The best places to bring in the New Year – for next year!

New Year’s Eve

When the holidays arrive each year, I find myself so entirely consumed with Christmas shopping and family time, that instead of relaxing after the holiday rush, I become anxious to figure out what to do with the next big holiday: New Year’s Eve. New Year’s remains as one of the most over hyped holidays of the year, yet I find myself excited to plan for and celebrate the night each year. Aiming to never repeat the same celebration twice and to better prepare for next year, I have compiled my top picks for the best places and ways to mark the end of one year, and to bring in the next.

New York City

Known as the most famous locale in the world to celebrate New Year’s Eve, nothing comes close to actually watching the ball drop live before your eyes at midnight. Getting there early will guarantee a good spot, but be sure to dress warm! Even if you do not get there mid-afternoon to get real close, just being close to Times Square and walking around the city at night will get you in the New Year’s spirit. Everyone should experience celebrating New Years in New York at least once in their lives. While overwhelming and crowded, nothing says New Year’s Eve like New York, Times Square, confetti, and one million of your closest friends.

Boston

Paying cover charges on New Year’s Eve around Boston can quickly become expensive, so I recommend spending $18 to partake in fun events all around the city and all night long with First Night. The day usually includes a party at the Hynes Convention Center with plenty of family-friendly activities and entertainment like face painting, arts and crafts, comedians, and dancers, followed by a Mardi Gras style Grand Procession down Boylston Street to the Boston Commons. The First Night button involves endless fun activities like free admission to the New England Aquarium, the coolest ice sculptures you will ever see, performances and concerts all around Boston, and Midnight Fireworks over the Boston Harbor that you won’t want to miss. For $35 you can see the fireworks up close on the Boston Harbor Fireworks Cruise, which also includes a First Night ticket.

Rhode Island

While Rhode Island may not seem like the most exciting state to celebrate New Year’s in, growing up there allowed me to celebrate in downtown Providence for Bright Night with my family without spending tons of money. For $15 you can attend many different events throughout the day and night around Providence. Some of these events include storytellers, mentalists, poetry slams, ice-skating at the Bank of America skating center, dancing, entry to the children’s museum, comedy shows, workshops, and discounts to the Providence Performing Arts Center. For those 21+, the Rhode Island Convention Center holds a Masquerade Ball and your Bright Night pass can get you free entrance and a free drink to different bars downtown.

Las Vegas

I have to admit that this New Year’s Eve will be my first time in Vegas, but I’m sure they throw a great New Years Eve party that will not disappoint. While clubs and bars all seem to charge well over $100 for entry, the Vegas strip closes down to cars after 6 pm on New Year’s Eve for a free party in the middle of the street, followed by a huge fireworks display set off by seven different hotels. Family-friendly shows also surround the strip, like Blue Man Group and kid-friendly Cirque-de- Soleil shows, along with all of the different hotels to explore. For more kid friendly Vegas activities and hotels, check out vegaskids.info.

Not in the mood for the crowds or traveling for New Year’s? The cheapest and coziest way to celebrate may include a few friends or family members, a champagne toast at midnight, and watching the ball drop on TV, but why not spice it up for next year by doing something different?

No matter where you find yourself on December 31^st, make sure you have one of the following to help bring in the New Year: family, friends, champagne, or at least a noise maker.

Haley Brennan is an intern at Mom Central who wishes she could travel more on a college student’s budget.

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