Raise your glasses and make a toast. We’ve (almost) made it through another year.
With the promise of 2019 ahead, it’s a perfect time to celebrate. Luckily, local residents have all kinds of options to ring in the new year.
For some, that will mean a cozy night with family and friends. Others will want to revel with hundreds of people on the dance floor.
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From family-friendly gatherings to parties stretching well into the early morning on Jan. 1, here is a run-down of what to find for New Year’s Eve.
Midnight in Paris NYE Party
Details: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Monday, Wild Geese Bookshop, 107 S. Water St., Franklin
What: Welcome in the new year in conjunction with the City of Lights in this bookish family-friendly event. Organizers will host a countdown at 6 p.m. — the exact time when it strikes midnight in Paris. Kids activities and a resolution station are planned, and people are encouraged to dress as their favorite authors with the possibility of prizes. The event is a nod to the Woody Allen film “Midnight in Paris,” in which the protagonist goes for a solitary walk in Paris and encounters some of the city’s Jazz Age literary heroes.
New Year’s Eve Party
Details: 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Monday, Big Woods Franklin, 1800 E. King St., $50 advance, $75 at the door if available
What: Celebrate the new year with craft beer and local spirits, all in one of Johnson County’s most breathtaking eateries. DJ Rockwell will be spinning the best music, and revelers can look forward to games, a champagne toast and an appetizer bar. For those willing to go all-in on the night, a VIP experience for $80 features a prix fixe dinner before the party starts, featuring hickory-smoked prime rib, brown sugar bacon-wrapped green beans and other delectable fare.
Countdown to Noon
Details: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, 3000 N. Meridian St., $15 to $23 admission, kids under 2 free.
What: Everyone is used to watching the ball drop. For families looking for a kid-friendly option, head to the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis to see the water clock strike zero. The museum’s famed blue-and-green neon water clock will count down at noon and 1 p.m., letting kids experience the excitement of New Year’s without sacrificing bedtime. In addition to the countdowns, the museum will feature performances by Grammy-winning artist Zak Morgan, as well as a station where families can create a paper time capsule to remember 2018.
Happy Noon Year
Details: 11:30 a.m. Monday, Franklin library, 401 State St., and Clark Pleasant library, 530 Tracy Road, Suite 250, New Whiteland
What: Get all of the dancing, refreshments and music of a traditional New Year’s Eve party, just 12 hours sooner. Families are invited to two branches of the Johnson County Public Library for games, crafts, dancing and a countdown at noon.
Family New Year’s Eve
Details: 6 to 9 p.m. Monday, Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St., Indianapolis; $10 members, $16 non-members, free for kids under 3.
What: Another entry on the family-friendly side of New Year’s, bring the kids to the museum for an alcohol-free event featuring face painting, magic, music, dancing and a balloon drop at 8 p.m.
The Indy Masquerade
Details: 8:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Monday, Crowne Plaza Indianapolis-Union Station, 123 W. Louisiana St.; $129.99 and up.
What: The biggest party in Indianapolis will be unfolding inside historic Union Station on New Year’s Eve. Revelers can chill out at the speakeasy lounge with comedian, dueling pianos and magicians. The Grand Hall will feature live bands, casino games and professional ballroom dancers to teach you a few moves. The DJ HQ offers an atmospheric vibe in a ballroom overlooking downtown Indy. Take note, this is a formal event, so no jeans, hoodies, t-shirts or other casual dress.
A Night at Studio 54
Details: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Monday, The Pavilion at Pan Am, 201 S. Capitol Ave., Indianapolis, $95 and up.
What: For a period of time in the late 1970s, Studio 54 was the “it” place to be seen in New York City. The wild club’s heyday may have passed, but relive all of the disco-drenched glory for one night. Hugh Jeffner, DJ Slater Hogan and DJ Amp will be spinning top 40, dance, old school, house and soul throughout the night. Open bar is included in admission, as are appetizers, desserts, a photo booth and midnight champagne toast.
New Year’s Eve Bash
Details: 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Monday, Hyatt Regency Indianapolis, 1 S. Capitol Ave.; $55 to $90
What: Watch more than 15,000 balloons fall from 22 stories up at another one of the city’s wildest parties. The celebration includes live musical performances by the Flying Toasters, My Yellow Rickshaw and Hunter Smith Band, among others. Enjoy late night grab-and-go food, and fantasy casino games.
Lyft Lounge
Details: 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. Monday, east block of Georgia Street, Indianapolis
What: If you’ve been out partying on New Year’s Eve, driving home is a no-go. The problem is, trying to hail a taxi or a ride-share after the ball drops, as thousands of other people are doing the same thing, can be next-to-impossible. So Lyft has partnered with Downtown Indy to provide a lounge while you wait for your ride, featuring a heated outdoor space with restrooms, hot chocolate, entertainment and giveaways.
