Countdown to 2020: A guide to the best New Year’s Eve bashes in Dayton

As we prepare to enter an entirely new decade of existence, it’s hard to ignore the hard year that the city of Dayton and Daytonians in general have endured. Despite this trying year, we’re dusting ourselves off and entering into the new year with a healthy dose of positivity and light. The best way to kick off this new state of being? Heading to one of these rockin’ New Year’s Eve parties taking place all around the Miami Valley.

Did we miss an event you can’t wait for? Let us know at contact@dayton.com and we will add it to the list.

New Year's Eve Star Drop at Star City Brewing Company

This New Year’s Eve, Star City Brewing Company in Miamisburg will be hosting their second annual Star Drop New’s Year Eve celebration. This year, they will be ringing in the new year with live acoustic music from Kenny Floyd beginning at 10:30 p.m. and a Peerless Mill Sparkling Wine toast during the Star Drop at midnight.

“Last year’s party was such a blast that we just had to do it again,” said Justin Kohnen, owner of Star City Brewing Company. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to come together with friends and family in celebration of 2020’s possibilities!”

Where: Star City Brewing Company, 319 S. 2nd St., Miamisburg

When: Tuesday, Dec. 31, from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Cost: Tickets are $7 in advance or $10 at the door and can be purchased at eventbrite.com.

More info: Facebook

✨ New Year’s Eve: Bella Italia!

Credit: HANDOUT

Credit: HANDOUT

Ring in the New Year and celebrate the arrival of 2019 with an Italian flair from the Dayton Opera and Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra. In the Mead Theatre of the Schuster Center, the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance (DPAA) will present New Year’s Eve: Bella Italia!

The Schuster Center New Year’s Eve traditions that revelers have come to love and anticipate will again be part of the evening’s festivities: delicious food-by-the-bite available for purchase in the Wintergarden beforehand, a flute of champagne at intermission, and a colorful climactic balloon drop.

Where: 1 W. 2nd St., Dayton

When: 8-10 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31

Cost: Tickets start at $20

More info: Website | (937) 228-3630

✨ NYE at Crowne Plaza

Credit: Staff photo by Lauren Rinehart

Credit: Staff photo by Lauren Rinehart

On NYE, the Crowne Plaza in Dayton is hosting a sophisticated soiree to close out the year. The Crowne Plaza New Year’s Eve Party begins at 8:30 p.m. and will include complimentary party favors, hors d'oeuvres, a cash bar, live music by SWAGG and a celebration of the new year with a champagne toast, exploding balloons and a live broadcast of the ball drop at midnight.

For those who would like to grab a special meal before welcoming the new year, the Crowne Plaza is also serving up a special four-course meal by Chef Kenny Arnold. Seating begins at 5 p.m. and reservations are available until 9 p.m. The special holiday menu, which includes Pappardelle with Veal and Pork Ragout and Crab Cakes with Chili Lime Mayo, is $65 per person, with wine pairings for an additional $35. St. Clair Street also will be performing at View 162 for guests from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Prices do not include gratuity or applicable taxes.

Where: Crowne Plaza, 33 E. 5th St., Dayton

When: Tuesday, Dec. 31.

New Year’s Eve Party schedule:

8:30 p.m. - Ballroom registration/bar

9-11 p.m. - Hors d'oeuvres

9 p.m.-1 a.m. - SWAGG

Midnight - Champagne toast and party favors

Cost: Party-only tickets start at $75 per person. Party with cocktails start at $115 per person. The special holiday menu at View 162 is $65 per person, with wine pairings for an additional $35. Purchase your tickets for both events at cpdayton.com.

More info: WebsiteFacebook | (937) 224-0800

Watermark restaurant's special 6-course New Year's Eve menu

Credit: Contributed

Credit: Contributed

Watermark restaurant in Miamisburg is hosting two seatings (6 p.m. and 9 p.m.) of a special six-course New Year's Eve dinner prepared by Chef Maria to ring in the new year.

