HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS 2023
Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/17/23
Jingle All the Way to Boone’s for Christmas Eve Brunch
Boone’s is teeing up a holly jolly celebration for its Christmas Eve Brunch on Sunday, December 24, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Bobby Jones Golf Course in Buckhead, guests are invited to indulge in the flavors of the season and signature midday delights, including short rib hash, salmon croquette eggs Benedict, biscuits and gravy, traditional favorites and more. Along with their signature cocktails and award-winning wine menu, Boone’s will have specialty holiday cocktails such as the Nutcracker Martini and Naughty List, and plenty of craft beers on tap from local breweries. Boone’s is located at 2205 Northside Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30305. For more information or to make a reservation, visit www.boonesatl.com or call 770-835-4267. Stay connected on Instagram and Facebook at @boonesatl.
Countdown to Claus at TWO urban licks Brunch & Dinner
A favorite holiday dining destination, TWO urban licks is hosting a festive Christmas Eve brunch and dinner on Sunday, December 24, 2023. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the BeltLine staple will celebrate the spirit of the holiday season with signature brunch and lunch offerings, from the Fat Elvis French Toast and Cast Iron Baked Cinnamon Rolls to NOLA Shrimp & Grits, Barbacoa Lamb Tacos and the Smoked Pork Belly BLT. Serving dinner from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Executive Chef Chad Clevenger will dazzle with holiday specials and house favorites including TWO’s coveted Salmon Chips and local favorites including Wood-fired Rotisserie Chicken, Smoked Brisket, Grilled Chilean Sea Bass and more. Imbibers are invited to toast to the night before Christmas with craft cocktails, craft beers and an extensive selection of wine on tap. TWO urban licks will be closed on Christmas Day. To make a reservation, call 404.522.4622 or visit www.twourbanlicks.com. TWO urban licks is located at 820 Ralph McGill Blvd., Atlanta, GA, 30306. Stay connected on Instagram at @twourbanlicks and Facebook at www.facebook.com/TwoUrbanLicks.
Enjoy Christmas Eve Brunch & Dinner at ENZO Steakhouse & Bar
Before the little ones drift off to sleep with visions of sugar plums dancing in their heads, ENZO Steakhouse & Bar extends a warm invitation to friends and family to join in the festivities of the holiday season. Not only will the Italian steakhouse be open on Christmas Eve, Sunday, December 24th, for both brunch and dinner, but Executive Chef Andrea Montobbio has once again whipped up an ENZO at Home holiday to-go menu. Beginning at 11 a.m., guests are invited to relish in signature brunch favorites such as the Italian French Toast or Smoked Salmon Flatbread as well as a make-your-own mimosa bar. For those contemplating an evening affair, stay a while and explore ENZO’s specialty Christmas Eve dinner menu featuring Spaghetti + Lobster, Seared Scallops, Braised Lamb Shank, festive cocktails and more. Want to stay in? No problem, prepare a delectable Christmas Eve dinner that is sure to impress parties of two, four and six by ordering ENZO at Home at enzo-itl.com/catering or by emailing catering@enzo-itl.com, now through Friday, December 22, 2023. ENZO is open on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2023, from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. For more information or to make a reservation, visit enzo-itl.com or call (770) 756-9188. Located in the Town at Trilith at 300 Trilith Pkwy, Suite 230, Fayetteville, GA 30214, stay connected on Facebook and Instagram at @enzoitl.
A Football-Infused Christmas Eve Brunch and Lunch at Dantanna’s
Sports enthusiasts can relax knowing they won’t miss any of the action on Christmas Eve, Sunday, December 24, 2023, at Dantannna’s. Open from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., and screening the full lineup of football games throughout the day, guests can cheer on their favorite teams while enjoying their pick of favorites from the brunch or all day menu. From favorites like their aged steaks, fresh seafood, juicy burgers and sandwiches and elevated bar bites to their bottomless brunch offering, there’s something for all tastes. With plenty of seating options, guests are invited to relax the bar, in the dining room or outside on the dog-friendly patio. Serving sports, substance, and sips for two decades, Dantanna’s is located at the Shops Around Lenox, 3400 Around Lenox Dr. Suite 304, Atlanta, GA 30326. Dantanna’s will be closed on Christmas Day, Monday, December 25, 2023. For more information or to make a reservation visit www.dantannas.com or call 404-760-8873. Stay connected on Facebook at Facebook.com/dantannas and on Twitter and Instagram @dantannas.
