Each year on December 31st the world celebrates new beginnings. Glasses are raised to toast the accomplishments of the past year and resolutions are declared for the year ahead. Families and friends gather to watch the clock strike midnight when fireworks will illuminate night skies around the globe. However, the magnitude of New Year’s Eve festivities leaves one difficult questions. Where is the best place to spend this momentous occasion? Luckily, the region offers exciting and unique celebrations for the end of 2010. For an elegant evening, dine at some of the best local restaurants offering special selections for New Year’s Eve. Interested in being outdoors? There are skiing and ice skating venues open late. Children can join the fun during special daytime celebrations with arts and crafts, magicians, and circus acts. Plenty of DJ dance parties will also take place to ring in 2011. Whether you’re looking for a fancy night out or a family friendly evening, there are options for everyone. Here is a guide to some standout New Year’s Eve events in the Hudson Valley.
Towne Crier Cafe, Pawling
Every year since the Towne Crier opened in 1972 they’ve been putting together a New Year’s Eve celebration. This year will feature performances by Lipbone Redding and the LipBone Orchestra and the Chris O’Leary Band. A feast planned by Executive Chef Erich Panhofer will include tequila shrimp appetizers with carrot and ginger soup or baby arugula salad served with balsamic vinaigrette. Entree choices will include filet mignon Wellington, roasted half duckling, and pecan crusted fillet of salmon. A bottle of champagne will also be included per couple. Dinner is from 7-9:30pm and the show begins at 9:30pm. $50-$125. (845) 855-1300; www.townecrier.com.
Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum, Poughkeepsie
Children can pop in the new year with a special bubble wrap countdown at the fourth Annual New Year’s Eve at noon celebration. Families will gather in the RiverTown exhibit to enjoy music, arts and crafts, and snacks including an edible New Year’s hat made from an ice cream cone. Starts at 11am. $15. (845) 471-0589; www.mhcm.org.
The Rotary Club of Millbrook
Enjoy a pirate-themed family event with Buccaneer Bindlestiff’s Swashbuckling Cirkus. There will also be music by jazz master Larry Ham Duo, the Handman String quartet, and Peter Muir and Friends. At various locations in Millbrook from 4pm-8pm. $5 suggested donation. www.millbrookrotary.org.
The Rhinecliff Hotel
Spend the evening indulging in an elegant six-course meal with a glass of champagne. Dinner will be followed by disco dancing and a midnight toast served with hors d’oeuvres. Guest will also be offered hot chocolate and warm cookies. Cocktail hour begins at 8pm and the grand dinner is at 9pm. $84.95. (845) 876-0590; www.therhinecliff.com.
The Grandview, Poughkeepsie
End the year with a lavish dinner starting with a variety of cocktails such as chilled seafood, dried cured sausage, and sauteed beef tenderloin tips. Dinner choices include charbroiled rib-eye served with a demi-glaze and eggplant Siciliana layered with mozzarella and grilled tomatoes. There will be a top-shelf open bar. From 7pm-1am. $99.50 (845) 486-4700; www.grandviewevents.com.
12 Grapes Music and Wine Bar, Peekskill New York
Uproar will perform classic rock, soul, blues, and R&B covers at 12 Grapes’ Rockin New Year’s Eve party. The festivities will include three hours of live music and dancing, dinner, and a glass of Prosecco at midnight. Guests will also be given a gift bag to take home. From 10pm-1am. (914) 737-6624; www.12grapes.com.
The Egg, Albany
International tap dance sensation Savion Glover and a company of hoofers, singers, and a live funk band present “ALL FuNKD’ UP.” Daniel Bernard Roumain, the hip-hop violinist known as DBR, opens the concert with his ensemble and will perform works from his latest recording “Woodbox Beats & Balladry.” There will also be a post-performance reception with champagne, refreshments, and dancing. Tickets are $39.50. Starts at 8pm. (518) 473-1845; www.theegg.org.
Windham Mountain, Windham
Watch the area’s largest fireworks show while enjoying night skiing at Windham Mountain. Johnny Moon and Starz and DJ Pat Del will be playing music all night. Enjoy night skiing and participate in a contest to be the first skier of the New Year. The crowd will be given glow products provided by Sure Glow of Albany. (518) 734-4300; www.windhammountain.com.
Bear Mountain Inn, Hudson Highlands
The New Year’s Eve bash at Bear Mountain Inn includes a reception, dinner, open bar, entertainment, party favors, and a champagne toast. 8:30pm reception, 9:30pm dinner. $139 per couple. The ice rink will also be open from 10am-5:30pm. (845) 786-2731; www.visitbearmountain.com.
Brookside Manor, Middletown
Start the night off by enjoying cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Then enjoy a three-course sit-down dinner and a champagne toast at midnight. There will be an open premium bar all night long and a continental breakfast at 1am. From 6:30pm-1:30am. $110. (845) 692-4483; www.brooksideny.com.
Ashokan Fiddle and Dance Camp, Olivebridge
Celebrate New Year’s Eve by spending the weekend at Ashokan Fiddle and Dance Camp with singing, dancing, and general merriment. There will be swing, blues, and waltzes with Jay and Molly, Mike and Ruthy, Peter Davis, and others. $25-$425. Reservations required. (845) 246-2121; www.ashokan.org.
Hunter Mountain, Hunter & Tannersville
Watch a fireworks show and torchlight parade or spend the night listening to music at the main bar. There are various bars nearby hosting parties in Tannersville, including Slopes and the Spinning Room. (800) 486-8376; www.huntermtn.com.
Chapel of Sacred Mirrors, Wappingers Falls
Alex and Allyson Grey will host a spiritual New Year’s Eve celebration with fire spinning, fire performances by Phontomine, bellydancing with Muise and Sara Jezebel Wood, and special guest DJs. Alex Grey will also lead a discussion and live painting. 8pm-4am. $40-$60. (845) 297-2323; www.cosm.org.
The Falcon, Marlboro
Listen to blues and soul singer Alexis P. Suter, whom B. B. King calls a “great talent.” An elegant New Year’s Eve dinner will begin at 7pm and the music starts at 8pm. There will be a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. (845) 236-7970; www.liveatthefalcon.com.
Terrapin, Rhinebeck
Indulge in a four-course meal of tapas, soup or salad, an entree, and a dessert. The entree options include truffled risotto topped with vegetable ragout, blue cheese-crusted Star Ranch natural beef filet mignon, petite rack of lamb with rosemary and juniper demi-glace, and much more. Early bird seating from 4:30-5:30pm is $49 per person. 5:30-10pm seating is $69 per person and includes a champagne toast. (845) 876-3330; www.terrapinrestaurant.com.
