Top New Year's Eve Parties in Miami

Thanksgiving is just behind us, Christmas and Hanukkah are just around the corner and before you know, bam, fireworks will be bringing in the New Year. There are so many grand events going on all over the world but, since Miami is where I will be celebrating New Years Eve, I thought I would share the exciting celebrations which will be happening all over our tropical cities by the sea. Many venues await on the water and on the land, fireworks will explode as the massive Orange Ball drops to herald in the New Year. New York gets a crystal ball we get an Orange. Some are quite expensive and I wonder, with the economy the way it is, how these parties will be affected. It will be interesting to see if they are but if you have the money to spend, here are a few really exciting events taking place on that big night.

One of the most popular New Years Eve parties takes place on the Aqua Luxury Yacht, which is actually a double party in one. You start out on the Yacht with dinner, dancing and champagne toasts while fireworks soar above as you look at the magnificent skyline of Miami. Then the yacht docks at the entrance to the Voyage Ultra Lounge, so no driving is involved to continue your party. Admission is included to the club when you are a guest of the Champagne Fireworks Cruise. The yacht leaves from the Lounge where the happy hour begins at 6 pm, the ship begins boarding at 8:30 for the 10 pm departure.

The cost of all this is: $125 per person which includes champagne, h'ordeuves, 2 drinks, party favors and viewing the fireworks from the water as well as admission to the Voyage Ultra Lounge. The couple VIP package is $353 per person which includes a complete dinner for two and a bottle of champagne.

The Opium Garden is considered one of the hottest nightclubs on Miami Beach and is where some heavy duty celebrity sightings occur. New Years Eve will be not exception if that's of interest to you. For $200 a person celebrate at the open bar until midnight at the Garden and the club Prive. VIP table rates will be available which will include dinner. Party favors are included. Located at; 136 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach 305-531- 5535 for more information

The Skybar at the Shore Club Hotel is known for its celebrations and its always exciting venues, New Years Eve will certainly be no exception as they transform the setting into and oasis of music, style and lush surroundings. The party will take place around the pool and all the lounges and clubs on the premises. This is another place where celebrities are partying the night away. An open bar will be featured from 9 pm to 1 am with unlimited bottles of Moet Champagne and Grey Goose Vodka. Prices start at $200 a person. Located at : 1901 Collins Ave, Miami Beach

The Mansion on Miami Beach is noted for its New Years Eve bash. One year I was invited there as a guest and I couldn't believe my eyes at the mix of people there. Models, movie stars all celebrating the New Year in the opulent splendor of this famous Nightclub. Every year a new theme is evident and always very lavish. Located at 1235 Washington Ave, for more information about the venue and prices this year call 305- 532-4605.

(To tell you the truth though, it was bit to glam for me.)

Actually, most of the hotels on Ocean drive and Washington Avenue, from 17^th street North offer parties at their clubs and lounges, the Raleigh, the Sagamore, the Delano, and the Victor, just to name a few, are planning events that will bring in the New Year with fun and Art Deco Splendor. All will be vying for your New Years dollars and information can be found at the website: http://newyearseve.com/miami.php

A more centrally located spot for a gala night would be the Hilton Hotel on Blue Lagoon Drive, near the Airport but right beside the water of this lovely lagoon.

The international Ballroom is transformed and gaily decorated where the huge party is held which features open bars, a lavish buffet station or your choice of a multi-course dinner with Champagne and deluxe party favors. There will be a giant video screen showing celebrations around the world along with dancing and music to the laser light show. Though still quite costly, this celebration is a bit more reasonably priced then the others I've written about, starting at $95 a person. For music, dancing and the party with an open bar, arrival time at 11:00 pm. (no dinner), the price is $75.

For information call 306-661-8581.. located at Blue Lagoon Drive

For the whole family, the most popular event in the area, and has been for quite a few years, is the big countdown to Midnight at the Bayfront Park Amphitheater, in downtown Miami. Every year the crowd gathers to witness the dropping of the Big Orange which follows live performances of local talented bands and musicians. Food is sold by different ethnic vendors featuring tastes from around the world and the smells just make you even hungrier.After the Big Orange drops a huge fireworks display follows above Biscayne Bay.

This is truly fun and inexpensive way to spend this exciting New Years Eve celebration with family and friends and best of all, this one is free! 301 North Biscayne Blvd, Miami...305 358-7550

Best wishes to all for a very Happy New Year, and remember drink responsively.

There will be special transportation available all over town to get you home safely. One in particular is a company called Tow to go, they will come and tow you and your car home without cost..