Now that the holidays are over, we grownups need an excuse to let loose. We don’t know this for certain, but we’re pretty sure that’s why New Year’s Eve was invented.
We rounded up eight shindigs to help you ring in the New Year. Since we want to limit late-night driving, all events are within an hour from Concord.
And this should go without saying (because we’re grownups and all) but please sip your champagne responsibly.
New Year’s Eve Buffet The Draft, 67 S. Main St.
Happenings: All-you-can-eat dinner buffet from 5 to 10 p.m., DJ and champagne toast.
Start time: 5 p.m.
Cost: No cover charge. $9.99 for the buffet.
Contact: 227-1175.
New Year’s Eve Party
Pit Road Lounge,
388 Loudon Road
Happenings: Live music provided by Code 3.
Start time: 9 p.m.
Cost: $15
Contact: 226-0533, myspace.com/pitroadlounge.
Barleyoke
The Barley House,
132 N. Main St.
Happenings: Karaoke and dance music in the B-lounge.
Start time: 9 p.m.
Cost: No cover charge.
Contact: 228-6363, thebarleyhouse.com
First Night
Downtown Portsmouth
Happenings: Fireworks, ice sculptures, music and more. By purchasing a First Night button, you’ll gain access to all indoor venues and support Pro Portsmouth Inc.
Driving time: 1 hour.
Start time: 4 p.m.
Cost: Buttons are $13 through Dec. 31, $20 on New Year’s Eve and $1 for children younger than 12.
Contact: 433-4398, proportsmouth.org
New Years Eve with Live Free or Die Laughing
Sheraton Harborside, 250 Market St., Portsmouth.
Happenings: Comedy show with Live Free or Die Laughing, h’douvres, dinner, dancing and champagne toast at midnight.
Driving time: 1 hour.
Start time: 7 p.m. Cost: $75.
Contact: livefreeordielaughing.com
Murder by Magic Dinner/ Dessert Theatre
Majestic Theatre, 281 Cartier St., Manchester
Happenings: Dinner/dessert theater.
Driving time: 30 min.
Start time: 7:30 p.m. for dinner seatings, 8:30 p.m. for dessert seatings.
Cost: $35 for dinner and show or $20 for dessert only and show.
Contact: 669-7469, majestictheatre.net.
New Year’s Eve Dance Party
Queen City Ballroom
21 Dow St., Manchester
Happenings: Semi-formal dance party. All dance levels and singles and couples welcome. Hors d’oeuvres, desserts and a champagne or sparkling cider toast included.
Driving time: 30 min.
Start time: 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $25.
Contact: 622-1500, queencityballroomnh.com.
New Year’s Eve Party Jillian’s Billiards
50 Phillippe Cote St., Manchester
Happenings: Prom-themed New Year’s Eve party with a balloon drop at midnight, raffles, party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. Prizes are given to best dressed couple, class clown and more.
Driving time: 30 min.
Start time: 9 p.m.
Cost: $10.
Contact: 626-7636, manchester.jbcent.com.