New Year's Eve Events Around Columbus, Ohio

First Night Columbus - If you live in or around Columbus, this is the most advertised and known "event" in the city for New Years Eve. What is it? They have tons of music and performing artists, but absolutely No Alcohol. This allows families the opportunity to have fun together and not worry about drunkenness.

-What is going on for this year: Entertainment has not been released as of yet. They will be having a Teen Idol Dance Party at Veteran's memorial from 8 pm until 11:15 pm.
-Where is it? Downtown Columbus.
-When? December 31st from 4:30 pm until midnight.
For more information, you can call (614) 481-0020.
If you would like to see an online brochure of the layout of the events, you can visit their website at: http://firstnightcolumbus.com/images/05_event_map.gif

Arena District's Rockin' Eve - This is also a popular event around Columbus. This is an outdoor party and usually features a local band while displaying ABC's Rockin' Eve Live from New York on a big screen. Last year they also let off a "fireworks extravaganza". All ages are welcome, but it is normally sponsored by Budweiser. Last year the admission was $5, which should be approximately the same for this year. There are bars in the area, so drinking is permitted in the bar areas.
-What time will it happen? Look for it to begin around 9 pm, just like last year and run until around 1 am.
-Where? Downtown Columbus in the arena district. Battelle Plaza at the corner of Nationwide Blvd and Front St.

For more information you can call (614) 857-2330.

Cherry Valley Lodge New Years Eve Package - Newark, OH. Package includes 4 passes to Coco Key and 2 adult passes to the adult 21 and older party. They will have a DJ so you can dance the night away. Plus drinking is allowed so there will be a cash bar as well. They will also have snacks, a champagne toast, and even party hats and favors.
-How much is it? $369 including tax.
-What do you get? Overnight accommodations so you don't have to worry about a ride home, the passes mentioned above, the entertainment for the adults, a late check out time of around 4 pm, and they normally offer a really nice new years day breakfast buffet (if you can stomach the thought of food at that point). FYI: the celebration is pretty casual, but dress as you like. -Where are they located? 2299 Cherry Valley Rd. Newark, OH

For more information or reservations call (740) 788-1200 or go to their website at: http://cherryvalleylodge.com/

Those were the top 3 events that are going to be taking place around Columbus for New Years 2006. There are a couple additional ideas, but they have not really released enough information to pass them on as of yet.

Last year the Aladdin Shrine Center on 3850 Stelzer Rd in Columbus held a celebration and dinner. The attire was formal or dark suit required. General admission for last year's event was $75 per person and Shriners and guests were only $45 per person. They have it marked on their calendar of events for this year, but no additional information is available at this time. Feel free to contact them about reservations or for more information at (614) 475-2609 Ext-23.

Also, the Shadowbox Cabaret at Easton Towne Center hosted a New Year's Eve party last year that they supposedly hold every year. Last year they had music, dancing, a full-scale buffet, champagne toast, cash bar, and party favors. The price last year was $60 per person and included the entertainment and the buffet. There are only so many openings for the buffet, so call ahead for reservations. You can contact them at (614) 416-ROCK.

If all else fails, there are tons of bars around the city and downtown as well. And if need be, you can always head downtown to campus at the Ohio State University, which is swimming with bars and parties all times of the year.