New Year’s Eve Guide - Even more New Year’s Eve events

A BLUEGRASS KINDA NEW YEAR BASH Tired of the club scene? Want a good ol’ Georgia-grown New Year’s celebration? Then strap on your boots for local bluegrass groups the Packway Handle Band, the Little Country Giants and the Barn Rats. Dec. 31, 8:30 p.m. $25. Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur. 404-377-4976. www.eddiesattic.com.

BAND OF HORSES Much like last year, Band of Horses will help Atlanta in to the New Year. Unlike every other band, however, they believe this is a job that requires more than one night. Enjoy the band’s Southern-tinged indie rock both New Year’s Eve and the night before. Dec. 30, 9 p.m.; Dec. 31, 10 p.m. Sold out. Variety Playhouse, 1099 Euclid Ave. 404-524-7354. www.variety-playhouse.com.

BILL GENTRY & THE LOST TRAILERS Dec. 31, 9:30 p.m. $20. Wild Bill’s, 2075 Market St., Duluth. 678-473-1000.

CHICK-FIL-A BOWL AND PARADE Starting at 12:30 p.m., colorful balloons, classic cars, massive floats, team mascots and marching bands will parade down Peachtree Street, making their way toward the Georgia World Congress Center. Following the parade, the annual bowl game is up for another year at the Dome. Georgia Tech’s Yellow Jackets — who will face the LSU Tigers — snatched a place in the bowl for the first time since 2000! Game: Dec. 31, 7:30 p.m. $60-$100. 1 Georgia Dome Drive. 404-223-4636. www.chick-fil-abowl.com.

CIRQUE DREAMS JUNGLE TOUR An international cast of more than 25 high flyers, spine benders, jugglers, acrobats and musicians bring to life this dramatic examination of nature through a blend of European artistry and Broadway theatrics. Dec. 31, 1 and 8 p.m. $15-$53. Cobb Energy Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway. 404-817-8700. www.cobbenergycentre.com.

COL. BRUCE HAMPTON AND THE QUARK ALLIANCE Dive into the surrealist tunes of Col. Bruce — featuring saxophone, slide guitar, trombone, brass and “chazoid,” a dwarf guitar of sorts. These veterans of improvisation should make for an interesting show. Dec. 31, 8 p.m. $20 plus two canned goods. Smith’s Olde Bar, 1578 Piedmont Ave. 404-875-1522. www.smithsoldebar.com.

DELICIOUS Renew your love for slammin’ guitar solos, ultra tight pants and huge hair at Atlanta’s favorite college bar. Delicious, formerly of rock cover kings the Velcro Pygmies, helps you ring in the New Year with a live performance. Dec. 31, 10 p.m. $20. Peachtree Tavern, 3179 Peachtree Road. 404-842-1700. www.peachtreetavern.com.

DEREK TRUCKS & SUSAN TEDESCHI SOUL STEW REVIVAL Derek Trucks has experienced enough of the stages that stardom has to offer to be considered a bona fide guitar luminary. Richly steeped in the blues and that ol’-timey rock ‘n’ roll, Trucks is a proper Southern segue into 2009. Dec. 31, 9 p.m. $35-$45. Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St. 404-881-2100. www.ticketmaster.com.

ENTROPY One of the few funk groups out there that isn’t headed down a natural path of destruction, Entropy rings in the new year on the skirt’s hem of the EAV with special guests Soulphonics and 16 Bars Hip-Hop Orchestra. Dec. 31, 9 p.m. $15-$20. East Atlanta Icehouse, 543 Flat Shoals Ave. 404-577-2073. www.eastatlantaicehouse.com.

EVE OF A NEW YEAR Think regular end-of-the-year nostalgia but made better by the requisite good times you’ll have laughing, singing and celebrating with your friends and family at the Punchline. Dec. 31, 6, 8 and 10 p.m. $25-$50. 280 Hilderbrand Drive. 404-252-5233. www.punchline.com.

HOLIDAY IN LIGHTS Celebrate the tradition of glowing light bulbs all over Centennial Park again this year. Back for the 10th time, improvements include new displays of ocular greatness and the return of the city’s only outdoor ice rink. Sponsored by Hands on Atlanta and made possible by a large volunteer effort. Dec. 31, 7 a.m.-11 p.m. Free. 285 International Blvd. 404-222-7275. www.centennialpark.com.

