Losing weight, making amends with old friends, finally applying for that dream job—the season of resolutions and new beginnings is upon us. But before all that madness starts, make a resolution to end the year with a bang! Whether you love to laugh, need an excuse to dress to the nines, or are a family of four, we’ve got you covered.
Family Fun
New Year’s Eve Sparkle-rama
Fuel up the kids with pizza, then set out to explore the Children’s Museum and boogie the night away to Will Hale and the Tadpole Parade, as the kids eagerly anticipate the 8 p.m. ball drop. mcm.org
Noon Year’s Celebration
Calling all party animals—it’s time to fluff up your feathers and show your spots. Join the Radio Disney Party Patrol at Como Zoo for a scavenger hunt and noon beach-ball drop. comozooconservatory.org
Comic Relief
Louie Anderson at Burnsville Performing Arts Center
Laugh in the new year with Louie—Louie Anderson, that is (yes, that blonde-haired funny man from Family Feud)—at the Burnsville Performing Arts Center. burnsvillepac.com
Rob Little at Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy
Rob Little’s resume reads as a long list of television appearances and national praise—stints on Fox Sports‘ Net Show, The Best Damn Sports Show Period, and Last Call with Carson Daly; he was named “Comedian of the Year” by Maxim, “Best Comedian” by the Detroit Free Press, and “Happiest Comic in America” by NBC’s Last Comic Standing.–Whew! That’s a long list. This is one man you can be sure will leave you laughing. houseofcomedy.net
The Great Outdoors
New Year’s Eve Bash at Buck Hill
Take your pick—use skis, boards, or even an inflatable tube to slide down the slippery slopes until midnight. If you get cold (an unlikely thought given the weather lately), escape to the main chalet for the KS95 party, then to the BuckStone lodge for glitter glam hair-dos and magicians. Head back out to watch the Zombie Boardshop Big Air Competition. The night ends with a bang with a huge fireworks display. buckhill.com
The Depot Rink
If skating in circles tickles your fancy, lace up your blades, grab a date, and head to the Depot—open late until 1 a.m. thedepotminneapolis.com
Candlelight & Ice at Wood Lake Nature Center
Hundreds of flickering flames will guide your steps as you wind through the cattail islands and forests of Wood Lake Nature Center in Richfield. Slip into the marsh where hooting owls may serenade you. End your night in front of a glowing fire, a cup of hot cocoa in hand. woodlakenaturecenter.org
Party Hardy
Mystique 2012: Le Cirque
Opulence, dexterity, and fantasy reign supreme when you step into the surreal world of Epic Event Center’s “Mystique 2012: Le Cirque.” Performers from the renowned youth circus school, Circus Juventas, will wow guests with graceful and awe-inspiring displays of strength and flexibility. Attendees will also be treated to an over-the-top fashion show as models work the runway. nyempls.com
New Year’s Eve at Aria at the Jeune Lune
Deejays will provide the musical backdrop to Aria at the Jeune Lune’s New Year’s Eve bash, which includes interactive art shows as well as other surprises the Jeune Lune is keeping under lock and key until Dec. 31. thejeunelune.com
Music Mayhem
Hairball at Myth Nightclub
Coverband Hairball takes on the biggest rock legends of the ’80s (and their hair) to rock your New Year’s Eve with spandex, leather, and their outrageous personas. Get ready for a flashback with songs from artists like AC/DC, Whitesnake. Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, Poison, and more. hairballonline.com
Davina & The Vagabonds at the Dakota Jazz Club
Davina Sowers has made a name for herself by wowing crowds throughout the Midwest (and in Switzerland) with her retro style and a voice that marries the blues with a bit of twang. So if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle December 31, head to the Dakota Jazz Club to celebrate New Year’s Eve with Davina. Her sweet voice will transport you to another time and place. davinaandthevagabonds.com
