This article is from 2013. Read the 2016 guide here.
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Make a toast to your taste buds at a food-centered celebration.
New Year's Eve Dinner at Broad Street Grille
A three-course meal sets the stage for Rick Rushing and the Blues Strangers and a dance party at the Foundry.
Dinner Train aboard the Tennessee Valley Railroad
Watch the scenery of the Tennessee Valley from the window as you reflect on the closing year aboard a restored 1924 dining car. A three-course dinner will be served; no alcohol allowed on board.
New Year's Eve at Brix Nouveau
Feast on a buffet - yes, a buffet - of cheeses and meats paired with a flight of sparkling wines. Tickets include a half-bottle of Veuve Clicquot.
Bart's Lakeshore New Year's Eve Dinner
Dinner and drinks overlooking the lake, complimented by the energetic local band Rosedale Remedy.
The Palms / Coconut Lounge New Year's Eve Dinner
A five-course dinner and a post-dinner masquerade ball. Dinner includes a bottle of champagne.
For the cultured palate.
Hunter Museum's Party on the Bluff
The Hunter Museum knows the fine art of a good party. Food catered by Events with Taste, an open bar, music and a breathtaking view from the bluff.
Museum Center 5ive Points New Year's Eve 2013
Cleveland's history museum will host a party to greet the New Year with food, drinks and music by the Collins Brothers Band.
Natchez Hills Vineyard New Year's Eve Bash
Natchez Hills Vineyard in Hampshire, TN makes a lovely venue for a party complete with heavy hor d'oeuvres, a show by the Matt Roy Band, and a midnight toast of sparkling cider.
ON THE RIVER
Southern Belle New Year's Eve Cruise
Spend the evening on the Tennessee River with food, entertainment, dancing and a toast.
New Year's Eve on the Delta Queen
Dance the night away to music by No Big Deal and wake up on the river in 2014. Dinner buffet and brunch also included.
Y.O.L.O. (short for "you only live once") was the phrase of the year we hope will die when the clock strikes midnight, but for one more night you can live out its sentiment - within reason, of course.
Roaring '20s at Kitchen at Union Square
The Lost Generation knew a thing or two about partying. Dress in your finest '20s get-up, hear A Cat May Look At A King, and choose from a lengthy list of drink specials.
That '90s Show at Rhythm and Brews
That '90s Show lets you relive the golden decade as we get deeper into this one with top '90s hits from grunge to pop to R&B.
New Year's Evening at The Social
Music by Toneharm and Cutlass Cult, free bubbly at midnight and a buffet (rumor has it there is a nacho bar in the works).
New Year's Party at Sugar's Barbecue
Grab some great barbecue, then stick around for a free New Year's Eve party with music by The Pool.
Presented by Groove 93 and Power 94, this party features R&B singers Ray Lavender and Sheryl Boyd.
Moccasin Bend Brewery Potluck / Party / Moon Landing
Gather with friends at the cozy Moccasin Bend Brewery for beer and a potluck dinner party.
Flying Squirrel Knock the Blocks Off Party
Low key fun at this neighborhood bar will feature a coursed dinner and exclusive draft beer offerings. DJ Flux 308 will be spinning in the lounge.
"Let's Get Classy" at J.J.'s Bohemia
Go all out with local favorites SOCRO, Behold the Brave and more. "Classy" is open to interpretation.
Sequins or camo, high fashion or hill billy - this party brings it all together with music by Strung Like a Horse and friends.
New Year's Eve Celebration at Stratton Hall
This BYOB party promises to be quite the throw down.
Raw Sushi Bar New Year's Eve Party
DJ Reggie Reg upstairs and Five-40 playing downstairs, plus the chance to get lucky with a cash balloon drop and giveaways including a flat screen TV.
Things are bound to get interesting at this party, which features a breakfast bar at 1:30 a.m.
McHale's Brewhouse Masquerade Party
This neighborhood bar will be transformed into a masquerade for a night of mystery. Dr. Vibe's Show Band is scheduled to perform.
Aunt Betty at Bud's Sports Bar
A ticket includes party favors at the door, a champagne toast and entertainment by Atlanta's authentic '80s rock band Aunt Betty.
New Year's Eve Fiesta at Poblano's
Say "prospero año nuevo" with $4 made-from-scratch margaritas, jazz guitarist Alex Harper and vocalist Debi D.
Michael Mack at The Comedy Catch
Laugh your way into 2014 with Michael Mack, who claims to make his audiences "laugh til they puke." Dancing and champagne follow the late show.
New Year's Eve party at American Legion Post 95
The Big Band will have you on your feet and the party is complete with hors d'oeuvres, champagne, and party favors.
The American Legion Post 81 in Cleveland promises a festive night with music, streamers, hats, breakfast and champagne.
These area hotels offer some great parties and convenient overnight packages.
Chattanooga Choo Choo New Year's Rockin' Eve
The Beaters will have you dancing your way into the New Year at the Choo Choo's Imperial Ballroom with a cash bar, snacks, prizes and more.
Roaring '20s Party at the Sheraton Read House
Go back in time to 1926, the year the Read Family transformed the Read House into its fine present form with an evening of dancing, champagne toasts, and giveaways.
Party with the Stratoblasters at the Double Tree
The Stratoblasters put on a dance-worthy show with classic rock, R&B and oldies, and ELEVEN lounge will serve Burgers and Breakfast the next morning.
Rick Rushing and Blues Strangers at The Chattanoogan
The sleek Foundry at the Chattanoogan provides the setting, and Rick Rushing and the Blues Strangers brings the noise.
For young ones and early birds who want to avoid a late night, here are some softer options for the evening.
New Year's at Noon at the Creative Discovery Museum
Before the sun goes down, head to the CDM for a kid-friendly New Year's Eve celebration. Tots will learn about time from Father Time and Baby New Year, enjoy a concert by Saxophobia, and make hats, wands and shakers in anticipation of the "ball drop" at noon.
Sleep in the Deep at Tennessee Aquarium
Families and groups stay overnight at the Aquarium. The New Year's Eve program includes a tour, special activities, pizza, a midnight toast and a continental breakfast.
Southern Belle Early Dinner Cruise
Watch the sun set on the river aboard the Southern Belle with dinner and entertainment by Music City Brass.
Gospel Concert at Catoosa County Colonnade
Southern gospel fans can enjoy a powerhouse show featuring Gold City, Appointed Quartet and Willow Creek Quartet at the Catoosa County Colonnade.
ACTIVE OPTIONS
Karen Lawrence 5K for St. Jude Children's Hospital
Rack up some karma points just before the end of the year. The Sports Barn's annual run is a healthy, feel-good alternative for a good cause.
Adventure Offroad Park New Year's Eve Bash
Get some mud on the tires in South Pittburg's Adventure Offroad Park. A pavilion party and camping will be available.
Wake up bright-eyed and look to the future - and make sure you get your good luck black-eyed peas and greens.
Easy Bistro New Year's Resolution Brunch
Lucky black-eyed peas, prosperity greens and Easy's "brunch punch" make the transition into daytime much easier.
New Year's Day Brunch at Broad Street Grille
This champagne brunch will feature omelets and breakfast fare along with garlic-spice crusted roast beef, Southern collards and beans and a full dessert bar.
Start the year off right with a hike.