8 Great New Year’s Eve Parties

A New Year is dawning and Rhode Island is bursting with energetic festivities to welcome in 2012. Leading the way is Bright Night, our own extravaganza of arts and performance that's alcohol free and great for all ages. Want something a bit more... adult? We've got it right here with this eight-pack of hot celebration.

New Year's Eve Masquerade Ball, Providence

This is about "celebrity-ating" the New Year, and this big party takes place in the RI Convention Center ballroom and features Santa Mamba (one of the hottest bands in Providence), 3 DJ's, a Masquerade Ball Fashion show featuring iWink Clothing, passed hors d'oeuvres, 6 different bar stations pouring drinks all night long, a complimentary champagne toast at midnight, appearances by New England Patriots Troy Brown and Patrick Pass, and hosting by none other than Buddy Cianci. Tickets are $60, and there are numerous packages with VIP add-ons as well as brunch at Centro and overnights at the Westin. The party kicks off at 8pm. To get the whole scoop on tickets and more, go to www.worldpartyent.com. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Gloria Gemma Foundation.

The Roots, Providence

Feeling jazzy this New Year’s? Then ring in the New Year with Roots! Enjoy an elegant evening of jazz, blues, champagne, and hors d’oeuvres. Bring that special someone or find them this New Year’s Eve in the red hot sultry, soulful air of Sweet P., and Funky 2 Step, featuring Leatta Barrett. Live music starts at 9 p.m. The Roots Cultural Center, 276 Westminster Street, Providence. Tickets are $25 includes hors d'oeuvres & Champagne toast. Doors open at 8 p.m. To reserve your ticket: call 272-7422 or email [email protected].

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The Met’s New Year’s Eve Bash, Pawtucket

Go back in time to welcome in the future. The Met is having a New Year’s Eve Bash featuring Max Creek, a band from the 70s still jamming strong. Enjoy the down to earth sound and dance it up old school into the New Year. The Met, 1005 Main Street, Pawtucket. Doors 8 p.m., Show 9 p.m. $15 Advance, $20 Day Of. Get tickets here.

New Year's Eve Party at AS220, Providence

If you’re somebody who likes it all, get down to AS220 for a diverse musical experience featuring ERB, Ravi Shavi, and The Kolour Kult live! Kolour Kult, an 80’s Synth-pop band, will have you out shaking it up on the

dance floor with electronic beats and airy synth melodies. Vocals by Jack Prime and Martin van Etten mix in a soulful vibe to the dance floor fever madness. ERB will be keeping it classy with their strong brass beats as well as Rabi Shavi with an eclectic combo of rock, sould, punk, and pop. AS220, 115 Empire St. Providence. 10:30pm - year 2012. Entrance after 10pm is $5 (or FREE with a Bright Night Pass). Call 831-9327, or visit here for more information.

Ladder 133, Providence

Ring in New Year’s at Ladder 133 Sports Bar & Grill. Enjoy a dinner in the comfy atmosphere and enjoy a night of exciting entertainment. The night consists of a champagne toast, live performance by “The Hype” and DJ Joey Green’s R&B, Rock, and Hip-hop mix perfect for getting your grove on. There will be complimentary party favors and chance to win a trip for two to Hawaii. Ladder 133, 133 Douglas Ave., Providence. Saturday, Dec 31 10:00p to Sunday, Jan 1 (2012) 3:00a.m. $5 cover charge after 10 p.m. 21+ For more info or table reservations contact 272-7427 and get more information online, here.

Rock Rhino Bar for New Year’s, Newport

In the mood for a relaxed dinner followed by a crazy dance night? Start it out with an award-winning New England clam chowder at Providence’s Rhino Bar, followed by a delicious salmon dish, dessert, and champagne toast, topped off with Rhode Island’s #1 party band, the “Run for Covers!” Later, hit the floor with DJ Face in the Mamba Room Dance Club to party in the New Year! Rhino Bar, 337 Thames St, Newport. Call 846 0707 or go here for more information.

Lighthouse Bar, Twin River, Lincoln

Feeling that 2012 is your lucky year? A Million Dollar Raffle and Grand Prize Drawing will take place at Lighthouse bar as well as live music. High energy cover band D5 & After Effect will be recapping past years by performing hits from the 80s, 90s, and today. Lighthouse Bar, 100 Twin River Road, Lincoln. Music, 8:30 p.m., Grand Prize Drawing and Million Dollar Raffle, 11:00 p.m. December 31st. Tickets $20. Go here for more information.

Boogie Woogie at Twin River, Lincoln

Party it up old school this New Year's Eve with a dinner, show, and dance party at the Twin River Event Center.  Enjoy a prime rib buffet and drinks before getting your groove on with DK Gabor Kiss before the Boogie Wonder Band goes back in time, performing hits from the 70s and 80s discotheque days. Get VIP tickets to have special seating near the stage and dance floor, as well as two drink tickets. Twin River Event Center, 100 Twin River Rd  Lincoln. 9:00 p.m. Tickets are $85 and $100 for VIP. 21+. Purchase your tickets today at the Twin River Players Club here.

Burlesque at Whiskey Republic

Nothing is off limits this New Year’s Eve at the Whiskey Republic. Enjoy a scandalous night full of risqué burlesque dancing performed by talented Contessa and Cheery von Topp. Dress your sexiest to match the theme in lace, leather, fishnets and fedoras. The night includes DJ Tommy Lee, champagne toast, and fun party favors. Whiskey Republic, 515 South Water Street, Providence. Jan 31st.  Doors Open at 8pm. Tickets and information here.

Need a wake-me-up on January 1? Go Polar.

Had your crazy night out and ready to wake up January 1st? Leap into 2012 and into the icy Atlantic Ocean with Newport Polar Bears at Easton's Beach. Proceeds from the event will go to "A Wish Come True, RI’s oldest wish-granting organization which grants wishes to children suffering from life-threatening illness." Noon, Free Admission. Easton's Beach, Memorial Blvd., Newport. Call 846 0028 or go here for more information.