The menu includes:

CHEF’S AMUSE BOUCHE

Crispy Beggars Purse: wonton filled with herbed cheeses and red pepper piperáde

FIRST COURSE

Savory Smoked Salmon Cheesecake: Caramelized yellow pepper and onion, fresh cheeses, parmesan-panko crust, with dressed Arugula

SALAD

Holiday Roasted Beet Salad: Ruby beet, chèvre crumble, toasted pistachio, maple balsamic, rye crisp

ENTRÉE (choice of one)

Petit Filet Mignon: 4-ounce Angus Reserve filet; sweet potato and rosemary gratin, bordelaise plum sauce, crushed amaretti, patty-pan squash, plum

Seafood Vol au Vent: Flaky puff pastry stuffed with delicate seafood gratin; bay scallops, whitefish, and a creamy wine sauce: crowned by a grilled Australian Prawn, parsnip purée, zucchini spirals, baby squash, pea tendrils

CHEESE

Sweet Lemon Almost-Cheesecake: lemon quark cheese with a fresh blackberry coulis, earthy wheat crackers, sugared walnuts

DESSERT

Sweet Chocolate Kiss 2019 Goodbye: Bittersweet chocolate, salted caramel, Fleur de Sel tuille

The cost of the dinner is $79 per person plus tax and gratuity.

Where: Watermark restaurant, 20 S. 1st St., Miamisburg

When: Seatings at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Cost: $79 per person plus tax and gratuity

More info: Menu reservations

✨Dayton’s Rockin’ NYE Ball Drop at Yellow Cab Tavern

The Yellow Cab Tavern is bringing back its New Year's Eve ball drop party for the third year in a row. Tickets are $10 in advance at soundvalleydayton.com (advance tickets are only available for purchase until Monday, Dec. 30 at 11:30 p.m.) and at the door for $15.

“We did our first Ball Drop at the Yellow Cab three years ago, and, as home to so many of Dayton’s great shows and events, they’re the perfect location,” said event organizer Brian Johnson. “Plus, they expanded their patio this year, so the ball drop for 2020 is shaping up to be the biggest and best one yet!”

The “unmatched” rock ‘n’ roll party will host the “dead luchadores” TEAM VOID and “psychedelic wizards” Salvadore Ross. Zac Pitts of Living Dayton and Sound Valley will be the special “master of ceremonies.”

Usher in the New Year by gathering in the parking lot outside as Pitts counts down to 2020 and the annual Ball Drop. (And don’t worry, your ticket to the event also includes a midnight toast). Yellow Cab’s resident food truck, the Pizza Bandit, will be serving up slices all night long.

“Yellow Cab has fostered such a supportive community around the artists, musicians, poets and attendees that call it home. They were our first choice to host the ball drop,” Johnson said. “There’s no need to travel to New York to celebrate the New Year when you can have even more fun with your friends and neighbors close to home!”

Doors are at 8 p.m. and music is from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Where: Yellow Cab Tavern, 700 E. Fourth St., Dayton

When: 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31

Cost: $10 in advance, $15 at door

More info: Facebook

✨ Roaring ‘20s New Year’s Eve Celebration at Jag’s Steak & Seafood

This is one of the region’s favorite New Year’s Eve traditions. However, this year, Jag’s Steak and Seafood annual New Year’s Eve celebration comes with a twist: each person attending the NYE bash is encouraged to emulate the dress and attitude of the Roaring ‘20s. The festivities begin at 5 p.m. Dec. 31 and continue through the New Year, with last call at 1 a.m. For $85, guests will receive a complimentary champagne welcome, a four-course meal selected from a special menu, a toast at midnight, and a night full of live music from My Sister Sarah. For $25 more, guests will receive carefully selected wine pairings to accompany each course (excluding dessert). Guests can also partake in Prohibition-inspired cocktails. Even if you won’t be dining at the restaurant, a $25 entry ticket is required.

Where: Jag's Steak & Seafood, 5980 W. Chester Road, West Chester Twp.

When: Tuesday, Dec. 31 from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Cost: The meal is $85 per person. Wine pairings are available for an extra $25. Entry to the restaurant without dining is $25. Reservations must be made beforehand by visiting opentable.com or calling (513) 860-5353

More info: Facebook

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✨New Year’s Eve Grand Ball 2018  

If you want to try something truly different, celebrate New Year’s by transporting yourself back in time to the Civil War era. Although costumes are not required, men and women are encouraged to wear historical suits and formal wear (though not hobnail boots). Couples will participate in Victorian dances (no prior experience required) to the brass and percussion music of the 2nd Brigade Cavalry Band. There’ll be a full buffet of appetizers and desserts and a champagne toast at midnight.