HOT WATER MUSIC Hot Water Music’s done more than put out several good albums since forming in the early ’90s. Its influence on the post-hardcore scene is insurmountable and certainly more than well-deserved. The band’s since broken up, but the “reunion” gears are slowly turning and have brought them to the doorstep of the Masquerade. Dec. 31, 8 p.m. $18. 695 North Ave. 404-577-8178. www.ticketmaster.com.

NUT CROAKER BALLET A fun Southern twist on the classic tale, Agatha’s does a little death dance with its performance of “The Peanutcracker.” Names like Twinkletoes, Mother Gingersnaps and the Sugar Rush Fairy encourage a mysterious reconsideration of the play. Stars Emily Turner, Emilio Perey, Katie Kneeland and Ryan Girard. Dec. 31, 7:30 p.m. $62.50. 161 Peachtree Center Ave. 404-584-2255. www.agathas.com.

OF MONTREAL A visually delightful and aurally uplifting concert is the desired rider for any concert attendee. For such a concert to celebrate the last night of ‘08 — well, all we can say is that the 40 Watt could not have picked a better candidate than Kevin Barnes and his parade of off-kilter pop. Dec. 30-31, 9 p.m. Sold out. 285 W. Washington St., Athens. 706-353-1666. www.40watt.com.

PEACH DROP NYC has its ball, Atlanta has its Peach. Whether you’re witnessing it drop from the tube, the top of your building or in the heart of Five Points, you’ll see a great show packed full of entertainers, including “Dancing with the Stars’” Julianne Hough. Dec. 31, 6 p.m. Free. Underground Atlanta, 50 Upper Alabama St. 404-523-2311. www.peachdrop.com.

THE SANTALAND DIARIES Commiserate with Crumpet the elf as this hilarious story by David Sedaris is staged for the 10th year in a row. Directed by Jeff Adler. 8 p.m. $20-$100. Horizon Theatre, 1083 Austin Ave. 404-584-7450. www.horizontheatre.com.

STS9 There are a few fine shows happening on New Year’s Eve, and the Tabernacle seems to have booked the right band for those who’d rather groove than, let’s say, stand idly with their arms folded at chest level. Sound Tribe Sector 9 instrumentals will touch on enough ethereally rhythmic levels to satisfy. Dec. 28, 7 p.m.; Dec. 29-31, 8 p.m. $33-$67.50. 152 Luckie St. 404-659-9022. www.ticketmaster.com.

TOM SIMMONS Pay homage to 2008 by reviewing its silliest moments with a Funny Farm favorite. Simmons will perform two shows — the latter comes with party favors and a champagne toast. Dec. 31, 8 and 10:30 p.m. $25-$45. 608 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell. 770-817-4242. www.funnyfarmcomedyclub.com.

WHOLE WORLD MUSICAL: A NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION Performance by Main Stage cast featuring prizes, a light dessert bar and a champagne toast at midnight. Dec. 31, 10 p.m. $50-$89. Whole World Theatre, 1216 Spring St. 404-817-0880. www.wholeworldtheatre.com.

Party

2009 NEW YEAR’S EVE EXTRAVAGANZA Party with 2,000 of your closest friends. Take a thrifty approach with general admission or splurge on an “all-inclusive ticket,” which covers drinks, gourmet dinner, a complimentary champagne toast and line-cutting privileges. DJ Kemit and Q-100 DJ Mike B will be spinning all night. Dec. 31, 8 p.m. $40-$250. Opera, 1150-B Peachtree St. 404-874-0428. www.operaatlanta.com.

AFTER MIDNIGHT: A WATCH NIGHT WORSHIP CELEBRATION Live music, comedy and activities for children. Dec. 31, 10 p.m.-2:30 a.m. Free. Ebenezer Baptist Church, 407 Auburn Ave. 404-688-7300. www.historicebenezer.org.

ANNUAL NYE BLOCK PARTY Dec. 31. Free. Lava, 57 13th St. 404-873-4202.

