A new, free, family-friendly party to celebrate New Year's Eve makes its debut Sunday, Dec. 31, in the newly christened West Village, the area of downtown on Eighth Street between Chestnut and Pine streets.
The inaugural New Year's Eve in West Village will begin at 6 p.m. with activities for kids until about 8 p.m., when it becomes more of an adult party. Early activities will include face painting, a mime, balloon sculptor, caricature artist, stilt walkers, Looie the Lookout and a Not-So-Late Ball Drop at 7:30 p.m.
Food trucks including California Burrito, Chatter Box and Dem Boys will line the streets, and there will also be cotton candy, kettle corn, popcorn, a beer wagon, cocktails and wine for sale, along with a sneak peek at the new Citron et Sel, an organic taco and tequila bar.
A DJ will play music, and there will be a laser show displayed on the side of the Westin hotel on the hour from 6 to 10 p.m. Following the last laser show, the video screen will show a live feed of New York City's Times Square celebration leading up to the midnight ball drop.
Elea Blake, Pinkberry, Peet's Coffee, Innside Restaurant and new rustic Italian restaurant Alimentari will all be open extended hours.
Here's a look at some of the other parties happening Sunday night, Dec. 31.
DISCO WONDERLAND
» Where: Dwell Hotel, 120 E. 10th St.
» When: 7 p.m.-1 a.m.
» Admission: $60 per person
» For more information: 423-267-7866
Dance in the New Year wearing your favorite disco attire. Ticket includes unlimited champagne, party food and music by DJ Flux 308.
LATE SKATE AT ICE ON THE LANDING
» Where: Chattanooga Choo Choo, 1400 Market St.
» When: 11 p.m.-1 a.m.
» Admission: $25 adults, $20 children ages 12 and younger
» For more information: iceonthelanding.com/parties
Ring in 2018 on ice at family-oriented late-skate party. DJ playing music, New Year's Eve souvenirs, sparkling cider toast at midnight.
NEW YEAR'S AT THE PALMS
» Where: The Palms at Hamilton, 6925 Shallowford Road
» When: 8 p.m.-3 a.m.
» Admission: $80 individual, $150 couple
» For more information: 423-499-5055
Dinner, dancing, party favors and champagne. Dinner seatings begin at 8 p.m.; call for reservations.
NEW YEAR'S EVE AT SONGBIRDS
» Where: Songbirds Guitar Museum, 35 Station St.
» When: 7 p.m.-1 a.m.
» Admission: $45
» For more information: 423-531-2473
Unknown Hinson, known for his politically incorrect songs, is the featured performer.
NEW YEAR'S EVE CELEBRATION
» Where: The Chattanoogan, 1201 S. Broad St.
» When: 9 p.m.-1 a.m.
» Admission: Call for package prices
» For more information: 423-756-3400
Overnight accommodations, valet parking, admission for two to the New Year's Eve party, admission for two to the New Year's Day breakfast buffet.
New Year's Eve party includes party favors, dancing to music of The Power Players and champagne toast at midnight.
NEW YEAR'S EVE DINNER AND SHOW
» Where: Puckett's Grocery & Restaurant, 2 W. Aquarium Way
» When: 9 p.m.-midnight
» Admission: $50 per person
» For more information: 423-708-8505
Wrap up 2017 with a three-course dinner that features your choice of four entrees. Puckett's will serve its regular menu on New Year's Eve until 7 p.m., when it will close to prepare for the New Year's Eve celebration. Seating for dinner is at 9 p.m. The Embellishers, featuring Troy Underwood and Gary Hermstreet, will begin playing at 10:30 p.m. until the champagne toast at midnight. Reservations required.
NEW YEAR'S EVE DINNER TRAIN
» Where: Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, 4119 Cromwell Road
» When: 5 or 8 p.m.
» Admission: $75 per seat in dining car, $85 per seat in Pullman car
» For more information: 423-894-8028
Enjoy a three-course dinner on board a restored 1924 dining car on a leisurely train excursion. Diners choose their entrees when ordering tickets.
NEW YEAR'S ON THE RIVER
» Where: Southern Belle, 201 Riverfront Parkway
» When: 4-6 p.m. or 9 p.m.-1 a.m.
» Admission: $49.90 ages 13 and older, $24.90 ages 3-12 for 4 p.m. cruise; $129 per person for 9 p.m. cruise
» For more information: 423-266-4488
Cruise into the New Year on a riverboat cruise with DJ, prime rib dinner, party favors and champagne toast at midnight. Catch the bowl games on the third-deck bar's television. Must be 21 or older to attend.
An early-bird cruise for adults and children will be offered at 4 p.m.
NEW YEAR'S ROCKIN' EVE
» Where: Chattanooga Choo Choo, 1400 Market St.
» When: 7:30 p.m.-1 a.m.
» Admission: $40
» For more information: 423-266-5000
Entertainment by The Beaters, cash bar and door prizes during band breaks.
NEW YEAR'S EVE AT THE PINT
» Where: The Honest Pint, 35 Patten Parkway
» When: 9:30 p.m. -2:30 a.m.
» Admission: $15 in advance, $20 day of show
» For more information: 423-468-4192
Nick Lutsko and Genki Genki Panic wave goodbye to 2017 with a night full of high-energy performances featuring giant puppets, surf rock, party favors and free champagne at midnight.
PARTY ON THE BLUFF
» Where: Hunter Museum of American Art, 10 Bluff View
» When: 9 p.m.-1 a.m.
» Admission: $150 individuals, $280 couples
» For more information: 423-267-0968
Dance to music by SoundForce Entertainment, and enjoy hors d'oeuvres, open bar and midnight champagne toast.
WILD IN THE WINTER
» Where: Chattanooga Convention Center, 1150 Carter St.
» When: 9:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m.
» Admission: $30 per person, $50 couples
» For more information: 423-756-0001
Previously a private party, this year's event is being opened to the public. Hosted by Jim Franklin, the New Year's Eve party is black-tie optional; suits are required, tuxedos preferred. Dress code will be enforced; no blue jeans, casual shoes, T-shirts, sweaters, turtlenecks, etc.
Music by Classic City Jukebox rock band from Athens, Ga., and local DJ Groove Professor. Cash bars will be available.
- Compiled by Susan Pierce and Barry Courter