Where: Town Hall & Opera House, 35 S. Chillicothe St., South Charleston  

When: Tuesday, Dec. 31, 8:30 p.m.-midnight  

Cost: $25 (individuals) and $45 (couples) until Christmas Day, $30 each from Dec. 26 forward. Purchase your tickets eventbrite.com.

More Info: Facebook

✨ NYE at Bar 145 Austin Landing 

This year, Bar 145 at Austin Landing is hosting a Great Gatsby-themed extravaganza, complete with a “huge light & laser light show, midnight balloon drop, complimentary champagne toast, appetizers & hors d'oeuvres, and various dance music (Pop, Hip Hop, Trap, EDM, Latin & more),” according to the event page. DJ Jimmy Rock will be hosting the event.

Limited tables and VIP available. 

Where: Bar 145, 10259 Penny Lane, Miamisburg

When: Tuesday, Dec. 31 from 9 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 1

Cost: Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at eventbrite.com

More info: Facebook

✨ NYE New Carlisle Ball Drop 

The 10th annual New Carlisle New Year’s Eve Ball Drop will go off rain or shine on New Year’s Eve. The event begins at 9 p.m. Monday, Dec. 31, in downtown New Carlisle. The family-friendly event, presented by the Heritage of Flight Festival Committee, is free and features activities like ice sculpting, fireworks, carriage rides, music, and raffles. The ball drop draws people from as far as Cincinnati and all over the area, with an estimated 2,000 to 3,000 people attending.

Where: Main Street in downtown New Carlisle

When: Tuesday, Dec. 31 from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. 

Cost: Free

More info: newcarlisle.net

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Celebrate NOLA style with Lily's Bistro

Lily’s Bistro invites you to spend the holidays with them this season as they host A NOLA New Year’s Eve Dinner on Dec. 31, and a special New Year’s Day brunch on Tuesday, Jan. 1. “A NOLA New Year’s” will be Lily’s seventh year hosting a premium, 5-course dinner menu made up entirely of festive New Orleans-inspired specials to ring in the new year.

“We want all of our guests to roll into 2020 with high spirits and hope for what’s to come,” said Emily Mendenhall, Lily’s Bistro owner. “Our NOLA New Year’s Eve Dinner offers diners a delicious way to reflect on the past year and look forward to the new.”

They will be offering a more expansive and specially-priced champagne and sparkling wine list for New Year’s Eve as well, and the dinner menu and cocktail menu include nods to Mendenhall’s former home of New Orleans.

“Having spent a number of years there, New Orleans boasts incredible flavors,” Mendenhall continued. “What better way to party into the new year than by celebrating the cuisine of a city known for partying?”

When: NOLA New Year's Eve Dinner on Tuesday Dec. 31, from 5-11 p.m., and New Year's Day Brunch offered on Jan. 1, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Lily's Bistro, 329 E. 5th St., Dayton

Cost: $59 per person, plus tax and tip. Reservations are encouraged and can be made by calling (937) 723-7637 or visiting their Yelp page.

More info: Facebook

New Year's Eve Dinner with Roberts & Ward Music at The Bison and The Boar

Before you toast to the New Year, grab a hearty meal and enjoy live music at Preble County’s The Bison and The Boar. Live music will be offered by Roberts & Ward. The duo performs original songs, along with acoustic renditions of bluegrass country music favorites.

"We're playing around with a decadent and extravagant New Year’s prix fixe, that will include surf and turf, truffles, and other high-end items,” said Don Warfe, executive chef at The Bison and The Boar.

Though the full menu for the evening is still being developed, guests can expect to see some of the restaurants’s usual suspects, including boar belly, prime rib, seafood, cheese curds and more.

"Finish 2019 in style with hand-cut meats and seafood, in addition to our regularly available scratch-made menu,” said Warfe.

Dinner will be served from 4-10 p.m. Roberts & Ward are performing from 7-10 p.m. Reservations are encouraged and be made by visiting www.bisonandboar.com or by calling (937) 839-4500.

Where: The Bison and The Boar, 3377 U.S. Route 35 E., West Alexandria

When: Tuesday, Dec. 31 from 4-10 p.m.

More info: Facebook  

✨ Harlem Globetrotters 

The beloved basketball team returns for its annual New Year’s Eve game at Wright State's Nutter Center. This year, they are bringing an entirely new show to the court, “Pushing the Limits.” Beginning at 2 p.m., get close and personal with Harlem Globetrotters Big Easy Lofton, Hi-Lite Bruton, and female stars TNT Lister, Swish Sutton, and Torch George.

