The Daily Memphian’s new Holidays in Memphis newsletter series will be your helping hand this season with recipes, holiday events, gift ideas and more.

New Year’s Eve is less than a week away, so get those cardboard top hats and plastic tiaras ready. Our handy event guide will help you narrow down where to welcome 2024, and we’ve got tips on setting healthy resolutions and a recipe guaranteed (okay, maybe that’s a stretch) to bring you good fortune in the New Year.

The turning of the calendar is a great excuse to adopt new healthy habits. (Canva)

Resolve to evolve

There’s certainly no need to declare “new year, new you” because you’re just fine the way you are. But there’s something about the turning of the year that evokes a desire to get better at something — whether that’s a new hobby, healthful eating, exercise, social connections, continued education or whatever goals you may have. So why not adopt some helpful habits while the motivation is there? 

If you’re looking to add more whole foods to your diet, the new Vibe Foods in Crosstown Concourse offers smoothies and smoothie bowls, and the coming-soon Groovy Gratitude in Uptown will serve fresh-pressed juice and wraps. And in Germantown, a soon-to-come Salad Station will offer build-your-own bowls with fresh greens. Counting carbs or protein? Stud Muffins offers macro-focused meal prep in Cordova, Southaven and Hernando. If you’re doing Veganuary, this episode of “Sound Bites” offers advice on where to find the best plant-based food in Memphis. 

Looking to get swole in 2024? Take some inspiration from Taylor Babb of Arlington and Connor Callaway of Collierville who both competed in the 2023 USA Weightlifting National Championships. Or perhaps you’ve signed up to run your first marathon? Check out this story on cancer survivor and marathoner Dory Gaston who truly embodies the “Strong AF” bracelets she wears. 

What to eat for luck

Black-eyed peas and greens are said to bring good luck and fortune in the new year. (Canva)

Many Southerners wouldn’t dare start off a new year without their lucky New Year’s Day meal of black-eyed peas (for good luck) and greens (for prosperity). Sure it’s superstitious, but who wants to risk bad luck and financial despair? To be safe, try our podcast producer Natalie Van Gundy’s traditional New Year’s meal. Based on a recipe from Jamie Oliver, this bowl has lean pork tenderloin, black-eyed peas, Swiss chard and roasted red peppers.

The New Year’s Eve party on Beale Street will feature fireworks and live music. (Patrick Lantrip/The Daily Memphian file)

How to ring in 2024

New Year’s Eve at Lafayette’s Music Room

This Overton Square venue will host a concert with Memphis Soul Remedy and Aquanet. A VIP package also offers butler-passed hors d' oeuvres, a champagne toast at midnight and party favors. 5 p.m. 2119 Madison. Ave. Click here for more information.

New Year’s Eve on Beale Street

This year’s Beale Street New Year’s party, presented by Ghost River Brewing and People’s on Beale, will feature live music by Al Kapone, Fuzzy Jeffries and the Kings of Memphis and Corey Lou. And as always, expect fireworks. 6:30 p.m. Click here for more information.

New Year’s Eve celebration at the Westin Hotel

This free New Year’s party from Strictly Jazz Entertainment will feature live jazz 6-9 p.m. and a DJ from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. 140 Lt. George W. Lee Ave. Click here for more information.

Aaron Ivory made a drink at Masquerade, a new upscale bar at Black Lodge. (Patrick Lantrip/The Daily Memphian)

New Year’s Evil Bash at Black Lodge

Ring in the new year with live music by Joybomb and DJ sets throughout the night, including sets from Justin Hand, Freewill, Selector Jack, Brian Hamilton and others plus a midnight balloon drop and a bonfire with s’mores. 7 p.m. 405 N. Cleveland St. Click here for more information.

New Year’s Eve Rooftop Rendezvous at Beck and Call

The rooftop lounge of the Hyatt Centric will feature a red carpet, live music, light appetizers and a balloon drop and champagne toast at midnight. 7 p.m. 33 Beale St. Click here for tickets and more information.

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant drove to the basket defended by Sacramento Kings forward KZ Okpala Jan. 1, 2023, in Memphis. The Grizzlies will play the Kings on New Year’s Eve this year. (Nikki Boertman/AP file)

Memphis Grizzlies NYE Game vs. Sacramento Kings at FedExForum

Finish out 2023 with a Memphis Grizzlies home game. The game should be over well before midnight, and the Beale Street New Year’s Eve party is just around the block. 7 p.m. 191 Beale St. Click here for game tickets.

