It's that time of year again—the time when party-goers scramble to make plans for New Year's Eve, and no one wants to be left out in the cold. New Year's Eve has to be done right—where you are, who you are with, and what you are doing sets the tone for the upcoming year.
Houstonians rarely have to brave a winter chill, and now clubZone.com is making it easy to find the best end-of-year festivities in town without braving the usual crowds. As the clock strikes midnight, raise your glass and feel good about 2014. Take the first step and check out these suggested venues.
1. 6th Wortham Center NYE Bash
Where: Wortham Center, Houston
When: Doors open at 9 p.m.
Who: 21 + Artsy Haute Hipsters
Why: Artful decadence greets you around every corner at the Wortham Center's New Years Eve Bash. Guests mingle with Houston's nightlife elite and enjoy a plethora of visual and audio delights. As circus acrobats dance above your head, the D.J. trio of Rob G., Bizz & Senega will encircle you in the hottest beats, all leading up to the most spectacular light and laser show. A confetti explosion and a champagne toast complete the evening as the clock strikes midnight. This party defines what it means to be hip, sexy, and playful.
2. The 3rd Annual Rock The Clock New Years Eve Celebration
Where: The Red Oak Ballroom at the City Centre, Houston
When: 9 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Who: 21 + Red Carpet Rock-Stars
Why: Is a perfect start to 2014 possible? It is at the Rock the Clock New Years Eve Celebration! Start your night by strutting your sexy self down the red carpet while capturing pics of yourself amongst Houston's elite. Then, once you've gotten a few a drinks and surveyed the 4 rooms bursting with electric energy, make your way to the dance floor. There you will celebrate to the sounds of 4 of Houston's most talented DJs under a fury of lights, lasers, and confetti. Finally, finish your night by watching the most incredible fireworks display in town. Thinking of splurging for the VIP treatment? These VIP tickets are worth it for extra perks, like lounge seating, access to the Casino, and a 3-course dinner.
3. The 2nd Annual DOWNTOWN COUNTDOWN: New Years Eve 2014
Where: Bayou Place, Houston
When: 9 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Who: 21 + Club Connoisseurs
Why: Because it is the most anticipated nightclub New Years Eve party in downtown Houston! What does this club have that your local bar does not? How about 4 rooms overflowing with light, music, and festive decor; 4 of Houston's hottest DJs, 2 balconies for getting that perfect view of the downtown fireworks display; and casino tables that rival the ones found in Vegas. This party practically sizzles with energy! Simply let off steam from 2013 and enjoy a wild, rowdy night amongst Houston's savviest and sexiest clubbers.
4. Royal New Years Eve Ball
Where: Momentum BMW Southwest
When: 8:30 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Who: 21 + Worldly Thrill Seekers
Why: Feast your eyes on the most opulent display of human contortion and international talent. The Royal New Years Eve Ball combines circus with Carnival, taking its guests on a fantastic journey around the world. Steamy demonstrations by aerial artists, belly dancers, body paint models, and samba dancers, all while you dance the night away, are just a few of the acts guests will experience. No where else will you have access to a show of this caliber on New Years Eve 2014.
5. The Exclusive NYE-LAN: The Ultimate New Years Eve Soiree
Where: Elan Lounge, Houston
When: 9 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Who: Casual Club Kids
Why: A bar for the unpretentious twenty-something who likes good hip-hop beats and a large dance floor. Although somewhat of a new kid on the block, Elan has already created a reputation for itself as a place to enjoy friendly and talented bartenders and packed crowds filled with Houston's hottest. On New Years, they've upped the ante by offering partygoers a world-class team of lighting professionals, DJs and performers, as well as complimentary party favors (it's important to be festive!). Not wild enough for you? Just wait until midnight, when they "make it rain"...and we're not talking confetti.
6. TOAST - NEW YEAR'S EVE AFFAIR
Where: Mosaic Bar and Lounge, Houston
When: 8 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Who: 21 + A-listers & Young Party-Going Professionals
Why: The upscale, contemporary scene at Mosaic will have you feeling totally prepared for anything that comes your way in 2014. Seriously, what's better than scintillating cocktails and champagne served alongside a midnight breakfast? Uh...nothing. And as if that was not enough, Mosaic will also have Def Jam Blaster, a crazy talented DJ who is prepared to play all the hits and club anthems to keep you moving well past midnight.
7. New Years Eve Masquerade Party
Where: Ritz Plaza, Houston
When: 8 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Who: 21 + Sexy Socialites
Why: Because fetish and sexy glamour are always a win. At the Masquerade, high fashion mingles with sexy lingerie in a sophisticated dance between the seen and the unseen. Indulge your senses by enjoying a seafood and steak dinner, dessert buffet, and a midnight breakfast bar. Then between sips of champagne, make your way to the dance floor. And by "dance floor," we mean two floors, dance poles, three dance cages, and three raised platform stages. For real. Complete your fantasy with a cascade of balloons at midnight.
8. ST GENEVIEVE NYE AFFAIR
Where: St. Genevieve
When: 9 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Who: 21+ Foodie Toasters
Why: Top notch cocktails and food. This beautiful, modern spot in Houston is known for its delicious drinks, served up by serious mixologists, and carefully created bites made for the discerning palate. If you'd like to spend your New Year's Eve focusing on what you're drinking, rather than how much you're drinking, this is your place. Great music will be present so you'll definitely have your soundtrack for the big night.
9. THE "GOLDEN HOUR" HTX NYE 2014
Where: Sheraton North Houston
When: 9 p.m. -
Who: 21+ Bonds and Ladies
Why: Because anything Bond related is sexy. Be your sultriest self on New Year's Eve and make an appearance at this Bond themed soiree. Walk down the red carpet into the elegantly done-up Grand Ballroom complete with a photo booth to capture your best red-lipped pucker. When its almost time, enjoy a fantastic light show and confetti to bid goodbye to 2013. If you're feeling particularly dapper, treat yourself to a VIP ticket, which also includes a four hour open bar, hors d'oeuvres, lounge seating, and a special complimentary champagne toast. How very 007 of you.
10. THE GOOD LIFE NYE
Where: The Gatsby
When: Doors open at 9 p.m.
Who: 21+ Tipsy Optimists
Why: Because isn't New Year's Eve all about the good life? Take kicking off NYE 2013 to heart at the place with the best name and the best party. Hosted by Ciroc, the Gatsby Lounge will be throwing a celebration to remember, focusing on the good things in life (and nightlife). Get down to beats by two DJs and, and at midnight, raise your glass in the swirl of confetti and light that accompanies the countdown. Splurge for a VIP ticket and get access to the Ciroc VIP lounge, boasting a Las Vegas casino theme and a breakfast bar to keep your energy up until the wee hours. 
