You likely already know where you’ll be counting down to 2016, but, just in case, we wanted you to know about all of the awesome parties happening around the Tri-State this year.
And, if you plan on staying in to eat dinner, watch movies and/or play games from the comfort of your living room, we have a few ideas for you, too, so be sure to keep reading!
Kentucky
BB Riverboats New Year’s Eve Cruise
- Where: Newport dock, Ohio River
- When: Boarding begins at 8 p.m., and the cruise will sail from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
- What: Your ticket includes a 3-entree buffet, entertainment, a glass of champagne at midnight, late night snack buffet and party favors.
20th New Year’s Eve Celebration
- Where: The Newport Syndicate
- When: Thursday, Dec. 31, 2015, 7 p.m.
- What: Enjoy live music from the Rusty Griswold’s and dueling piano players from Gangsters Dueling Piano Bar, signature buffets, access to seven bars and a champagne toast at midnight.
- Where: The Madison Event Center
- When: Doors open at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 31.
- What: Come dressed to impress and enjoy a buffet dinner made by the in-house chef plus three floors of entertainment by Maize Music. A breakfast buffet will also be provided to top off the evening.
- Where: The Radisson Hotel Cincinnati Riverfront
- When: DJ will begin at 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 31 (music until 1 a.m., Friday, Jan. 1)
- What: Package includes party favors, a $50 gift certificate to use at the 360 Restaurant, balloon drop and champagne toast at midnight, and breakfast for two in Kelly’s Public house.
- Where: Funny Bone at Newport on the Levee
- When: Shows at 7, 8, 9:45 and 10:30 p.m.
- What: Come enjoy comedian Guy Torry and stay for the food and drink specials. Bar Louie at Newport on the Levee will also have a party that evening, if you are looking for somewhere to head after your show time.
Newport on the Levee is also home to Gameworks and Axis Alley, both of which have New Year’s Eve specials. For $49.99, Gameworks is offering a a family 4-pack, which includes one large 1-topping pizza, four all-night video game cards and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. Axis Alley is hosting a 21+ event that begins at 9 p.m. Enjoy three hours of bowling, shoe rental, appetizers, three well drinks per person and party favors for $65.
Ohio
Huntington Bank New Year’s Eve Blast
- Where: Fountain Square
- When: Starts at 8 p.m. on Dec. 31, 2015; ends on Jan. 1, 2016 at 1 a.m.
- What: This annual party promises dancing, Eli’s BBQ, as well as other food vendors surrounding the Square and goofy games on the stage every half hour. The ice rink will also be open. (Normal admission and rental fees apply.) As the clock strikes midnight, enjoy Rozzi’s Famous Fireworks.
Fly Me To The Moon New Year’s Eve Concert
- Where: Music Hall
- When: Thursday, Dec. 31, 2015 at 8 p.m.
- What: The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra will ring in the new year with music celebrating Frank Sinatra’s 100th birthday.
First Midnight New Year’s Eve Party
- Where: The Horseshoe Casino
- When: Dec. 31, 10 p.m. – 2 a.m.
- What: One $50 general admission ticket includes: Three drink tickets plus a glass of champagne at midnight.
New Year’s Eve Dinner and Beer Pairing
- Where: Fifty West Brewing Company
- When: 6 – 9 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 31, 2015
- What: This four-course dinner will include a special beer pairing for each course.
Cincinnati Cyclones’ NYE Fireworks
- Where: U.S. Bank Arena
- When: Game starts at 6 p.m. with indoor fireworks to follow
- What: Doors open at 5 and the puck drops at 6 with indoor fireworks, presented by The Plastic Surgery Group, to follow.
International New Year’s Celebration
- Where: Cincinnati Museum Center
- When: Thursday, Dec. 31, 2015, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- What: Ring in the New Year with countries around the world, starting with Australia at 11 a.m. As you travel the world, you’ll get your passport stamped and have the chance to learn about each different country’s unique culture with music, games and crafts.
Family New Year’s Eve Celebration
- Where: Woodland Mound, Seasongood Nature Center
- When: Thursday, Dec. 31, 2015, 4 – 7 p.m.
- What: Your family will love live animal programs and entertainment by John Louis of On the Edge of Illusion. The great New Year’s ball will drop at 7 p.m. (so little ones can get to bed) while the Boylan Family Band plays. U-Lucky Dawg hot dog food truck will also be on hand with delicious dinner options for an additional fee.
- Where: Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden
- When: The PNC Festival of Lights is open until Jan. 2., 5 – 9 p.m.
- What: Happy Zoo Year activities will include a puppet show at 8:30 p.m., a meet and greet with Father Time and Baby ZOO Year and fireworks presented by Rozzi Fireworks for an EARLY (8:55 p.m.) celebration and countdown.
Thanks for reading down this far. As promised, here are a few unique ideas for those planning to watch the ball drop from their couch:
With kids
- Netflix is offering six separate on-demand coutdowns so your little ones can still experience the festivity of waiting until midnight without upsetting their routine.
- Make a time capsule each year with your kids. You can find printable questionnaires on Pinterest to help you get started. They will enjoy looking back at how much they’ve grown as much as, if not more than, you will.
- Help kids think of and write down resolutions. If you and/or your spouse also create and stick to resolutions, you can help teach your kids how to set goals and achieve them. It’s an added bonus if their resolutions will help them and you live healthier, happier lives.
- Mix up mocktails or bright punch they can toast with or skip the toast altogether and dunk cookies in some milk instead.
- Inspire their creativity by setting up sundae, hot chocolate or popcorn bars for a festive atmosphere. They will love all of the fancy options for some of their favorite treats.
Without kids
- Help your spouse cook a fabulous New Year’s meal with these recipes from Taste of Home. Many cultures prepare a special dish that is considered lucky, like black-eyed peas, for the New Year.
- Come up with resolutions together and game plans for sticking to them. (Use this goal sheet if you need help getting started.) If your resolutions include saving more money or purchasing something (like a gym membership), spend some time creating a new 2016 budget.
- Invite over a couple of friends and play board games or come up with your own quiz about things that happened in 2015 to test your friends’ pop culture knowledge.
- Along this same vein, you could download a questionnaire that helps you and your guests reflect on the year. For added fun, be sure you do the same questions each year. After ten years, have everyone go back to read their answers.
- For other printable games, like Bingo, visit One Good Thing by Jillee.