New Year’s Eve Bash at Bardog Tavern

The party features an open bar, a buffet (with prime rib, filet mignon, shrimp cocktails and more) and a Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label toast at midnight. Cocktail attire is requested. 7 p.m. 73 Monroe Ave. Click here for more information.

New Year’s Eve celebration at Grind City Brewing Co

This ticketed event includes an open beer and wine bar, catering by El Mero Taco and Muddy’s Bake Shop, live music by Elevation Memphis and a champagne toast at midnight. 8 p.m. 76 Waterworks Ave. Click here for more information.

Moth Moth Moth has organized a New Year’s Eve drag show at the Hi-Tone. (Patrick Lantrip/The Daily Memphian file)

Mother$hip New Year’s Eve Drag Show at the Hi-Tone

Drag performer Moth Moth Moth is hosting this free show with more than 30 entertainers, including Barbie Wyre, Lady Pluto, Eliza Meow, Felicity Fox and others in the Hi-Tone’s big room upstairs. Doors at 8 p.m., show at 9 p.m. The Hi-Tone will also host a ticketed “Goodbye 2023” music show by Emotion False Records with B.L.A.S.T., Stay Fashionable, Disapproving Father and DJ Amy D. Doors at 8 p.m., show at 9 p.m. 282-284 N Cleveland St.

Gimme Gimme Disco: The NYE 2024 Disco Ball at Growlers

This one’s for the dancing queens. Growlers is hosting an ABBA-themed disco party with hits from the 1970s and ’80s. Think Bee Gees, Donna Summer and Cher. Disco attire is encouraged. 8 p.m. 1911 Poplar Ave. Click here for more information.

Studio 54 Meets 2024 at Longshot

Another disco party: The shuffleboard bar’s ‘70s-style celebration includes live music, themed games, party favors, snacks, an open bar and a champagne toast at midnight. Sparkles, bell bottoms and ‘70s clothing is encouraged. There will be a costume contest. 8 p.m. 477 S. Main St. Click here for more information.

New Year’s Eve at the The Peabody Memphis

This annual celebration features live music by Seeing Red, SouthBound and DJ A.D. VIP tickets include party favors, an appetizer buffet, valet parking and champagne. 8 p.m. 149 Union Ave. Click here for tickets and more information.

Marcella Simien will perform at “Smoke Stack Lightnin” at Mollie Fontaine Lounge New Year’s Eve. (The Daily Memphian file)

New Years Eve ‘Smoke Stack Lightnin’ at Mollie Fontaine Lounge

Bar DKDC is hosting its New Year’s Eve show at Mollie Fontaine Lounge, so don’t accidentally go to DKDC for this one. It will be closed. The show features performances by Susan Marshall, Marcella Simien and Cyrena Wages. 8 p.m. 679 Adams Ave. Click here for more information.

The Blackout New Year’s Eve celebration at 507 Luxe Lounge

This party features live music plus tunes from DJ Lola, a full menu from Curry and Jerk and Bonton Cafe and a cigar lounge. Black attire is encouraged. 9 p.m. 150 Monroe Ave. Click here for more information.

New Year’s Eve Trap Ball at Marriott Memphis East

This black-tie party, advertised for “sexy and sophisticated millennials,” will feature DJ IB Johndoe and DJ Q spinning trap hits and a champagne toast at midnight. 9 p.m. 5795 Poplar Ave. Click here for more information. 

New Year’s Eve party with Shotgun Shima at Central Station Hotel

Sacramento, California-based DJ Shotgun Shima, who collects records in just about every genre from hip-hop to oldies, will spin at 9 p.m. 545 S. Main St. Click here for more information.

New Year’s Eve Party Life at the Hilton Memphis

Take in live performances by Devin Crutcher, Angie P. Holmes and Equoia Coleman in the Grand Ballroom, plus hors d’oeuvres, a balloon drop and a champagne toast at midnight. 9 p.m. 939 Ridge Lake Blvd. Click here for more information.

New Year’s Eve at Tiger and Peacock

This party at Tiger and Peacock’s rooftop bar includes a champagne toast at midnight, light hors d’oeuvres, a photo booth and party favors. Cocktail attire is requested. 9 p.m. 21 Cooper St. Click here for more information. 

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