Got New Year’s Eve plans yet? From burlesque shows and block parties to dances and dinners, we list our eight favorite events for December 31 (and even into the early-morning hours of New Year’s Day). Click here to start the slideshow »
What’s better than a New Year’s Eve party for kids? A New Year’s Eve party for kids… at a kid-friendly time. The Children’s Museum of Science and Technology in Troy hosts its 11th annual Noon Year’s Eve celebration, complete with an animal show, crafts (in which kids create their own noisemakers and party hats), face-painting, and games. Ring in the New Year with a parade and bubbles.
If you go:
Noon Year’s Eve
Where: Children’s Museum of Science and Technology, 250 Jordan Rd., Troy
When: Dec. 31, 2015, 9:30-11:30 a.m. and 12-2 p.m.
Cost: Free; donations to Science for Every Child Initiative accepted. Registration is required.
Details: 518-235-2120; www.cmost.org/plan_a_visit/noon_years.php
Enjoy yummy snacks and groove to live Cajun, Zydeco, and swing music by Jay Ungar and Molly Mason, Swingology, the Yanks, and more. Dinner tickets are sold out, but stay for Ashokan’s New Year’s Weekend, featuring music and dance classes, lodging, and meals through Sunday afternoon.
If you go:
New Year’s Dance Party
Where: The Ashokan Center, 477 Beaverkill Rd., Olivebridge
When: Dec. 31, 2015, 8 p.m.
Cost: $30, $15 teens and younger, plus tax
Details: 845-246-2121; www.ashokan.org/new-years-eve-dance-party
Photograph by Stewart Dean
Choose between a two- or three-course prix-fixe menu at this Rhinebeck eatery, which our readers named “Best Restaurant in Dutchess County” this year. (It also got a nod for its noteworthy appetizers.) Offerings include a tapas platter of fois gras, goat cheese wontons, and duck quesadillas; filet mignon, lobster tail, and truffled risotto; and dessert.
If you go:
New Year’s Eve Prix-Fixe Dinner
Where: Terrapin Restaurant, 6426 Montgomery St., Rhinebeck
When: Dec. 31, 2015, 4:30-10:30 p.m.
Cost: $69 (three-course), $49 (two-course)
Details: www.terrapinrestaurant.com/menus/new-years-eve
Photograph by Rhys Harper
Restaurants on the other side of the Hudson know how to host a dinner party, too. New World Home Cooking, which our readers named “Best Restaurant in Ulster County” and “Best Gluten-Free Food” — and whose chef, Ric Orlando (pictured), was dubbed “Best Chef” this year — offers both dinner and dancing. Those sticking to a schedule can enjoy the Early Bird menu of house favorites, while late-nighters can indulge in the Good Luck Buffet, complete with a raw bar, roasted suckling pig, noodles, salads, and cheesecake. Sip bubbly at midnight and party on to music by DJ Lady Verse.
If you go:
Good Luck Buffet & Dance Party
Where: New World Home Cooking, 1411 Rte. 212, Saugerties
When: Dec. 31, 2015, 5-6:30 p.m. (Early Bird Dinner), 8-11 p.m. (Good Luck Buffet), 11 p.m.-onward (dance party)
Cost: $75, $10 (dance party only); reservations recommended
Details: 845-246-0900; www.newworldhomecooking.com/nwhcnewyearseve2015.pdf
Saratoga’s 20th annual First Night event — which expects 12,000 partygoers this year — kicks off with a 5K race and ends with a midnight fireworks display in Congress Park. In between, enjoy 70 music, art, comedy, film, and dance events; extended hours at more than 30 venues throughout Saratoga Springs; and a countdown by Mayor Joanne Yepsen. Kids delight in carousel rides, magic acts, a petting zoo, ballet, and face-painting. A shuttle service from Wilton Mall to Saratoga Performing Arts Center is provided; see site for schedule.
If you go:
First Night Saratoga
Where: Downtown Saratoga Springs
When: Dec. 31, 2015-Jan. 1, 2016, 5:30 p.m.-12 a.m.
Cost: $15, free under 12
Details: 518-584-4132; www.saratoga.com/event/first-night-saratoga-53642
What do you get when you mix a pub crawl with burlesque dancers and delicious food? Kingston’s annual New Year’s Eve celebration, that’s what! Presented by BSP Kingston, Chronogram, and Boitson’s Restaurant, this block party features specials at local bars and restaurants throughout the historic Stockade District, vaudeville shows, fireworks, a marching band, and an old-fashioned ball drop. A free shuttle runs from 6 p.m.-2 a.m. (or later, if needed).
If you go:
Uptown Kingston NYE
Where: Uptown Kingston
When: Dec. 31, 2015-Jan. 1, 2016, 8 p.m.-3 a.m.
Cost: $10-$50, plus tax; ball-drop is free
Details: www.uptownkingstonnye.com
Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and pianist, Jon Cleary (above, far left), has been a mainstay on the New Orleans R&B scene for more than 35 years. He joins his band, the Absolute Monster Gentlemen, at Club Helsinki for a special New Year’s Eve performance while Bayou-born-and-bred executive chef, Hugh Horner, prepares an authentic Big Easy menu.
If you go:
Where: Helsinki Hudson, 405 Columbia St., Hudson
When: Dec. 31, 2015, 9 p.m.
Cost: $45, $75 reserved club seating, $55 reserved restaurant seating. Ages 21+
Details: 518-828-4800; www.helsinkihudson.com/schedule.html#151231
Beacon’s Towne Crier Cafe rings in the New Year in style with fan favorites Back To The Garden 1969 (pictured), the Kennedys, and husband-and-wife duo, Open Book. A memorable New Year’s Eve feast, prepared by executive chef Silhouette Shannon and pastry chef Mary Ciganer, will be capped off by sumptuous chocolate truffles, petit fours, and fresh fruit. Dinner guests receive a complimentary bottle of Champagne per couple.
If you go:
New Year’s Eve Celebration
Where: Towne Crier Cafe, 379 Main St., Beacon
When: Dec. 31, 9:30 p.m.
Cost: $50-$125
Details: 845-855-1300; www.townecrier.com
Photograph by Stuart Berg
