New Year's Eve Live

This year, don't use the kiddos as an excuse to spend NYE cooped inside four walls.In addition to several other kid-friendly New Year's Eve evnets, Discovery Green, located in the heart of Downtown Houston will throw the biggest family-oriented bash of the year. It's outdoors, it's free and it's sure to be an unforgettable time for the entire family. Below is everything you should know to make this New Year's Eve celebration go as smoothly as possible.

When: Saturday, December 31, 2011 from 7 p.m. until midnight
Where: Discovery Green
1001 Avenidas de las Americas
Admission: FREE for all ages

What to Expect:

Ice Skating Rink - 11 a.m.
The Ice at Discovery Green, Houston's largest open air skating rink, will be open at 11 a.m. Skate rental is $10 for all ages.

Food and Beverage
Stop by one of many food trucks located throughout the park featuring burgers, Asian foods, cupcakes, pizza and more. Adult beverages including beer, wine and champagne will be sold in the Budweiser Zone to customers 21 and over. No alcoholic beverages may be brought into the park.

Family Zone - 7 p.m.
Costume characters including Jack Scratch the Magician and Schave and Reilly will entertain the little ones. Be sure to let them board the Pets on Wheels ride featuring playful animal replicas that light up and sing holiday songs.

Chameleon in Concert - 7 p.m. Stop by the Anheuser Busch stage for a live performance from husband-wife duo Chameleon. The band's music is suitable for all ages.

Baby Jay in Concert - 7:50 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
Houston native Baby Jay will bring back those favorites from his 2007 debut album, Keepin It Real and introduce tracks from his upcoming sophomore album, Luv and Respect. Baby Jay's positive and uplifiting lyrics are appropriate for parents and children alike.

Illuminated Parade - 8 p.m.
Even if you are familiar with Houston's own Art Car Parade, you've certainly never seen it like this. Not only will trucks, buses, motorcycles and convertibles be decked out in their typical art car funkiness, they'll also be illuminated with hundreds of bright, colorful lights as they stroll along Avenidas de las Americas.

Delbert McClinton in Concert - 10:30 p.m. Delbert McClinton fuses country, blues, soul and rock to create a unique sound that's enjoyable for all ages. McClinton has performed along side country superstars including Jimmy Reed and Bonnie Rait. Catch him live on the Great Lawn Stage of Discovery Green.

3-D Light Show - 11:45 p.m.
Find a good spot in front of the George R. Brown Convention Center and enjoy a state-of-the-art 3-D light show. The display will last approximately 15 minutes.

Fireworks - 11:59 p.m.
The spectacular evening will draw to an exhilirating close with a firewors display from atop the George R. Brown Convention Center.