5 New Year's Eve Ghost Tours and Haunted Places

If you're looking for something to do on New Year's Eve that doesn't involve beer pong and watching your acquaintances ringing in the New Year hovering over a toilet bowl, why not try out a ghost tour or an overnight getaway at a haunted hotel? Here are some haunted NYE events that you might want to check out.

1. New Year's Eve Full Moon Ghost Hunt: This Philadelphia, Pennsylvania event takes place at The Cornerstone Bed and Breakfast, a Victorian style building haunted by at least three different spirits, ghosts which will hopefully be very active during the 2009 NYE full moon. A ticket to the Ghost Hunt will include a three-hour exploration of the home led by The Ferrymen, a group of paranormal investigators, light appetizers and a midnight "Toast With a Ghost," and a discussion session with The Ferrymen about the night's investigations. With the Ghost Tour, a CD of previously recorded EVP's is complimentary. Ghost Tour tickets are $45 per person. If you would like to spend a night in one of the investigated rooms, that will cost you $120 extra (per night.) For availability and to reserve a space call (215) 413-7000.

2. Gettysburg Paranormal Association's New Year's Eve Event: Have you ever wondered if any of the soldiers who died during the Civil War at this famous place still roam the Earth? Here's your chance to find out, and the Gettysburg Paranormal Association is offering several packages for a haunted NYE, depending on how much you want to pay or how involved you want to be with the undead. Ghost tours of a haunted Civil War home, a battlefield, and a mystery location are available. A reception,champagne toast, and souvenirs from a ghost hunt are available. The most expensive package also includes an overnight stay in a haunted room with a cemetery view, breakfast, and a brief investigation with a paranormal expert. For specific package information, check out the website.

3. Chicago Hauntings New Year's Eve Event: Chicago Hauntings is said to be one of the best ghost tours in the United States. Their NYE event includes a tour of supernatural places, said to be the current haunts of Al Capone, Resurrection Mary, and a number of other spirits. After a tour, there will be a champagne toast at the Drake Theater, which is haunted by the ghost of a lady who jumped from the Drake's roof in 1920. For more information call 1-888-GHOST-91.

4. New Year's Eve Grand Ball, The Stanley Hotel: The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado is one of my favorite haunted places, and for more information on its history and ghosts, click here. For $125 per person you can attend a semi-formal event at The Stanley which includes a buffet, champagne toast, and live entertainment. While ghosts aren't on the flyer, I recommend booking a room and spending the night for a good chance of running into a specter or two. Call 970-577-4004 for reservations.

5. New Year's Eve at The Lemp Mansion: The Lemp Mansion in St. Louis, Missouri is the legacy of the Lemp Family's beer empire and has made quite a few of "America's Most Haunted" lists. The house was the site of several tragic Lemp family suicides. The Lemp now operates as a restaurant and hotel which often hosts Murder Mystery Dinner Theaters. On NYE the restaurant is hosting an event which includes a buffet, open bar, midnight toast, and entertainment. Tickets cost $65 per person and to make reservations call 314-664-8024.

Sources:
Chicago Hauntings
Gettysburg Paranormal Association
Ghost Tour of Historic Haunted Philadelphia Ghost Tour
The Lemp Mansion Restaurant and Inn
The Stanley Hotel