Children celebrate balloons dropping during Happy Noon Year at the Johnson County Public Library. This year, the Franklin and Clark Pleasant branches will be hosting the family-friendly New Year’s Eve event at noon on Dec. 31.
FILE PHOTO
New Year’s Eve is an opportunity to tie a bow on the past year and celebrate the potential of a coming one.
There is no wrong way to send the year out. Some prefer a big blowout or an elegant gala with hundreds of fellow revelers. Other people like a quiet night at home with a few friends watching the ball drop.
Those with small children may do their partying in the daytime hours. The more adventurous will be up all night.
No matter how you prefer to ring in the new year, a multitude of events are planned for Dec. 31, both around Johnson County and throughout the area. Here is a selection of some of the best, to help with your party planning.
Happy Noon Year
Details: 11:30 a.m.-noon Dec. 31, Clark Pleasant library, 350 Clearwater Blvd., Whiteland, and Franklin library, 401 State St.; free
What: Experience all of the excitement of a New Year’s Eve countdown, without a late night and missed bedtimes. This family-centric event invites children to come listen to music, show off their dance moves and play a variety of games, all at a reasonable hour. The event ends with a countdown and balloon drop at noon.
Black and White New Year’s Eve Party
Details: 7:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Dec. 31, Garment Factory Events, 101 E. Wayne St., Franklin; facebook.com/GarmentFactoryEvents
What: Downtown Franklin’s regal and historic Garment Factory Events goes two-toned for the night with a Black and White Party. Guests are encouraged to come in their favorite black or white (or both) outfit to enjoy gourmet food and live music by Tastes Like Chicken. A full dinner buffet and champagne toast are included in the cost of tickets, which are $85. Though the theme of this 21-and-over event is “Black and White,” organizers stress that does not mean it is a black-tie affair.
New Year’s Eve at SmockTown Brewing
Details: 6 p.m.-midnight Dec. 31, SmockTown Brewing, 223 W. Main St., Greenwood
What: Two levels of fun await at this downtown Greenwood establishment. SmockTown Brewing and its upstairs neighbor Attic Hardward will host a multi-level event for New Year’s Eve, with a casual party at the SmockTown bar as well as a more formal shindig in the speakeasy-esque Attic Hardware.
The party will feature a three-course dinner provided by Sahms Catering, hourly raffle giveaways, and both a champagne toast as well as a taco and nacho bar at midnight. Music will be provided by Joey Banfield and Jared La Fond. Cost is $80 per person, and tickets can be purchased during business hours or by calling 317-215-4836.
Countdown to Noon
Details: 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Friday, Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, 3000 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis
What: Get the party going a little bit earlier on Dec. 31 at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, which returns its popular Countdown to Noon event. Families can cheer and celebrate among the confetti as the museum’s famous water clock counts down at noon and again at 1 p.m.
While people wait, they can dance and sing with Grammy award-nominated musician Zak Morgan, who will lead the festivities. Admission to the celebration is included in regular museum admission. Learn more at childrensmuseum.org.
Countdown to New Year’s Kids Party and New Year’s Gaming Bash
Details: 10 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Dec. 31 for kids party, 9 p.m.-12:15 a.m. Dec. 31 for gaming bash, Sakura Event Center, 126 E. Main Cross St., Edinburgh; sakuraeventcenter.com
What: Edinburgh’s new family-friendly micro-event center, which hosted its first activities in November, is planning two different events for party animals of all ages on New Year’s Eve. First up is the Countdown to New Year’s Kids Party, where young people can bring their parents in for board games, LEGO building, “Dance Dance Revolution” and a photo booth. Watch the ball drop and celebrate the new year with sparkling grape juice.
Then at night, serious gamers can get together for ’90s video games, competitions in “Dance Dance Revolution” or “Rock Band,” as well as the photo booth, ball drop and sparkling grape juice toast. Tickets to both events include a drink and select snacks. Cost for the kids party is $15 each or $50 for a package of four; the gaming bash costs $30 each or $100 for four.
Family New Year’s Eve
Details: 6-9 p.m. Dec. 31, Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St., Indianapolis; indianamuseum.org/programs/family-new-years-eve
What: New Year’s Eve has a reputation as a hard-partying night that goes well into the early morning. But for parents with young kids, that’s not in the works. Luckily, the Indiana State Museum has created an ideal event that is both fun and festive and family friendly. Guests can enjoy glittering tattoos, music and a dance party as they get in the celebratory mood.
Photo-ops will be set up to remember your night, people can explore all three levels of the museum and the museum’s Snowfall Express will take riders on a magical winter journey. The night ends with a balloon drop and confetti celebration at 8 p.m. Tickets are $18 per person and free for children younger than age 3.