COUNTDOWN ATLANTA With a promise to deliver the “best” in late-night partying, Countdown Atlanta presents world-class DJs and excessive cash bars spread throughout four designated party areas. VIP ticket holders get free drinks while the rest of the crowd will have to settle for a lonely glass of free champagne. Hosted by 95.5 the Beat and sponsored by TRAC 1 Entertainment. Dec. 31, 9 p.m. $60-$200. Woodruff Arts Center, 1280 Peachtree St. 866-468-7630. www.countdownatlanta.com.

DOWNTOWN COUNTDOWN Looking for a hottie to kiss at midnight? You may find him or her in one of three VIP lounges or the new “Bowl Game Room,” which highlights the night’s bowl games on large-screen TVs. Cracker and Young MC headline. Dec. 31, 8:30 p.m. $109-$275. Hyatt Regency Atlanta, 265 Peachtree St. 404-577-1234. www.downtowncountdown.net.

GAINEVILLE’S CHICKEN DROP NEW YEAR’S EVE BASH Dec. 31, 8 p.m. $50-$180. Gainesville Civic Center, 830 Green St., Gainesville. 770-531-2349; 770-538-0029. www.jbjams.com.

JEZOLUTION Dancing, multiple live acts, open bars, party favors and breakfast served till 2 a.m. Can we say brinner (breakfast for dinner)? The Justin Band and DJ Stefan Mayer will entertain until 3 a.m. Dec. 31, 8 p.m. $159-$234. Grand Hyatt Atlanta, 3300 Peachtree Road. 404-237-1234. www.jezebelmagazine.com.

LAWRENCEVILLE RINGS Family-friendly New Year’s celebration with fireworks, magic shows and live music. Dec. 31, 7 p.m. Free. Historic Downtown Lawrenceville.

MIDNIGHT MAYHEM Shiny and sleek both describe Aja, a brand-new restaurant and lounge in Buckhead. After an unfortunate fire at the Buckhead Ballroom — the party’s previous location — it’s moved down the street. Not only will there be two bars and a DJ rolling out the music well into next year, but a dim sum a la carte menu will be available. Dec. 31, 8 p.m. $20-$100. Aja Restaurant & Bar, 3500 Lenox Road, Suite 100. 404-231-0001. www.tap-atl.com.

NEW YEAR’S EVE With Ray Mariner of Star 94 and a Journey tribute band. Features a midnight countdown and balloon drop with cash and prizes. Dec. 31, 8 p.m. $40. The Bar at East Andrews, 56 East Andrews #10. 404-869-1132.

NEW YEAR’S EVE AT ENO Featuring a four-course dinner; wines priced separately. Also, a complimentary champagne toast and noisemakers will be offered at midnight. Reservations suggested. Dec. 31. $75 and up. ENO-European-Mediterranean Quality of Life, 800 Peachtree St. 404-685-3191. www.enorestaurant.com.

NEW YEAR’S EVE BASH Join Noot d’ Noot, Judi Chicago and Fringe Factory DJs Vikki V and Susie Q at the Highland Inn. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: Highland Inn offers the best lounge in Atlanta. Dec. 31, 9 p.m. $8. Highland Inn Ballroom Lounge, 644 N. Highland Ave. 404-874-5756. www.thehighlandinn.com.

NEW YEAR’S EVE BURNING BOWL SERVICE Dec. 31, 6:30 p.m. Free. Unity North Atlanta Church, 4255 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta. 678-819-9100. www.unitynorth.org. 

NEW YEAR’S EVE CONTRA DANCE Dec. 31, 8 p.m. $15. CCD Facility, 1700 Piedmont Ave. 404-274-4365. www.contradance.org.

THE NEW YEAR’S EVE INTERGALACTIC JETSETTERS LUAU Dec. 31, 8 p.m. $10-$415. Trader Vic’s, Hilton Atlanta 255 Courtland St. 404-221-6339. www.tradervicsatlanta.com.

A NEW YEAR’S EVE GALA Benefits CHRIS Kids Inc., which provides counseling, support and housing for abused and neglected children. Dec. 31, 6:30 and 9:30 p.m. $150. Olympia Prime, 133 Peachtree St. 404-593-2588. www.olympiaprime.com.

