You might have a dilemma. Where will you go to ring in the new year? You could stay home or you could travel. There are many activities from which to choose for the beginning of 2012. The only problem you will have is deciding which way to drive.

According to about.com, the following are the top 5 Texas cities to ring in the New Year:

San Antonio
The Alamo City has long been a favorite New Year’s Eve destination. From fireworks to parties on the Riverwalk to historic landmarks to quiet bed and breakfasts, San Antonio has something for everyone.

Houston
Houston is the nation’s fourth-largest city and the largest in the Lone Star State. As one might expect, a city that size has plenty to offer over New Year’s weekend. From college football to exclusive midnight galas, the Bayou City is chocked full of excitement over New Year’s weekend.

New Year’s Eve Live-This family-friendly celebration includes a children’s zone, ice skating, an illuminated art car parade, 3-D light show and fireworks display. Located at the Discovery Green and George R. Brown Convention Center. See this news article for more information.

Bach and Time-Hear a beloved Bach suite, plus vocal works by the great Baroque master. Ars Lyrica’s annual New Year’s Eve Gala is afterward. Zilkha Hall, Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. See their website for more details or call 713-315-2525.

Austin
Few places in the country party like Austin does on New Year’s Eve. Sixth Street, in particular, is second to none when it comes to finding a New Year’s bash. First Night Austin includes an afternoon family festival, a procession down Congress Avenue, and a night-time art show and festival which features street corners and storefronts converted into art galleries and stages.

South Padre Island
Tiny South Padre puts on a huge fireworks display over the Laguna Madre Bay every New Year’s Eve. Besides an awe-inspiring fireworks exhibition, South Padre offers visitors miles of pristine, secluded beach during December and January.

Dallas
There is always plenty to do in the Big D, and New Year’s is no exception. The “Holiday in the Park” event will still be ongoing at Six Flags Over Texas.

Laugh. Norm McDonald, Tom Green, and Iliza Shlesinger perform at 100.3 Jack FM’s Brew Ha Ha on New Year’s Eve. This comedy show is, by our count, the best big comedy show in the DFW area on NYE.

Throw back. Dallas’ Hotel St Germain turns into a 1930s nightclub on New Year’s Eve. Best enjoyed by adults who like to linger over candlelit dinner and sip cocktails, this party features a choice of a five course dinner or a seven course dinner. Seven!

70’s Disco New Years Eve 2012 at Sterling Hotel—Saturday, Dec. 31. 7:00p to Sunday, Jan. 1 (2012) 2:00am at Sterling Hotel, Dallas. Bring in 2012 in 70’s Disco Attire with D.J. Music and dancing. Call 214-634-8550 for more details.

You’ll laugh! You’ll wear a funny hat! And, if you’re lucky, you might kiss the person next to you at midnight! Start the New Year with a laugh and a smile at Backdoor Comedy located at 8250 N. Central Expressway inside the Doubletree Hotel, in Dallas. The New Year’s Eve Extravaganza features headliner Paul Varghese fresh from Comedy Central’s fall series, Gabriel Iglesias presents Standup Revolution, Maxim Magazine’s Real Men of Comedy Tour, Aaron Aryanpur, and other Backdoor favorites. Tickets are $27.00 for the 8:00 p.m. show and $43.00 for the 10:30 p.m show, which includes party favors, a champagne toast at midnight and dancing after the show. Purchase tickets in advance by calling the club at 214-328-4444. For details visit their website.

A few more interesting cities are located in the Hill Country, which you can’t beat for scenery.

Fredericksburg
Walk in the New Year—Fredericksburg’s Memorial Walk and First Walk of 2011/12 are a great ways to get you started on those New Year’s resolutions right off the bat. The Memorial Walk, held Dec. 31, is the last official walking event staged in Texas during 2011. Likewise, the First Walk of 2012 is the first walking event of the new year in Texas and begins at 12:30 a.m. Jan. 1.

Black-Eyed Pea and Cornbread Cook-Off—Enjoy the first day of the new year with live music, wine, and traditional black-eyed peas and cornbread. Torre di Pietra Vineyards, 10915 U.S. 290 E. For more details, see their website or call 830-644-2829.

Gruene
New Year’s Eve at Gruene Hall—Looking for a place to spend New Year’s Eve in Texas? Why not head over to the oldest dance hall in Texas, Gruene Hall, to hear Cody Canada and the Departed? Located in the scenic Texas Hill Country, Gruene is the perfect spot to ring in 2012.

Lukenbach
New Year’s Eve in Luckenbach at the Luckenbach Dance Hall, on Ranch Road 1376 off Highway 290 E. Check out their website or call 830-997-3224.

Kyle
Polar Bear Splash—“Polar bears” jump in the water for a brisk start to the new year. Begins at 1 p.m. Kyle Community Pool, 1100 W. Center St. See their website or call 512-262-3939.

How about East Texas and the piney woods?

Jefferson
Rail of Lights New Year’s Train—Enjoy storytellers, lights on the Big Cypress Bayou and fireworks on this steam-train excursion. 400 E. Austin or visit their website or call for details 866-398-2038 or 903-665-3733.

The coast might be the place to stay for the weekend.

Sugarland
New Year’s Eve Celebration—Energetic music, two fireworks shows, lighting effects, street shows and a “sugar cube drop” at midnight to usher in the new year. All located at the Sugar Land Town Square. Check out their website for more details or call 281-275-2885.

Celebrate 2012 in style and enjoy the state of Texas while you are doing it. As always, Neotribune wishes everyone a safe and happy New Year’s.