Toast to Tinsel and Tipples at Vesper this Christmas Eve
Drink up at Vesper on Christmas Eve, Sunday, December 24, 2023, before the big guy in red comes to town. From 5 p.m. to midnight, the Glenwood Park haunt, decked out in deep jewel tones, plush lounge furniture, cozy corners and a welcoming bar, is ready to host its annual Christmas Eve bash. From seasonal cocktails including the Miracle on Garrett Street, Gingerbread Manhattan and Misses Clausmo, impressive zero-proof options to holiday-inspired treats, revelers are invited to let loose before it’s officially present time. And in the spirit of the season of giving, the first 50 customers will receive a gift from the elves at Vesper to add to their bar cart. Vesper will be closed on Christmas Day, Monday, December 25, 2-23. Vesper is located on the Atlanta BeltLine at 924 Garrett St. Suite D, Atlanta, GA 30316. For more information, visit www.vesperatl.com or call 404.936.6902. Stay connected on Facebook and Instagram at @vesperatl.
Sleigh Christmas Eve Dinner at Steak Market
With a modern atmosphere, top-notch service, and rich culinary offerings, elevate Christmas Eve dinner, on Sunday, December 24th, at Steak Market. Beginning at 5 p.m., the popular Midtown dining destination known for its extravagant cocktails and quality steaks sliced tableside is prepared to make an enchanting holiday dinner that promises to be merry and bright. Guests can celebrate the season with Steak Market’s signature favorites including its Coca-Cola braised beef ribs, charbroiled prawns, Wagyu surf & turf, creamy lobster mac and cheese, artful, decadent desserts and more. Playful holiday cocktails including Spritz-mas and Santa’s Ho Fashion along with nitro martinis like Sex and the City and Purple Rain and fan-favorite Chocolate Therapy and Minding My Bee’s Knees will only enhance the festive spirit, promising an extraordinary evening. Steak Market is located in Midtown at 793 Juniper Street Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30308. For more information or to make a reservation visit www.steakmarket.com or call 470-355-6540. Stay connected on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SteakMarketATL/ and on Instagram @steakmarketatl.
Spend a Holly Jolly Christmas Eve at Bully Boy
Eagerly await Santa’s arrival with a delicious holiday dinner filled with sushi, sake and a Kaiseki-inspired menu at Bully Boy this Christmas Eve, Sunday, December 24, 2023. From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., the culinary creatives at the BeltLine gem are ready to do the hosting with their signature offerings featuring the freshest and finest ingredients. Made for sharing, artful sushi along with delectable starters, an array of entrees and must-try specialty cocktails, will set the festive tone for what is sure to be an unforgettable evening celebrating the most wonderful time of year. Bully Boy will be closed on Christmas Day. For more information or to make a reservation for Christmas Eve, visit www.bullyboyATL.com or call 678-904-5607. A Concentrics Restaurants concept, Bully Boy is located at 828 W10 Ralph McGill Blvd, Atlanta, Georgia 30306. Stay connected on Twitter and Instagram at @bullyboyatl, and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BullyboyATL.
Holly Jolly Christmas Eve Dinner at Amore e Amore
Create merry memories at Amore e Amore this Christmas Eve, Sunday, December 24, 2023, welcoming guests from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m. Mama Gale and Professor Giovani have adorned every corner with festive decorations and seasonal delights transforming the space into a whimsical winter wonderland for the holidays. Partake in the cherished and age-old tradition of the Feast of Seven Fishes, available at $110 per person, or opt for the condensed a la carte dinner menu paired with specialty holiday cocktails. For the little ones, Amore e Amore’s kid-friendly menu features pizza bites, meatballs, and child-sized portions of beloved entrees like fettuccine alfredo, cheese ravioli, and spaghetti with meatballs. Kids ages 12 and under are welcome to dine from open until 7:30 p.m. For more information or to make a reservation, visit www.amoreeamore.com or call 404-600-2176. Amore e Amore is conveniently located at 467 N Highland Ave. NE Atlanta, GA 30307. Stay connected on Facebook and Instagram at @eatamoreatl.
