Where are cool places to go for New Year's Eve in Austin, Tx?

I went to school in Austin, Texas, but never spent New Year's there. This will be my first year staying in Austin during that time. Where are cool places to go, such as restaurants, clubs, parks, to celebrate or watch fireworks (if any) in Austin? Are there any Austin traditions I need to be aware of? Please provide links that may list places to go or activities.

There are several great places to see Christmas lights. I don't know about fireworks. Zilker Park, Trail of Lights is quite a production and centrally located. They also have a giant Yule Log there. There is also the less visited(relatively) 37th Street lights. This is in Hyde Park right off of Guadalupe. The residents on about two blocks of this street all participate and decorate their houses and lawns. You get some truly original stuff...wacky and wild and very Austin. I would recommend doing both of these to feel that you have had the true Christmas experience.

I am sure that you have some favorite restaurants and many have special New Year's deals. I think that it is fun and celebratory to find a great place downtown and drink some champagne. Try the rooftop deck of the Belmont for something fancy or Opal Divine's for a more laid back experience.

Then, go to a show! Live music is definitely the way to ring in the New Year...in true Austin style. Antones or La Zona Rosa always have fun bands. I spent one year watching Robert Earl Keen outside the capitol on Congress, which was great.

Pick up an Austin Chronicle or check them out online www.austinchronicle.com to see what is going on. They always have great listings of restaurants and music venues. Look for a band that you like and enjoy yourself.

Have a Happy New Year. Austin is a great place to be for such a fun night!

-Kango Traveler

there is a fireworks show at umm...town lake, the autatorium maybe...righ by riverside and congress just south of downtown. But I would go to 6th if u want to party. if ur there for Xmas check out the trail of lights at zilker park

zilker park is a beautiful place at night in austin for christmas eve. they have chirstmas lights over there.