Midtown New Year's Events: 2018 Guide

ATLANTA, GA – Love it or hate it, New Year's Eve is happening again this year. Whether you plan to ring in 2018 at your favorite restaurant, a buzzing party with your friends, or all cozied up in front of the TV, we've got you covered. So pop the bubbly, come up with some resolutions you can actually stick to and get ready to celebrate the New Year. Check out the listings below of New Year's celebrations and events for 2018 in and near Atlanta if you want to go out, plus a look at what television programming may make you want to stay in.

If you want to go out ...

• Step into the New Year in grand style with Atlanta's 14th Annual Downtown Countdown at 200 Peachtree, the event space in the Southern Exchange building at 200 Peachtree St. NW. This elegant, black tie-optional evening will gather the city's crème de la crème crowd in an extravagant fete brimming with entertainment – think aerial performances – and fine party luxuries. For tickets and more info, click here.
• The Buckhead Ball is returning with headliner Kap Slap and the addition of the Silent Disco room upstairs with three live DJs spinning at the same time. This popular party in the heart of Buckhead runs from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. at the Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead, 3300 Peachtree Road NE. For more info, click here.
• Ring in 2018 in style at STK Atlanta - the steakhouse at 1075 Peachtree St. NE is hosting the sexiest party in Midtown, featuring Atlanta's hottest DJs, a three-hour open bar and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight! For tickets and more info, click here.
• Let the countdown begin as Park Tavern gets ready to sail into the New Year on Sunday, Dec. 31, with a celebration featuring live music from Yacht Rock Revue in the Piedmont Room. Beginning at 9 p.m., partygoers are invited to enjoy an open bar along with a range of tasty offerings including hors d'oeuvres, sliders and fresh sushi. At midnight, guests will be treated to a champagne toast and can dive into a breakfast buffet. The celebration goes until 2 a.m. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here or call (404) 249-0001. Park Tavern is at 500 10th St. NE in Atlanta.
• Atlanta Nightlife presents the 3rd Annual Atlanta NYElectric 2018 at Westin Peachtree Plaza, a downtown hotel at 210 Peachtree St NW. You must be 21 to participate. Highlights include top Atlanta DJs playing the perfect blend of house and top 40 hits all night long; a five-hour open bar from beginning to end; complimentary party favors; and two massive ballrooms. For tickets and more info, click here.

We'll be adding new events to this post as they pop up, so be sure to check back as the big day nears!

If you want to stay in ...

If your idea of the perfect New Year's Eve is curling up on the couch with a hot toddy and watching the countdown in your pajamas, you're in luck. These are the top two live TV specials people are already talking about. Here's a peek so you can you can plan accordingly:

"New Year's Eve Live" With Anderson Cooper And Andy Cohen

Where to catch it: CNN

Why you should watch: For the first time ever, Anderson Cooper will host CNN's annual New Year's Eve Live special with none other than "Watch What Happens Live" host Andy Cohen. As these two are best friends in real life, you can expect tons witty banter and hilarious moments from the pair. The Bravo mogul will replace Cooper's former co-host Kathy Griffin, whom CNN fired after her controversial Donald Trump photoshoot.

"Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve 2018" Hosted by Ryan Seacrest

Where to catch it: ABC

Why you should watch: Remember last year's infamous Mariah Carey mic incident? Yes, it happened on Seacrest's watch. So if that's any indication, this could be a good one to tune-in to. And even if there aren't any crazy celebrity snafus, you can count on crazy views of Time Square packed with people, as well as awesome musical performances.

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