Cheers to Christmas Eve at Wild Heaven
Wild Heaven Beer is ready to crack open a cold one in honor of the most wonderful time of the year on Christmas Eve, Sunday, December 24, 2023. Start the day off at Wild Heaven’s West End location on BeltLine with coffee by Finca to Filter from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and bites and brews from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.. For those on the Eastside, it doesn’t get much better than to toasting to the holidays at the Avondale brewery and taproom between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. With delicious, shareable plates, the good vibes and drinks will last all day, both locations are also ideal spots to pick up last minute brews for any holiday gathering. Wild Heaven Beer West End is located at 1010 White St SW, Atlanta, GA 30310. Wild Heaven Beer Avondale is located at 135B Maple Street, Decatur, GA 30030. Both locations will be closed on Christmas Day, December 25, 2023. For more information, visit wildheavenbeer.com. Stay connected on Facebook at www.facebook.com/wildheaven or on Instagram and Twitter at @beerwildheaven.
Christmas Eve Dinner & Holiday Tamales To-Go at Tio Luchos
A traditional Christmastime favorite, Chef Arnaldo Castillo of Peruvian-inspired Tio Luchos is now taking orders for holiday tamales to go. Sold by the dozen for $80, his house-made tamales are stuffed with Botija olives, local aji Amarillo and pork belly wrapped in a Peruvian mote corn husk. Take holiday tamales orders to the next level with add ons including Pork Chicharrón, a Salsa Criolla Kit, and Crema De Aji. To go orders will be accepted until Saturday, December 23, 2023, and pick-up will be available at the Poncey-Highland restaurant between 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. that same day and on the 24th. Tio Luchos is open on Christmas Eve, December 24th from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and closed on Christmas Day. Visit Tio Luchos at 675 N. Highland Ave. NE #6000, Atlanta, GA 30306. For more information, call (404) 343-0278 or visit www.tioluchos.com. Stay connected on Facebook at www.facebook.com/tioluchosatland on Instagram at @tioluchos.
Mountain Lodge Pop-up at Hampton + Hudson (Mon., Dec. 11-Sat., Dec. 23, 6-11pm) – This holiday season, Hampton + Hudson, the community bar and restaurant in Atlanta’s Inman Park neighborhood offering elevated pub food, craft cocktails, beer and wine, will host a Mountain Lodge Pop-up to celebrate the most joyful and cozy time of year from Monday, December 11 through Saturday, December 23. The pop-up will be open 6-11pm nightly, and walk-ins are welcome. Big groups can email for reservation events@hamptonandhudson.com or go to the website.
The Blitzen Room at Ponce City Market’s Biltong Bar (Opening Wed., Nov. 22) – Biltong Bar is “Up to Snow Good” as they transform their space for the fourth annual holiday pop-up: The Blitzen Room. The restaurant will feature swanky, vintage Christmas decor and seasonally themed cocktails from Chartreuse Hot Chocolate to Frozen Egg Nog.
Holiday Social Bar on The Roof at Ponce City Market (Opening Fri., Nov. 17) – Just inside the tower lobby, the Holiday Social Bar will welcome Roof-goers with an over-the-top experience bursting with whimsical, floor-to-ceiling decor and holiday-inspired cocktails from an award-winning beverage team. Drinks include the likes of Sleigh Fuel, served hot with Old Grandad BIB Bourbon, Eggnog, Cinnamon & vanilla, and Christmas in Miami, made with Coconut Cartel Rum, mint, lime, bitter orange & angostura. No reservations required.
MixMas at 12 Cocktail Bar (Opening Fri., Nov. 17) – Located on The Roof at Ponce City Market, 12 Cocktail Bar will be home to a swanky holiday bar located in the tower on The Roof this holiday season, and every Friday night, they’ll host holiday themed cocktail classes. Reservations are highly recommended and can be booked at 12cocktailbar.com.
