet’s Rooftop
There’s something about being on a rooftop on New Year’s Eve. Maybe it’s the better views of midnight fireworks, maybe it’s just nice to start the new year on a high note. This new yet already iconic rooftop promises a night of sophistication.
Dance to live music, taste unique cocktails, and relish exquisite bites as you watch the city sparkle from above. They usually host a New Year’s party with a flat entry fee that gives you a VIP pass to food, booze, and boogie. It’s not exactly cheap, but it’s definitely an elevated experience.
5. Virgin Hotels
The Virgin Hotel is where Nashville’s rhythm meets its luxury. If Richard Branson was ringing in the new year in Nashville, this is where he would party. That could be because he owns the brand, but it doesn’t change the fact that sophisticated and distinctive good times are guaranteed here. Immerse yourself in Music City’s pulse right in the heart of Music Row.
Backstroke into the world of craft cocktails and Southern culinary delights across venues like Commons Club and The Pool Club. Afterwards, take your tipsy with you on a walk around the iconic neighborhood, just a few blocks from historic venues and the bumping downtown scene.
6. Hampton Social
If that perfect lyric has you pining for a coastal vibe this New Year’s Eve, look no further.
Nashville is not exactly on the water, but you can practically smell the salt air at this seaside-inspired haven. Celebrate their “Rosé All Day” moto with a glass (or two) of the bubbly variety at midnight, paired perfectly with the menu of fresh seafood. This spot has a rooftop too, where you can reenact that Titanic scene as literal fireworks go off around you.
7. Assembly Food Hall
Can’t decide on where to spend New Year’s Eve? Don’t! Assembly Hall is more than a food junction; it’s a carnival. With over 20 eateries, multiple craft bars, live music stages, and an ambiance that screams celebration, you don’t even have to know what you want. Come here to sip, sample, and simmer away in the rooftop scene as a glorious new year approaches. Who knows? You might discover your 2024 signature drink or dish here.
8. Twelve Thirty Club
Step into a vintage circus-style New Year’s Eve soirée. With entertainment spread across three levels, including unique music acts and circus-themed shows, the Twelve Thirty Club promises an unparalleled celebration.
Old-world charm gets merged with the vibrancy of contemporary Nashville. Indulge in a lavish spread of unlimited food, and revel in a handpicked assortment of cocktails. Plus, no party in Music City is complete without live music. Don’t expect to get into such a swanky scene on the cheap unless you sneak through the ventilation shafts, but the price tag definitely guarantees a NYE to remember.
9. Noelle Nashville
Swing back to the real Roaring 20s at Noelle Nashville—a downtown Nashville hotel that’s all about showing guests the city’s best. This spot goes back in time every year for an opulent celebration that includes an open bar, foot-tapping music, and sumptuous food. Cocktail attire with dapper and flapper flair is encouraged! The whole hotel will be partying, but be sure to check out Rare Bird on the roof for a drink with a view. Tickets aren’t the cheapest but give you access to an open bar, live music, and plenty of NYE shenanigans in a chic setting.
10. Union Tavern
What about starting your New Year’s Eve in Nashville off with a proper meal? That’s probably a good idea if you plan to make it to midnight. Experience some of the city’s best casual dining at Union Tavern, located in the Bobby Hotel in the city’s happening Arts District.
Their four-course pre-fixe menu, full of diverse delicacies straight from local markets and purveyors, is the perfect way to mark the occasion. Sharing is the game here, so bring your crew and tuck in before you go out. Just be sure to make reservations, this is no hole-in-the-wall.
11. Adele’s
Another good spot for a special New Year’s Eve bite. If you prefer a calm yet elevated dining experience before hitting the honky tonks, head to Adele’s for their special NYE dinner offerings.
The menu here keeps it Mediterranean, with nods to both Italy and California and strives to use locally sourced ingredients for maximum freshness and quality. This is a great place to experience the culinary standard in the Music City.
12. The Optimist
Try this aptly named eatery for your New Year’s Eve dinner—they’ll keep your glass more than half full as 2024 arrives. The five-course prix-fixe menu at The Optimist is sure to give you the all-right vibes for the year ahead.
Much like at Hampton Social, you’ll be feeling the coastal vibes here as well. The menu is chock full of fresh seafood made the right way. If you’re planning an early night and this is your big stop, no shame there—just get the oysters for the full experience!
13. Redneck Riviera
Looking for an all-American, high-octane party? The multi-level extravaganza at Redneck Riviera—one of Nashville’s hottest bars, BBQ, and music joints—promises live music (spoiler: it’s country music), invigorating drinks, and an unforgettable start to 2024.
The vibe here is definitely on the wild side, with a heaping scoop of American patriotism, so wear your red, white, and blue, and practice chanting “USA!” so you can keep up with the crowd. Come morning, you’ll be saying “y’all” like a local. All that energy comes with a price tag, however, so expect to pay up at this party.
14. Eastside Bowl
You read that right: this is a bowling alley! But that’s not all. Eastside Bowl is one of the city’s newest destinations for entertainment, offering bowling, a diner, a lounge, live music, and even an arcade. Talk about a package deal!
This year, experience a unique New Year’s Eve Disco concert with Devon Gilfillian and special guests. Knock down some pins, eat some grub, boogie to the music, play Space Invaders (note: we cannot guarantee they actually have this game), and then do it all again! Bonus: this place doesn’t break the bank.
15. Bar Crawl
Why stay in one place all night? Explore Music City! Embrace the wanderer in you this New Year’s Eve and head out on Nashville’s “Crawl Till the Ball Falls.” Begin your journey by securing your Bar Crawl wristband, get your map, hop from bar to bar, and enjoy special drinks and entry privileges. It’s an adventure on its own that won’t break the bank and will likely land you on Broadway by the night’s end.
See You in 2024!
Remember to revel responsibly in the whirlwind of celebrations while Nashville promises you a night to cherish. . Drink, dance, and laugh, but ensure you and your loved ones stay safe. Here’s to bidding adieu to 2023 and welcoming 2024 with open arms and hearts full of hope!
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