Where: Nutter Center, 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy., Fairborn

When: Tuesday, Dec. 31 at 2 p.m.

Cost: Tickets start at $19 on nuttercenter.com

More info: WebsiteFacebook

NYE at The Century Bar

Along with marking the end of a year and decade, the New Year’s Eve bash at The Century Bar also marks the end of a nearly eight-decade run in their location at 10 S. Jefferson St. The popular Dayton bourbon bar is moving next door to a new location some time in 2020. The Century Bar’s NYE party begins at 10 p.m. and will be open to the public with a $10 cover charge. The full menu will be available all night long.

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Where: The Century Bar, 10 S. Jefferson St., Dayton

When: Tuesday, Dec. 31 from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Cost: $10 cover charge

More info: Facebook

Credit: Tina Lawson

Credit: Tina Lawson

Ring in the Roaring '20s at the Dublin Pub

Celebrate both the Irish New Year and American New Year at the Dublin Pub, beginning at 6 p.m. Aside from listening to Jameson’s Folly and engaging in revelry with those closest to you, the Dublin Pub welcomes all of its visitors to toast to the Irish New Year at 7 p.m. and American New Year at midnight, of course. If you’re feeling up to it, dress up in fedoras and flapper attire to ring in the new decade.

Where: The Dublin Pub, 300 Wayne Ave., Dayton

When: Tuesday, Dec. 31 from 6 p.m. to midnight

Cost: Free

More info: Facebook

New Year's Eve Ball Drop at Mother Stewart's Brewing Company

Springfield’s first New Year’s Eve Ball Drop is planned for Tuesday, Dec. 31 at Mother Stewart’s Brewing Company. Before Springfield’s first celebratory ball drop takes place, guests can enjoy live music from Frequency and Subterranean, beginning at 9 p.m. Doors open at 8 p.m.

“We’re really excited to bring the fun of a New Year’s Eve Ball Drop to the Champion City,” said Brian Johnson, the event’s organizer. “Mother Stewart’s is so ingrained in the local community and part of what makes downtown Springfield a special place. It’s the perfect location to ring in the new year!”

Discounted advance tickets can be purchased for $10 at soundvalleydayton.com. This presale ends on Monday, Dec. 30 at 11:30 p.m. After that point, $15 tickets can be purchased at the door. All tickets include a midnight toast.

“You don’t want to miss this first-time-ever event at Mother Stewart’s,” Johnson continued. “It’s going to be the perfect way to wrap up 2019 and welcome 2020 alongside family, friends and neighbors.”

Where: Mother Stewart's Brewing Company, 102 W. Columbia St., Springfield

When: Tuesday, Dec. 31. Doors open at 8 p.m., live music begins at 9 p.m. and the night ends with the celebratory ball drop at midnight.

Cost: Presale tickets are $10 and tickets at the door are $15

More info: Facebook

Silvester Party at the Dayton Liederkranz Turner German Club

If you’d rather be ringing in the Neues Jahr (New Year) German-style, the Silvester Party at the Dayton Liederkranz Turner German Club is the place to be. They will be ringing in the German New Year at 6 p.m. This family-friendly event also boasts  appetizers, party favors, Berliner doughnuts, future forecasting, games, live music with Ethan and Joey, the British sitcom "Dinner for One” and a cash bar with German Bier, Wein and liquor.

Credit: Tom Gilliam

Credit: Tom Gilliam

Where: The Dayton Liederkranz Turner German Club; 1400 E. Fifth St., Dayton

When: Tuesday, Dec. 31 from 3-7 p.m.

Cost: Admission is $20 and kids are free. Club members, military and students pay $10.

More info: Facebook

New Year's Eve Silent Party at Therapy Cafe

If you’re a fan of Therapy Cafe’s silent discos, you’ll be in luck on New Year’s Eve. For $10 per person or $15 per couple, you’ll be able to put on a pair of headphones and dance your way into the New Year at Therapy Cafe.

Similar to other silent discos that the venue holds, there will be three DJs, three different genres and over 200 headphones available. There will be a champagne toast at midnight.

The event runs from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Credit: Tom Gilliam

Credit: Tom Gilliam

Where: Therapy Cafe, 452 E. Third St., Dayton

When: Tuesday, Dec. 31 from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Cost: $10 for one person, $15 for two people. Pay at the door.