Igloos on The Roof at Ponce City Market (Opening Fri., Nov. 24) – Cozy up this holiday season in private, six-person igloos on Ponce City Market’s Roof, located alongside the ice skating rink and at 9 Mile Station! Skate the Sky’s rink-side igloos will be available for all ages and 21+ parties (based on time and day). Premium igloos will open on weekdays starting at 3pm for all ages and come with a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine or round of hot chocolate. Skate the Sky igloos include general admission to The Roof, skate rentals, 50 minutes of skate time, and unlimited games and rides at Skyline Park (when available). Reservations are now available here.
After ice skating guests are invited to Après Skate at Nine Mile Station. This holiday season, 9 Mile Station will transform into a Swiss woodland chalet with cozy igloos overlooking the skyline of Atlanta. The restaurant igloos will offer full-service dining, plus general admission to The Roof and unlimited games and rides at Skyline Park. Reservations for 9 Mile Station igloos are now available for booking here.
PRE-ORDERS OPEN – Holiday Lamb Leg from Delbar
The Shawarma Spiced Whole Lamb Leg is back at Delbar for the holiday season! The mouth-watering special features a 5-6 lb roasted whole lamb leg, 24 oz. Dill Labneh or Hummus, 5 qt. Sabzi Polo, 16 oz Torshi, 16 oz Garlic Toum, 16 oz, Sumac Onion, 16 oz Zhoug, Sabzi & bread. The feast is $235 and feeds 5-7 people.
Christmas orders must be placed by Tuesday, December 19 at noon for pickup on Sunday, December 24. Orders can be placed here while supplies last.
PRE-ORDERS OPEN – El Super Pan’s FESTíN Boricua Take-Home Menu
This holiday season, El Super Pan will offer a special FESTíN Boricua Take-Home Menu – a special Puerto Rican holiday feast – now available for pre-order here! The menu consists of appetizer, protein, side and dessert options, each portioned for 10-12 people. Menu highlights include the Paleta de Cerdo Asada, a succulent slow-roasted, bone-in pork shoulder with cuerito (crispy pork skin), Ham Croquetas, Empanadas and more. Perfect for large groups and families, the customizable, full-spread dinner features Chef Hector Santiago’s inventive takes on Latin-inspired dishes.
Customers can mix and match their own holiday feast using the link here or by emailing catering@elsuperpan.com to place an order. Orders for Thanksgiving will be available for pickup on November 23 from 11am-1pm at The Battery location (455 Legends Place), and orders for Christmas will be available for pickup 11am-1pm on December 24 at The Battery restaurant. Thanksgiving and Christmas orders will be accepted until one week prior to pickup. Orders may also be placed throughout the holiday season with three days’ notice.
Aziza’s Hanukkah Meal Kits & Sufganiyot Boxes (Accepting Pre-orders Now through Dec. 12) – Aziza, the modern Israeli restaurant in West Midtown from Oliva Restaurant Group, is now accepting pre-orders for their popular Hanukkah meal kits, boxes of assorted Sufganiyot (Israeli doughnuts) and bottles of wine for festive celebrations at home! The meal kits serve six people for $180 and include the menu below. Customers can pre-order meal kits and additional Sufganiyot and/or wine, here at least three days prior to the requested pickup date. Orders for just Suganiyot are also available. Pick-up will be from 3-5pm Thursday, December 7 through Friday, December 15 at the restaurant.
- Red Wine Braised Brisket & jus OR Hawaij Spice Roasted Cauliflower
- Potato Latkes – citrus creme fraiche, apple pear butter & shawarma spice-cured salmon
- Salatim – butternut squash chershi & babaganoush
- Sides – orange carrot tzimmes & seasonal green salad
- Assorted Sufganiyot (Israeli doughnuts) – strawberry-cardamom, dulce de leche & coconut (also available for purchase separately for $30)
FESTIVE FOOD & BEVERAGE EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE SEASON
Mariah Carey Holiday Drag Brunch (Sun., Dec. 3, 1pm) – City Winery, the one-of-a-kind restaurant, featuring an intimate music venue and fully operational winery, is kicking off the holiday season with a very special Mariah Carey-inspired holiday drag brunch featuring Performances by Cici Nicole, Dotte Com, Drew Friday, Ivy Fischer, Orchid and Ran Diosa. Tickets are available here for $25-$30 beginning this Friday, Nov. 3 with the option to add on brunch.
