Anyone know of any good New Year's parties?

[Whack-a-Mole]

I always seem to leave this to the last minute and miss out on some fun things as a result. Some friends were recently asking so figured I'd ask here given this new, spiffy section of the SDMB!

Personally I am not interested in some over priced meal at a hotel for a "free" glass of champagne at midnight and a noise maker. That said though no need to limit your ideas. If it is a particularly nice hotel and spiffy noise maker feel free to mention it.

ETA: Oh yeah...FIRST! (well second but the Board admin doesn't count for this IMO)

[Cluricaun]

Well, you can come to my house.

[Valerieblaise]

For the past few years I've bundled up and gone down to Buckingham Fountain to watch the fireworks. It's pretty low-key - not THAT many people want to be outside in Chicago in the wintertime, and it's over just after midnight - but it's a good time.

Of course, if the weather is REALLY bad, they cancel it - so that's something to look out for.