All Over Albany

Stuff to do on New Year's Eve

A lot of people have been asking us about things to do on New Year's Eve in the Capital Region. Here's the thing about New Year's Eve -- it's one of those things that gets hyped up and can end up being very disappointing. Kind of like the prom. Or Colonial Williamsburg.

Believe it or not, we're big fans of making your own fun on NYE, but if you've got your heart set on finding a party or event, there's always a lot happening.

We've gotten the ball rolling with a few suggestions after the jump. Let us know how you're planning to ring in the New Year.

This is not a comprehensive list, just a handful of options that span a range of different types of events.

First Night
Saratoga's annual First Night celebration is one of the most popular ways to celebrate New Year's Eve in the Capital Region. First Night buttons are $15 and are available at these locations -- and kids under 12 can get in free with GE Kids in Free vouchers. There's art, music, comedy, theater, workshops, kids activities, and more, all over the Spa City.

Totally Fancy New Year's Eve Party
The Lucas Confectionery's "Totally Fancy New Years Eve Party" includes a wine and food tasting. Details:

6pm-8pm Tasting: $60
Includes: unlimited champagne and sparkling wine
Caviar w/ Creme Fraiche and Blinis
Oysters
Cheese and charcuterie pairings

9:30pm-1am Tasting: $80
Includes: everything from above, plus
Crostini w/ Wild European Black Truffle
Assorted desserts
Midnight Toast featuring Pol Roger Champagne - the official champagne served at Kate Middleton and Prince William's wedding reception.

Yes, the official champagne served at Kate Middleton and Prince William's wedding reception.

New World New Year's Eve
New World Bistro Bar has a 4-course prix fixe menu on New Year's Eve -- $65 for dinner or $100 for dinner with wine pairings. (Val wrote about doing this last year -- it sounds like they had a lovely time.)

Zen
Zen in Schenectady is hosting a Gatsby-themed New Year's Eve party -- $125 gets you open bar, appetizers, dinner, dessert, dancing and a champagne toast.

Funk and Country New Year's Party
Proctors is hosting a New Year's Eve party with funk and country music, a cash bar, complimentary champagne and a live stream of the ball drop from Times Square. doors open at 9pm, band begins at 9:30pm - $35 advance, $40 at door

Fancy dress NYE party at Franklin Plaza
So remember that New Year's Eve party from When Harry Met Sally? We get the feeling that the Last Night Gala at The Franklin Plaza is something like that -- with lots of dressed-up people, gourmet food stations, cocktails, a holiday martini bar, and a champagne toast. Personal psychics will make predictions for the new year and there will be music by The Audiostars in the grand ballroom. 9pm to 1:30 am - tickets are $175 per person and proceeds go to St. Peter's Hospital
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Elsewhere: Over at Table Hopping, Steve has been listing NYE restaurant offerings.
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Got something else planned? Drop it in the comments below. And however you celebrate, be safe and have a wonderful time.

New World advertises on AOA, and The Confectionery was a stop on the AOA Bad Boys tour.

still from When Harry Met Sally...: Castle Rock