Holiday Pasta Classes at Bellina Alimentari (Dec. 5, 12 & 18) – While Bellina Alimentari offers pasta making and amaro classes year-round, the Ponce City Market Italian restaurant and market invites guests to join a holiday pasta making class to up their culinary skills for the best season of all. Attendees will be led by a culinary ambassador to discover the art of forming, cutting and stuffing fresh pasta dough. Along with enjoying their own pasta creations, guests will be offered mulled cider – all set to a gleeful soundtrack in the dough room adorned with holiday cheer. Classes are $65 per person and can be booked here. Other classes – Pasta 101 and Filled Pasta – will also be held throughout December. Registration is available here.
Hampton + Hudson’s Annual Brunch with Santa (Dec. 10, 10am-2pm) – Hampton + Hudson is hosting their annual Santa Brunch on Sunday, December 10. Guests are invited to bring a camera for free photos with the jolly man himself! Plus, four-legged furry friends can take pictures outside on the patio from 1-2pm. Inside, the restaurant will offer a special, self-serve hot cocoa bar. Kids can have fun making their own hot chocolate and adding their favorite toppings with a variety of options like marshmallows, whipped cream, sprinkles, peppermint candy, peanut butter & more. For the 21+ brunch-goers, the team will pour the “Let’s Get Elf’ed Up” Adult Hot Chocolate ($11) with Rumchata, hot chocolate & whipped cream and “The Loopy Snoopy” Cocktail ($11) with rum, hot cider, holiday spice & whipped cream.
For festive food specials, the restaurant will serve“Santa’s Favorite Pancakes,” a stack of silver dollar pancakes with holiday toppings ($15); “Christmas Biscuits + Gravy,” homemade biscuits topped with fried egg & sausage gravy; and “Mrs. Claus Baked Holiday Cookies,” a plate of baked cookies. There will be holiday movies playing on all TVs and Christmas music playing throughout!
Hampton + Hudson’s Ugly Sweater Trivia (Dec. 12, 8-10pm) – On December 12, the Inman Park neighborhood bar and restaurant invites guests to don their ugliest and most festive sweaters for their holiday-themed trivia night hosted by Adam Greene. Alongside cheerful decorations, Hampton + Hudson will be serving up a “Cha Cha Cocoa” with bourbon, peppermint horchata, cocoa & toasted marshmallows to make spirits bright!
Hampton + Hudson’s SIPPIN’ with Santa Party (Dec. 16, 8:30pm-Close) – Hosted by DJ Xperience, Hampton + Hudson’s SIPPIN with Santa night will feature favorite Atlanta hits mixed in with holiday favorites all night for a holiday-themed DJ set. Alongside the festive beats, guests can enjoy the Saucy Santa beverage special: Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire and Bailey’s shots for $8.
Hampton + Hudson’s Atlanta United Boxing Day (Dec. 26, 9am-12pm or while supplies last) – Hampton + Hudson invites the community to get an ATLUTD scarf and give a scarf as they team up with MLS team for the fourth year to host Boxing Day. In the spirit of the season of giving, Atlanta United will be partnering with United Way of Atlanta for the annual scarf donation taking place at the Inman Park restaurant. Hampton + Hudson will open early at 9am for soccer fans to get ready for the Premier League matches that will play on TVs throughout the restaurant.
CHRISTMAS EVE & DAY
Lazy Betty’s “12 Days of Christmas” Christmas Eve Dinner (Sun., Dec. 24, 5:30-9pm) – On December 24, Lazy Betty’s team will serve a special, elevated 12-course dinner menu for $500 per person, with optional wine pairings. Reservations are now available here.
