New Year's Eve On Top Of The Standard
Where: The Top Of The Standard, 442 W. 13th Street, New York; (212) 645-7600
Price: $250pp for standing room and $500 and $750pp for table seating.
In the room formerly known as The Boom Boom Room, Mariane Faithfull will be serenading the crowd as they munch on hors d'oeuvres and unlimited champagne and caviar.
Brooklyn Soul New Year's Eve
Where: The Bellhouse, 149th Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenue, Brooklyn; (718) 643-6510
Price: $30 in advance, $40 at the door
Dance into 2011 with soul legend's Marva Whitney (James Brown's 'Soul Sister Number One') and Billy Prince of the Precisions at this stellar event organized by the folks who brought you the sold out Brooklyn Soul Festival.
NYE Bike Ride & Party
Where: Meet in Washington Square Park under the arch
Price: FREE
What could be a better way to kick off that "exercise more" resolution than a nighttime bike ride? Check out the fireworks and city lights while you make your way to the big party and fireworks hosted by Time's Up at Belvedere Castle in Central Park (at 79th Street).
Fine & Dandy: Bar And Books Cigar Bar
Where: 1020 Lexington Avenue, New York; (212) 717-3902
There will be no glitter, and no Redbull & vodka-fueled dancing at Bar and Books this NYE. Dress up in your best jacket, and enjoy a fine scotch and a robust cigar. We suggest the Upper East Side location rather than the West Village one to really retain that quiet, stuffy feeling.
Watch Blue Valentine At Angelika
Where: Angelika Film Center, 18 W. Houston Street, New York
Price: $13 adults
Want to shed any mistakes or heartbreak from 2010 this New Year's? Ring it in with the new film, Blue Valentine, an incredibly raw portrayal of a relationship starring Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams. After you are thoroughly depressed, top it off with a drink from one of the surrounding Soho bars.
Silence & Noise: Jivamukti Yoga School
Where: Jivamukti Yoga School, 841 Broadway, 2nd floor, New York; (212) 353-0214
Price: $85 Yoga Class and Dinner, $35 Dinner Only, Dance Party & Silence FREE
Beginning at 5pm, you can ring in the New Year with a yoga class, full vegan dinner, a Kirtan dance party and from 9 to midnight.
Family Celebration On NYC Water Taxi
Where: Departs Pier 17, South Street Seaport at 8:30pm
Price: $90 adults, $45 kids, $250 family
Cruise around the harbor and watch all of the fireworks and festivities on the NY Water taxi. For adults, there will be a bar serving wine and beer and for the kids, mock cocktails and sparkling apple cider. You can also watch the ball drop on their 42" TVs--definitely cooler than watching in your living room.
Brooklyn Bridge Walking Tour
Where: Meet at the McDonald's Restaurant, 160 Broadway between Liberty and Courtlandt Streets, New York City
Price: $60 cash, $50 credit card booked online
The best way to check out the fantastic fireworks and light shows happening across this city is by taking a brisk walk along the Brooklyn Bridge. Learn about the bridge's history and enjoy light refreshments as you take in the sights. There are multiple tours from 10:15pm to 11:15pm.
Double Crown NYE Party
Where: Double Crown, 316 Bowery, New York; (212) 254-0350
Price: $150
This NoHo Brit/Asian fusion restaurant is having a big New Year's fete with an open bar from 9pm to 1am, passed canapes from 9 to 11:30pm and a DJ. If you can handle it, stop by in the morning for their legendary Bloody Mary Bar.
Grand Prospect Hall NYE Ball
Where: 263 Prospect Avenue, Brooklyn; (718) 788-0777
Price: $175
Celebrate NYE in a beautiful, historic space at a party that is full-service and worth every penny. There is a light show, dance troupe, dance band, DJ, open bar with unlimited mixed drinks, wine and beer, "international" cocktail reception, five course dinner with filet mignon, breakfast to go and valet parking.
Peach Tartes Present: New Year's Eve Impropri-A-Tease
Where: Galapagos Art Space, 16 Main Street, Brooklyn
Price: $30
Mix-it-up this NYE with a saucy series of burlesque performances by the Peach Tartes. Also, don't miss the champagne descending from the ceiling at midnight.
The "Funniest Party In The Universe"
Where: Caroline's On Broadway, 1626 Broadway, New York; (212) 757-4100
Price: $92
If you want some of the Times Square vibe but refuse to stand outside for hours, enjoy the warmth and laughs at this comedy show spectacular. They will play the ball drop on their TVs but you might want to try and sneak out and get a glimpse for yourself.