NEW YEAR’S COUNTDOWN 2009 AT LOCA LUNA Features DJs, live music by Macuba and a midnight champagne toast. Dec. 31. $20. Loca Luna, 550 Amsterdam Ave. 404-875-4494. www.loca-luna.com.

NEW YEAR’S EVE MORNING WORLD HEALING MEDITATION SERVICE Dec. 31, 7 p.m. Free. Unity North Atlanta Church, 4255 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta. 678-819-9100. www.unitynorth.org.

NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY East Atlanta’s Midway Pub is brand spankin’ new and ready to rock your socks. Midway is going all the way, cranking out cool tunes, prizes and specialty shots every 30 minutes till the ball drops. Try to stay conscious for the champagne toast at midnight ... if there’s anything left to drink. And of course, Midway’s menu will be available for ravenous drinkers and diners alike. Dec. 31, 8 p.m. 552 Flat Shoals Road. 404-584-0335. www.themidwaypub.com.

NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY Dec. 31, 8 p.m. $5. Unity North Atlanta Church, 4255 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta. 678-819-9100. www.unitynorth.org.

NEW YEAR’S PARTY: ATLAS SOUND, DJ SWILL Dec. 31, 9 p.m. $15. The Drunken Unicorn, 736 Ponce de Leon Ave. www.thedrunkenunicorn.net.

NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY W/ CAZANOVAS! Dec. 31, 9 p.m. $10. Darwin’s, 1598 Roswell Road, Marietta. 770-578-6872. www.darwinsblues.com.

NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY WITH NEW YEAR’S NATION Dec. 31. Toungue & Groove NightClub, 2420 Piedmont Road. 404-261-2325. www.tandgonline.com.

NEW YEAR’S EVE ROOM FOR HIRE Dec. 31, 8 p.m. Free. Red Light Cafe, 553 Amsterdam Ave. 404-874-7828. www.redlightcafe.com.

NO STRESS NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY Who are you gonna kiss? Dec. 31, 7 p.m.-3 a.m. $30. Shout, 1197 Peachtree St. 404-846-2000. www.heretoserverestaurants.com.

NYE: DEXTER ROMWEBER DUO Dec. 31, 10:30 p.m.; Fri., Jan. 2, 1 a.m. Twain’s Billiards and Tap, 211 E. Trinity Place, Decatur. 404-373-0063. www.twains.net.

NYE IN THE ATL With ’80s funk and ’90s reggae playing all night, there’s nothing this party can’t cure. You can drink and flirt while enjoying a performance from Ken Ford. Let’s not forget the midnight breakfast buffet and the ATL House of Comedy Jam Live. Dec. 31, 6 p.m. $50-$330. Westin Atlanta Perimeter North, 7 Concourse Parkway. 904-562-6797. www.nye2009.eventbrite.com.

SINGLES NEW YEAR’S EVE DANCE Light buffet, door prizes and dancing. Dec. 31, 7 p.m. $25. Dave & Buster’s Marietta, 2215 D&B Drive. 770-951-5554.

SINGLES NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY Singles and dating couples welcome. Cash bar. Dec. 31, 8 p.m.-1 a.m. $30. Holiday Inn Select, 4386 Chamblee Dunwoody Road. 770-457-6363.

SPECIAL WATCH NIGHT SERVICE Child care will be provided. Dec. 31, 10 p.m. Free. The Body of Christ Church International, 3650 Flat Shoals Road, College Park. 404-763-1700.

SPIRAL’S NYE 2009 Boasts 30-plus stocked bars and two elegant ballrooms. While sipping on a cosmo and waiting for the clock to strike midnight, groove to the sounds of Yacht Rock Revue. Dec. 31, 9 p.m. $50-$100. Biltmore, 817 W. Peachtree St., Suite 210. 404-962-8700. www.spiralentertainment.com.

SWEET 70S SOUL New Year’s Eve party. Dec. 31. Holiday Inn, 2001 Clearview Ave.

URBANSOUL Not for the young at heart, but the grown and sexy. Free cake bar and parking. What more could you ask for? The event also includes two DJs and a cash drop that may prove profitable for one very lucky party-goer. Dec. 31, 9 p.m. $40. Marriott Perimeter, 246 Perimeter Center Parkway. 1-866-824-8212. www.urban-soul.com.

