What To Do on New Year’s Eve

Did you know that Las Vegas is a more popular  place to spend New Year’s Eve than New York City’s Times Square?  Who knew?

I actually spent New Year’s in Times Square in 1990. It was as fun as it looks on TV and I have no complaints about the cold or the crowds. I remember everyone being happy and friendly, eating my first Sbarros Italian sandwich and running with the crowd to the subway station right after the ball dropped.  The secret to surviving Times Square New Year’s is to not drink a lot because getting to a bathroom is not easy.

Of course, the West Coast knows how to throw great parties too and there are quite a few of them happening.

I’m proud to say that I have already secured the babysitter and made dinner reservations at Restaurant James Randal in Los Gatos. We haven’t quite figured out what to do at midnight. Maybe we’ll be home by then.

Expect to pay $100 or more per person for most events whether you are staying in the South Bay or going up to “the city.” There were some great deals on event tickets earlier in the month but it’s too late to get those now.

Here are events in San Jose:

New Year’s Eve 2012 at the Fairmont

The main event is the Black Tie Gala Dinner which includes a five-course dinner paired with top wines, dancing and live entertainment which starts at 8 pm. Tickets are $150.  There’s also a party in the lobby lounge. Alfie’s NYE Dazzle Band is playing and tickets are $35/adults or $50/couple.  The Fairmont is at 170 S. Market, San Jose and reservations are required. Call 408-998-1900.

Fahrenheit Lounge New Year’s Eve 2012

The DJ will be playing top 40, Hip hop, and R&B music. Tickets are now $100+ for dancing, champagne, complimentary food stations (depending on your ticket level), and balloon drop at midnight. 99 East San Fernando Street, San Jose. Doors open at 8 am. www.fahrenheitsj.com

Hmm, I’m curious to know what a “balloon drop” is.

Here are events that require more driving:

New Year’s Eve Fireworks, San Francisco

I hear that people will gather to watch fireworks near the Ferry Building and Justin Herman Plaza. Most of the action will be along the Embarcadero.  I’ve watched awesome fireworks shows in San Francisco for 4th of July. I imagine the New Year’s show will be fantastic as well.

 Holiday in the Park, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, Vallejo.  The park is open from 4 pm to midnight and there are fireworks. This could be fun especially if you have teenagers. For more information visit: http://content.sixflags.com/holiday_sfdk/planvisit/schedule/

 Masquerade Ball, Davie’s Symphony Hall, San Francisco

If riding roller coasters is not your thing, there are more formal festivities happening for the black tie/classical music fans.  The party begins at 8 pm and the music starts at 9 pm. For details, visit: http://www.sfsymphony.org/Buy-Tickets/2012-13/New-Year%E2%80%99s-Eve-Mas...

In addition, Hornblower Cruises are hosting festivities and The Tubes, the band that plays “She’s a Beauty,” is playing at George’s Club in San Rafael.

I recommend that you make plans at least a day or two in advance if you are buying tickets for an event because the more popular ones do sell out.

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