This list is not comprehensive.
Party Like it’s 1986 (or 1996 or 2086)!
Head to Free Play Arcade off the Denton Square to ring in the New Year for a series of arcade parties. Tickets include five hours of unlimited play, midnight confetti, a midnight breakfast buffet, midnight champagne and a swag bag.
- Dec. 31-Jan. 1, 9 p.m.-2 a.m.
- Tickets start at $21
- 101 W. Hickory St., Denton
- www.tinyurl.com/dentonnye
LakeHaus, a family-friendly sports bar, will ring in the New Year on the lake with a DJ, balloon drop, champagne toast and a variety of dining and entertainment packages.
- Dec 31, 8 p.m.
- Tickets start at $13
- 3350 Unicorn Lake Blvd., Denton
- www.tinyurl.com/3463822p
Families are welcome to this event, where “Home Alone” will play on the large screen starting at 6 p.m. There will be a mock ball drop for families at 8 p.m., giving everyone of all ages a chance to celebrate before bedtime. At midnight, there will be a champagne toast for those who decide to stay out later.
- Dec. 31, 6 p.m.
- Free (admission)
- 117 E. Oak St., Denton
- www.eastsidedtx.com
Head to Explorium to bring in 2026 12 hours early so kids of all ages can celebrate the New Year. There will be a balloon drop at noon, and the museum will have exhibits open, karaoke, crafts and prizes.
- Dec. 31, 10 a.m.-noon
- $5 for adults, $6 for children
- 5800 N. I35, Denton
- www.exploriumdenton.org
Fans of the Netflix hit “Stranger Things” can head to Hemlock Fox to not only bring in the New Year, but watch the series finale when it drops Dec. 31. There will also be a costume contest.
- Dec. 31, 4 p.m.-1 a.m.
- Free (admission)
- 116 N. Austin St., Denton
- Facebook: Hemlock Fox
Enjoy live music from Petty Theft, a Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers tribute band, before the end of 2025. Doors open at 4 p.m., and guests can enjoy general admission standing or book a four-top table.
- Dec. 31, 5 p.m.
- $20-$150
- 103 Industrial St., Denton
- www.danssilverleaf.com