More info: Facebook

New Year's Eve at WinterFest

For a more family-friendly option, head to the New Year’s Eve celebration at Kings Island’s WinterFest. There are a number of kid-friendly events taking place throughout the day, from Snoopy’s Rockin’ Countdown Party to Charlie Brown’s New Year’s Eve Celebration.

Leading up to the New Year, guests of all ages can participate in several activities, like Tinker’s New Year’s Eve Extravaganza, featuring character interactions and a giant balloon drop at 9 p.m., and Charlie Brown’s New Year’s Eve Celebration, featuring meet and greets with characters, oversized lawn games and family-friendly music.

From 5-10 p.m., guests will be able to enjoy some of their favorite Kings Island rides.

For those brave enough to stay up until midnight, there will be a fireworks display and Snoopy’s Rockin’ Countdown with the International Street Band.

Then, for the older crowd, a warm retreat and fancy meal will be available at the New Year’s Eve Lounge in the International Restaurant. Beginning at 5:30 p.m., guests will be able to enjoy assorted appetizers and hors d'oeuvres, a grand buffet and meat carving station, an all-you-can-eat dessert bar and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight paired with the best view of the fireworks display. The offerings are first come, first served.

For more information on the full schedule of events offered that day, be sure to reference the event's Facebook page.

Where: Kings Island, 6300 Kings Island Dr., Kings Mill

When: Tuesday, Dec. 31 from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Cost: Standard tickets are $32. Purchase them here.

More info: WebsiteFacebook

Countdown to Noon at Play Kettering

Especially if you’re toting around you ones this New Year’s Eve, a countdown to noon might feel more realistic than a countdown to midnight. Thankfully, Play Kettering understands this, and has planned this event to specifically cater to this younger crowd.

From 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., children aged two to five will be able to enjoy the number of activities geared toward a younger crowd, including an inflatable to jump in, a countdown craft-making session, a family-friendly dance party and much more.

Preregistration is required and can be done at playkettering.org. The event costs $3 per Kettering resident and $5 per nonresident.

Where: Kettering Recreation Complex, 2900 Glengarry Dr., Kettering

When: Tuesday, Dec. 31 from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Cost: $3 per Kettering resident and $5 per nonresident

More info: WebsiteFacebook

Gem City SoberBar at LORE Mainstage: Hindsight is 2020 NYE Celebration

Yet again, the Gem City SoberBar is serving up an alcohol-free fun alternative for Daytonians. Lore, a storytelling platform, has invited the Gem City SoberBar to serve up delicious mocktails while Kristen Domke, the CEO of GCSB, and a few others, share carefully crafted stories.

The celebration begins with a VIP dinner catered by Grist Provisions, served in posh New York-style apartments above the event space in downtown Dayton. Then, dinner is followed by the storytelling portion of the evening, entitled “HINDSIGHT is 2020,” featuring stories about “looking backward, realizing the folly of the moment, the missed opportunities, or the joy of times that they will never forget,” according to the event’s Facebook page.

There will be alcohol served in another room, with the proceeds from those sales benefiting UpDayton. Once the storytelling has commenced, there will be a midnight toast to the New Year on the rooftop with sparkling grape juice.

Tickets are limited to 40 VIP tickets and 40 general admission tickets, so get your tickets now.

Where: 116 W 5th St, Dayton

When: Tuesday, Dec. 31 from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Cost: $50 per person. Tickets are available on the event's Facebook page.

More info: WebsiteFacebook

Strange Music New Years Eve Bash at Oddbody's

Get Trippy presents the 
Strange Music New Years Eve Bash, f
eaturing 
Krizz Kaliko and CES CRU. The s
pecial guests include 
Devious T and Jay Villain; 
AhBeaTz, Mxntis, and JAB BUEHLER; 
Jxve; 
Plague; 
Faith Baby; 
R3D and 
BPletch. It is an all ages event. Tickets are $20 in advance and $30 on the day of the show. Those under 21 will pay an additional $5 at the door.                                      Where: Oddbody’s, 5418 Burkhardt Road, Dayton                                            When: Tuesday, Dec. 31 from 6 p.m. to 12:15 a.m.                                            Cost: $20 in advance, $30 on the day of the show. Those under 21 have to pay an additional $5. Tickets can be purchased at showclix.com.        More info:  

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