Christmas Eve Prix Fixe At Le Bilboquet at Buckhead Village (Sun., Dec. 24, 5-9pm) – The decadent four-course Christmas Eve prix fixe menu is $105 per person. Patrons will receive a complimentary amuse bouche, a seared ahi tuna served with petite ratatouille and house-made Bilbo sauce. Menu highlights smoked salmon and salmon tartare; roasted pear salad complete with blue cheese, candied walnuts and mustard dressing; roasted duck breast made with sauteed curried salsify, chestnut confit, granny smith apple and honey-coriander sauce; braised paleron served with baby carrots confit, fingerling potatoes, button mushrooms and cabernet red wine sauce; and more. Dessert offerings include la mousse au chocolat with vanilla whipped cream; and more. To make a reservation, visit lebilboquetatlanta.com.
Hampton + Hudson Christmas Eve Brunch (Sun., Dec. 24, Open Until 6pm) – Hampton + Hudson, the community restaurant and bar serving elevated pub fare in Inman Park, invites guests to kick off their holiday with a laid-back and merry Christmas Eve brunch that’s sure to satisfy with Southern brunch classics like their Which Came First-Wich – a fried chicken sandwich with American cheese, Billy sauce, pickles, fried & a sesame bun – bowls and salads, Chicken + Waffles and more. On the beverage side, they’re offering a $5 Beer + Shot special. They will serve their full brunch menu until close at 6pm.
Christmas Day at The Americano (Sat., Dec. 25, 2-8pm) – Guests are invited to a special Christmas celebration at Atlanta’s Italian Steakhouse, The Americano, helmed by celebrity chef Scott Conant. The restaurant will serve a four course prix-fixe menu with highlights including:
- Olive Oil Poached Octopus with fingerling potatoes, olives & capers
- Dry Aged Duck Breast with celery root purée, foie gras & porcini jus
- Braised Pork Shank with truffle polenta, pine nut gremolata & apple cider jus
Reservations are encouraged and can be made by visiting OpenTable or by calling the restaurant at 404.946.9070.
NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATIONS, BRUNCHES & DINNERS
New Year’s Eve at Lazy Betty (Sun., Dec. 31, 5-11pm) – Lazy Betty will bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new with a special seven-course New Year’s Eve tasting menu. Reservations can be made here for $325 per person, with the optional wine pairing for an additional $175.
New Years Eve at The Americano (Sun., Dec. 31, 6pm-midnight) – Guests are invited to two seatings of a special New Years Eve dinner at Atlanta’s Italian Steakhouse, The Americano, helmed by celebrity chef Scott Conant. The restaurant will serve a four course prix-fixe menu with highlights including:
- Oysters on the Half Shell & Shrimp Cocktail with Prosecco Mignonette, Lemon, Cocktail Sauce
- Dry Aged Duck Breast with celery root purée, foie gras & porcini jus
- Tagliatelle Bolognese with Tenderloin, Wagyu & Pork Ragu & Fontina Fonduta
Reservations are encouraged and can be made by visiting OpenTable or by calling the restaurant at 404.946.9070.
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Skyline Park’s Noon Year’s Eve Celebration (Sun., Dec. 31, 10am-3pm) – Skyline Park will host an all-ages, family-friendly celebration to ring in 2023 as guests countdown to Noon. All-Access tickets include admission and gameplay, and can be pre-purchased online here or at the door.
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9 Mile Station’s New Year’s Eve Dinner (Sun., Dec. 31, 4pm–10pm) – 9 Mile Station will offer an unforgettable prix fixe dinner available for guests who book a holiday igloo or table at the restaurant to ring in the new year. Reservations can be made here.
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New Year’s Eve Prix Fixe at Le Bilboquet at Buckhead Village (Sun., Dec. 31, 9-11pm) – Le Bilboquet at Buckhead Village will be servicing a three course prix fixe menu on New Years Eve for $125 per person, and includes a champagne toast at midnight.
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Live! at the Battery’s NYE Live! Hollywood Nights (Sunday, Dec. 31, 8pm-2am) – Live! at the Battery is rolling out the red carpet and flashing lights for New Year’s Eve! Guests can be the star of the party with exclusive access to all the venues during this Hollywood Nights-themed event. Ticket packages include entertainment with live music, unforgettable photo-op moments and a midnight champagne toast featuring the Times Square Ball Drop on a 32-ft LED screen! Tickets are now available here.