What to watch: Want a classic New Year’s Eve celebration without the hassle of leaving town? We’ve curated a stay-cation guide that feels like a polished, upscale holiday without the travel. The evening centers around the Odessa Marriott Hotel & Conference Center as the main event, anchored by its New Year’s Eve dining experience and paired with easy after-dinner options in both Odessa and Midland.

The main event: New Year’s Eve Around the World at the Marriott

The Odessa Marriott (305 E. Fifth St.) is hosting “New Year’s Eve Around the World,” a ticketed dinner experience at Barrel & Derrick restaurant. The event features international cuisine stations representing famous culinary regions such as Mexico, Italy, Thailand, and the Caribbean, with dinner service running from 6–10 p.m. Reservations are required through OpenTable.

Staying overnight at the Odessa Marriott turns the evening into a true stay-cation, letting guests enjoy dinner, drinks, and the midnight countdown without needing to drive afterward. With its upscale rooms and beautiful atmosphere, the hotel offers a big-city feel that makes celebrating locally feel like a destination experience.

After dinner: Lights, music, or a midnight toast

For those heading out after dinner, several nearby options allow guests to keep celebrating without extensive travel.

  • Starbright Village at McKinney Park (625 W. Pool Road, Odessa) is scheduled to remain open until 10 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. Drive or walk through the largest holiday light display in West Texas, with over 300,000 twinkling lights, themed scenes, and oversized sculptures. Bundle up, grab cocoa, and tune your radio to their synced holiday music.
  • La Hacienda Event Center (12610 TX-191 Frontage Rd., Midland): Catch the Bailazo de Año Nuevo starting around 8-9 p.m., with live norteño and conjunto from Polo Urias, Adolfo Urias, Jilgueros del Arroyo, and Marineros del Norte. Dance into midnight—tickets ~$50-100, 18+ event with a full bar and energetic crowd.
  •  KC’s Nutty Roller (1004 A Andrews HWY, Midland): Roll the night away at KC’s Nutty Roller NYE party from 7-11 p.m. Expect a signature toasted marshmallow drink, fun games, photo backdrop, ball drop and fun skates.
  • Little Woodrow’s (3415 N Loop 250 W, Midland): Starting at 8 p.m., come dressed in your favorite year for the Flashback to a Decade NYE Party with a DJ, ball drop countdown, and champagne toast.
  • Cotton Flat Records (1402 Cotton Flat Road, Midland): The 4th wall collective presents New Years at the Flat. Live performances, karaoke, and a dance party from 6 p.m.-2 a.m., with complementary champagne at midnight.
  • The Bar (606 W. Missouri Avenue, Midland): Live music by Electric Gypsies, photo booth, and a midnight champagne toast and ball drop. Call to reserve a seat.
  • Woody’s Hideaway (5701 Starboard Dr., Midland): NYE party from 8 p.m., featuring pool tables, games, music, and drinks.

New Year’s Day: Start 2026 slowly

For those easing into the new year, check out these breakfast and brunch spots, a relaxed way to start the new year.

  • Press Cafe (4400 Parks Legado Rd.): This bright, modern café is a go-to for quality coffee, fresh pastries, and light breakfast plates. Opening at 7 a.m., it works well whether you’re up early or easing into the new year at your own pace.
  • Flipped Breakfast & Brunch (7270 TX-191 #125): Known for elevated comfort dishes like stuffed French toast and creative Benedicts, this popular brunch spot offers a relaxed, family-friendly way to start New Year’s Day. Doors open at 7 a.m.