Eat

ALON’S Both locations will prepare New Year’s Eve takeout, from desserts to champagne. Dec. 31. Virginia-Highland: 1394 N. Highland Ave. 404-872-6000. Dunwoody: 4505 Ashford Dunwoody Road. 678-397-1781. www.alons.com.

ARIA Offering a four-course NYE dinner with vino to match. Reservations required. Dec. 31. $85-$125. 490 E. Paces Ferry Road. 404-233-7673. www.aria-atl.com.

IBIZA Guests will receive a complimentary glass of sangria and special appetizers, followed by seven courses of tapas. Seating begins at 7 p.m., with belly dancing and DJ AMIX at 9:30 p.m. A free hookah for reservations of 10 or more. Reservations required. Dec. 31. $65. 2285 Peachtree Road, Suite 100. 404-352-3081. www.ibizarestaurantlounge.com.

IMPERIAL FEZ 6 p.m. seating includes five-course dinner and a traditional belly dancing show. 9 p.m. seating includes five courses, belly dancing, a DJ and party favors with champagne at midnight. Kids welcome. Reservations required. Dec. 31. $65-$85. 2285 Peachtree Road. 404-351-0870. www.imperialfez.com.

JOËL Chef Cyrille Holota presents a six-course holiday menu with wine pairings from the reserve list. Reservations required. Dec. 31. $110; wine pairings, $45-$75. 3290 Northside Parkway. 404-233-3500. www.joelrestaurant.com.

JUSTIN’S Live jazz, wine and four courses of soul food topped off with a champagne toast at midnight. Dec. 31. $85, $110 with wine. 2200 Peachtree Road. 404-603-5353. www.justinsrestaurant.com.

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MEDIEVAL TIMES New Year’s Eve package includes pre-show munchies, a Museum of Torture tour, a two-hour jousting match and a four-course dinner with party to follow. Dec. 31, 9:45 p.m. $35.95-$70.95. 5900 Sugarloaf Parkway, Lawrenceville. 866-543-9637. www.medievaltimes.com.

PARISH FOODS & GOODS Can’t afford to bask in the Big Easy for the new year? Parish offers its unorthodox Cajun cuisine, along with specials including veal chops and jumbo shrimp. Clink your glasses for a midnight toast. Dec. 31. Prices vary. 240 N. Highland Ave. 404-681-4434. www.parishatl.com.

QUINONES ROOM Chef Andy Carson serves up nine courses composed entirely of organic and local ingredients with skillful wine pairings. Reservations required. Dec. 31. $150-$225. 1198 Howell Mill Road. 404-365-0410. www.starprovisions.com.

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RATHBUN’S Five-course prix-fixe menu. Menu items are the guest’s choice and select plates are a la carte. Reservations strongly recommended. Dec. 31, 5:30 p.m. $85. 112 Krog St. 404-524-8280. www.rathbunsrestaurant.com.

SPICE MARKET The W Atlanta Midtown restaurant offers two dinner seatings followed by celebratory drinks at Whiskey Park. Guests with a room receive a special New Year’s breakfast the morning after. Reservations required. Dec. 31. Prices vary. 188 14th St. 404-549-5450. www.spicemarketatlanta.com.

TAP Start the new year off right with half-priced specials on food and, of course, drinks. Includes a live DJ, a balloon drop and the best part of New Year’s Eve: annoying noisemakers and glittery hats. Dec. 31. Brunch: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Dinner: 5-11 p.m. 1180 Peachtree St. 404-347-2220. www.tapat1180.com.

TROIS In the main dining room, guests can choose between a three-course, prix-fixe meal or order a la carte. The event space offers a five-course dinner. The bar will stay open until 2 a.m. with cocktails by Eric Simpkins. Champagne toast at midnight. Dec. 31. $35-$65. 1180 Peachtree St. 404-815-3337. www.trois3.com.

TWO URBAN LICKS Celebrate 2009 with live jazz and good eats until 1 a.m. While you’re at it, bring those out-of-towners. Creative Loafing named this Concentrics-revamped warehouse Best Place to Take Visitors in 2007. Dec. 31. 820 Ralph McGill Blvd. 404-522-4622. www.twourbanlicks.com.