10 Places to Spend New Year’s Eve in Boston

Photo by efkjr79/Flickr

Now that the world has not come to an abrupt end and Christmas is over, where will you ring in the New Year? For those staying local but opting out of the house party scene, here are a few prime Boston bar and club venues to become reacquainted with cardboard hats, obnoxious-yet-necessary noisemakers, and of course, the bubbly. Bottoms up, 2013.

Ducali Pizzeria & Bar

If you’d rather do without the cocktail attire and fancy decorations, check out Ducali Pizzeria & Bar in the North End. Titled “A Low-Key NYE,” their celebration will feature a “champagne-style” choice of beer, Roman-style pizzas and nachos Italiano (pizza dough chips topped with cheese, peppers, salami, and tomato sauce), as well as sandwiches until midnight. The Times Square ball drop will be aired on big screens as guests socialize, drink, and eat like crazy before any sort of New Year health kick begins.

Dec. 31, reservations strongly suggested, Ducali Pizzeria & Bar, 289 Causeway St., Boston, 617-742-4144, ducalipizza.com

The Mandarin Oriental

Go all out for 2013 at The Mandarin Oriental, beginning with a five-course tasting menu at Asana provided by Executive Chef Rachel Klein. After an unforgettable meal, head to M Bar & Lounge to watch Boston Music Award R&B/Pop Artist of the Year winner Shea Rose perform and view Mykim Dang’s contemporary artwork, sure to make for an interesting backdrop. The overall Mandarin aesthetic will definitely make it hard to resist the glitz.

Dec. 31, Dinner: $148 at 7 p.m. or $158 at 9:30 p.m., Lounge VIP Seating $200 per table, Mandarin Oriental, 776 Boylston St., Boston, 617-535-8800, mandarinoriental.com/boston

Tavern in the Square

Ring in 2013 at Tavern in the Square at Porter Square, featuring a killer party that will include a complimentary buffet, decorations and noisemakers, and the resident DJ who will keep the dance floor alive, playing the latest hits. It may not be an extravagant club or hotel lounge, but it’s not your couch, either. Knock a few back and celebrate with close friends in one of the liveliest, coziest spots in Cambridge.

Tickets $20 (+ fees), appetizer buffet 9-10 p.m., DJ 10 p.m.-close, Tavern in the Square, Porter Square, 1815 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, 617-354-7766, taverninthesquare.com

Gypsy Bar

When there’s something to celebrate, when is Gypsy Bar not an option to consider? This NYE, don’t miss out on the chance to rock your shiniest and most sequin-adorned outfit of the year at this top Boston club. Enjoy complimentary party favors and a champagne toast, dance, mingle, and make the last night of 2012 one to remember.

Tickets $40 (+ fees), 9 p.m., Gypsy Bar, 116 Boylston St., Boston, 617-482-7799, facebook.com/gypsybar

Howl at the Moon

While seating and standing room packages are still (temporarily) available, plan on seeing great live entertainment at Howl at the Moon’s New Year’s party. “The Champagne Supernova” package buyers will enjoy a gourmet dinner, guaranteed reserved seating, a champagne toast, and party favors. For a bit less, “The Big Shot” package will include guaranteed entry but not seating, an appetizer buffet, a champagne toast, and party favors.

Tickets $100 Seating Package with entry from 6-8 p.m. and $75 Standing Package with entry from 8-10 p.m., $25 at door (if available), online tickets are standing only, Howl at the Moon, 184 High St., Boston, 617-292-4695, howlatthemoon.com

Umbria Prime

What will Umbria Prime have that other NYE venues may not? Five floors, two DJs, appetizers circling all night long, pizza on the first floor, and pasta and Italian pastry buffet on the second. On top of all that, there will be the classic midnight champagne toast and party favors to go around. Foodies, boozers, and dancers, and socialites—there’s something in it for all of you.

Tickets $125 (+ fees), 10 p.m.-2 a.m., Umbria Prime Ristorante, 295 Franklin St., Boston, 617-338-1000, umbriaprime.com

Temple 52

Celebrate the New Year Parisian style at Temple 52’s “New Year’s Eve in Paris.” Adorned with 18th century Italian marble, the place is called “Boston’s 3 million dollar room.” It is also decorated with luxurious marble floors, silk drapery, and a handwoven wood den. Tickets to the event include a buffet, DJ and dancing, photos, party favors, a champagne toast, and table service upon request.

Tickets $60 (+ fees) with buffet or $40 (+ fees) after 10 p.m. without buffet, until 2 a.m., Temple 52, 52 Temple Place, Boston, newyearsboston52temple-es2.eventbrite.com

Harbor Fireworks Cruise

For a less traditional way of welcoming 2013, consider hopping aboard Mass Bay Lines’ NYE three-hour harbor cruise, complete with a DJ, cash bar, noisemakers, appetizers, a champagne toast, and quite possible the best scenery in town. See fireworks at midnight (weather permitting) and dress in appropriate casual attire.

Tickets $50 (+ fees), boarding at 9:15 p.m., 10 p.m.-1 a.m., 60 Rowes Wharf, 617-542-8000, Boston, massbaylines.com/events

Atlantic Beer Garden

For a top beer list, delicious eats (chicken wings, macaroni and cheese balls, paninis, burgers, seafood, pastas, desserts, and more), complimentary appetizers from 8-10 p.m., a DJ and dancing, party favors, a champagne toast, and a view of the sea, head to Atlantic Beer Garden for NYE.

Tickets $40 (+ fees), 8 p.m.-2 a.m., Atlantic Beer Garden, 146 Seaport Blvd., Boston, 617-357-3000, atlanticbeergarden.com

Lolita Cocina & Tequila Bar

Titled “Glass Slippers are for the Good Girls,” the rebellious Cinderella-style NYE party at Lolita Cocina & Tequila Bar will include a prix fixe dinner compliments of Chef Brian Roche, and later some party rockin’ beats by DJ Mike Siagel. Staff will be appropriately clad in couture corsets and costumes, Avion Tequila will provide specialty cocktails, guests will top the night off with a midnight champagne toast thanks to Moet Chandon. Fresh appetizers will be passed throughout the evening, a lucky prize winner will go home with a pair of Christian Louboutin Bandita boots.

Tickets $55 (+ fees) for dinner and $50 (+ fees) for party ($75 after Christmas), 5 p.m.-2 a.m., Lolita Cocina & Tequila Bar, 271 Dartmouth St., Boston, 617-369-5609, lolitaboston.com