The Best New Years Eve Activities in Hartford County, CT

For those living in Hartford, CT and the nearby area, good New Year's Eve parties are hard to come by. Since New York is only a two hour drive away and Boston only a hour and a half, many choose to travel to these big cities to celebrate the new year. However, if you don't have the money to travel to these cities (it will be costly, especially hotel rooms!) there are some great things happening in the area you can take part in.

If you have children, a great activity is First Night Hartford, which is Hartford's premiere New Year's Eve party, a multicultural, artistically unique, alcohol-free New Year's experience with hundreds of professional musicians, artists, performance groups and exhibits. The magic starts at 2 p.m. on December 31 and continues through midnight. It's a fabulous New Year's experience for everyone. In order to participate in First Night Hartford, you will need a First Night Button. Once purchased, the button is your ticket to all First Night Hartford events.

This button can be purchased ahead of time at AAA (7 Locations), the The Bushnell Box Office, CT Transit Information Booth - State House Square location, Greater Hartford Welcome Center, Hartford Stage Box Office, Highland Park Markets (6 locations), Kindercare (11 locations), Old State House, Sovereign Bank, Westfarms Mall (only between Christmas and New Year's), Wild Oats Community Market - West Hartford, and On line at www.firstnighthartford.org. The day of the event you can purchase a button at Bushnell Park Carousel, Bushnell Theatre Box Office, Capital Community College, Hartford City Hall, Hartford Public Library, Hartford 21,

Hartford Stage Box Office, State House Square Food Court and The Wadsworth Athenaeum. Buttons are $15 for adults and $1 for kids under 15. The Prudential Comedy Club is hosting Dan Wilson and Brad Zimmerman, and for this performance they are taking people first-come first serve with a button (so there is a chance you won't get a seat!). To reserve a seat for sure, purchase a $10 VIP seat ticket through the Bushnell Box Office. Shows are at 6:30 pm, 8:30pm, and 10pm

Should you be an older couple with no children, or just want a fun evening away from the kids, the Sheraton Bradley has a great New Year's Eve package. Located in Windsor Locks, the hotel offers an overnight package for $329 plus tax per couple. This includes:

•Open bar from 7:30 PM to 1:00 AM
•Dinner at 8.30 PM
•Sheraton accommodations
•Complimentary Parking in the Sheraton Garage
•On New Year's Day a deluxe Brunch from 10.30AM to 2.00PM
•Late check out at 4.00PM

The Contra Dance Festival in West Hartford is at the West Hartford Town Hall from 6:30PM-12:30 AM. From 6:30 PM-7:45PM there is a Pot Luck Supper, and you are instructed to bring a dish and server. Then, from 8:00PM-8:30PM there is a Beginners Lesson and then from 8:30PM-12:30AM there is the NYE Dance With Toast At Midnight. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Bev Bernbaum is the caller and Notorious is the band providing the music.
Have a safe and happy New Year!