Whether you want to enjoy a sumptuous meal, dance the night away, view midnight fireworks or just spend a quiet evening at home with the family this New Year's Eve, here's a guide to what's going on in Western Massachusetts next week.
Confetti is seen falling over revelers in New York's Times Square as the clock struck midnight during the annual New Year's Eve celebration.
Whether you want to enjoy a sumptuous meal, dance the night away, view midnight fireworks or just spend a quiet evening at home with the family this New Year's Eve, here's a guide to what's going on in Western Massachusetts for the occasion.
Welcome 2013: New Year's Eve events
It all begins on Monday with the area’s longest-running First Night in Northampton, where for the 28th time the city will play host to a 12-hour, family-friendly festival of the arts that includes an unending lineup of entertainment presented by hundreds of talented performers at 20 downtown venues.
Chez Josef, Delaney House, Sheraton among area venues gearing up for New Year's celebrations
“It’s the last meal of the year and first meal of the New Year. It has to be outstanding because it sets the bar for the rest of the year,” said Marc Sparks, general manager of Agawam’s Chez Josef.
Hugh Robert has more restaurant options for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day dining.
Hardwick Winery hosts a New Year's Eve party for its 10th anniversary, with a chocolate dessert buffet, DJ, dancing, cash bar and midnight champagne toast. Tickets are $20 and reservations are recommended. The party kicks off at 8 p.m. Hardwick Winery is at 3305 Greenwich Rd, Hardwick. 413-967-7763, hardwickwinery.com.
Queer Queens of Qomedy coming to Calvin Theatre on New Year's Eve
It’s comedy spelled with a “Q” when the Queer Queens of Qomedy hosted by popular lesbian comedian Poppy Champlin head to the Calvin Theatre in Northampton for a New Year’s Eve filled with outrageous yucks from the mouths of some of the country’s best lesbian comics.
New Year's Eve party to celebrate 150th anniversary of Emancipation Proclamation
Tickets are available for a New Year’s Eve party in Springfield that will celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation with food, dancing and a champagne toast.
First Night activities to usher in Wilbraham's 250th anniversary
The town will usher in its 250th birthday celebration on New Year’s Eve with First Night activities. Events start at 3 p.m. with activities for children throughout the town and will end with a bang, with fireworks.
From the Western Mass. Economic Development Council: 5 reasons to celebrate New Year's Eve at the Log Cabin/ Delaney House
The Log Cabin hosts a dinner and dance party on New Year's Eve, followed by brunch at the Delaney House the next day.
For more New Year's events, check our event calendar.
Celebrating at Home
A toast for Champagne, a drink for all seasons and many foods, including popcorn
Champagne and sparkling wine recommendations from The Republican's Ken Ross.
Beer Nut: Let beer ring in 2013
Beer recommendations for your celebration, by columnist George Lenker.
Raclette: Fondue minus cliches and '70s flashbacks
Raclette is the perfect party food. Like fondue, it's all about melting cheese. The biggest difference is that raclette (the name of both the cheese used and the overall dish) is grilled or broiled, rather than cooked in a pot.
Simple recipes for sensational entertaining: Buttermilk ricotta cheese dip, homemade crackers
If you really want to put people over the edge, consider pairing these homemade crackers with homemade ricotta cheese dip.
Planning a kid-friendly New Year's Eve
New Year's is not just for adults. A small party is doable and relaxing; think about inviting extended family or close friends and their children.