By Tammy Scileppi
Excitement is in the air as January approaches, with the dawn of a new year filled with hope, great expectations and new resolutions.
This New Year’s Eve, forget Manhattan and ring in 2015 right here in your favorite borough.
Whether you’re tripping the light fantastic and painting the town red or prefer an intimate, casual dinner for two, or looking forward to doing something special with your family and joining Ryan Seacrest for the countdown in Times Square from your favorite spot on the couch, you’ll be surprised to discover that Queens offers some of the coolest and hottest New Year’s events and parties this side of the Queensboro Bridge.
“Just like every other day of the year, Queens has great entertainment options on New Year’s. You can go small at a great restaurant or go big at Resorts World or Z Hotel,” said Rob MacKay, director, Queens Tourism Council. “And again, just like every other day of the year, Queens has great fun at lower prices than Manhattan.”
If you have that special someone to share a kiss with at midnight — or if you are on the lookout for him or her — there are dozens of parties and events geared toward couples and singles happening across the borough.
Western Queens
Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden — Evening includes a five-hour open bar, buffet dinner, champagne toast at midnight and music by DJ Dice
When: 7:30 pm – 2 am
Where: Josef A. Voves Hall, 29-19 24th Ave., Astoria
Cost: $80/per person, $150/per couple
Contact: (718) 274-4925
Katch Grill and Brewery in Astoria — Enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet, premium open bar, live entertainment from Bonjourney and music by DJ Benny.
When: Doors open at 9 pm
Where: 31-19 Newtown Ave., Astoria
Cost: $75/per person
Contact: (718) 777-2230
LIC BAR — “LIC Bar as always provides a great atmosphere and entertainment on New Year’s Eve,” said Gustavo Rodriguez, LIC Bar’s music director. “We have a sensational band called Big Dog Run helping us to ring in the New Year and there’s no place cozier and warm than LIC Bar to celebrate the occasion. It’s fun and festive without being too crazy or out of control.”
When: 10 pm – 1 am
Where: 45-58 Vernon Blvd., Long Island City
Cost: $20 cover includes champagne toast at midnight
Contact: (718) 786-5400
The LOFT at Studio Square — Celebrate the New Year with a Latin beat as salsa legend Tito Nieves and freestyle sensation TKA perform. DJs Camilo and Lucho will spin tunes rotating between Top 40, hip hop and Latin music.
When: 9 pm – 6 am
Where: 35-37 36th St., Long Island City
Cost: $50
Contact: (212) 662-1121
Euro Nights NYC — Take a trip to Paris without leaving Queens. The evening includes two DJs spinning European hits, hors d’oeuvres, open bar all night and special sofa setting for groups of 10 and more.
When: 9 pm – 3 am
Where: Vista Sky Lounge, 27-05 39th Ave., Long Island City
Cost: $120/per person
Contact: (347) 536-3640
New Year’s Eve Party at Mamajuana Café — Evening includes dinner, open bar, party favors and music from six DJs under one roof. Reservations are required.
When: 7 pm
Where: 33-15 56th St., Woodside
Cost: $110/per person
Contact: (718) 565-6454
Club Allure with LED Robot Live — Ring in New Year’s with DJs, live dancers, confetti blasts, glow sticks as well as a light and smoke show. Ticket price includes a three-hour open bar, two buffets and a rose champagne toast.
When: 9 pm – 9 am
Where: 33-02 Queens Blvd., Long Island City
Cost: $55/advance, $35/after midnight entry advance
Contact: (718) 433-4500
Southern Queens
Villa Russo’s Back to the ’80s New Year’s Eve — Break out your shoulder pads and acid-washed jeans.
When: 8:30 pm – 2 am
Where: 101-12 Lefferts Blvd., Richmond Hill
Cost: $85/adult, $42.50/children
Contact: (718) 849-0990
The Great Gatsby End of the Year Masquerade — Welcome 2015 like it’s 1925 with this event that will feature art deco decor, speciality cocktails, music and dancing.
When: 9 pm – 5 am
Where: Amazura, 91-12 144th Place, Jamaica
Cost: $40
Contact: (718) 298-6760
Antun’s New Year’s Eve — You won’t miss the city’s celebration with a live feed from Times Square counting down to 2015. Ticket price includes an international smorgasbord served until 1 a.m., open bar until 3 a.m., photography by Madison Studio and dancing to live music.
When: 9 pm
Where: 96-43 Springfield Blvd., Queens Village
Cost: $110/per person
Contact: (718) 468-6400
Maracas New York Night Club — The night includes an island buffet, hats and noisemakers and live music from Rome as well as DJs.
When: 8 pm – 4 am
Where: 121-08 Jamaica Ave., Jamaica
Cost: $20/advance
Contact: (718) 848-7171
Countdown to 2015 New Year’s Celebration — Resorts World Casino offers two options: Live music from the band 12X and DJ Fame Cohen in Bar360, or 80s tribute band White Wedding and DJ Tommy Nappi in casino’s Central Park space.
When: 8 pm – 3 am
Where: 110-00 Rockaway Blvd., Jamaica
Cost: $40 – $75
Contact: (888) 888-8801
Northeast and Central Queens
Flushing New Year’s Eve Countdown Party — Flushing’s Sheraton LaGuardia East Hotel and CA Model ring in the New Year with a fashion show, live music, a raffle and champagne toast at midnight. Begin the night with a special prix-fixe dinner at the hotel’s Deluge Restaurant.
When: 9 pm – 2 am
Where: 135-20 39th Ave., Flushing
Cost: Party — $95/over 21 includes three-hour open bar, $65/under 21 includes three hours of non-alcoholic drinks; Party and dinner package — $130/under 21, $150/over 21
Contact: (718) 670-7490
New Year’s Ball at Pride Lounge NYC — Forest Hills’ first gay bar offers free buffet, champagne toast and music by k3vin envoy with no cover charge.
When: 4 pm – 4 am
Where: 70-15 Austin St., Forest Hills
Cost: Free admission
Contact: (718) 263-7743
New Year’s Eve Celebration at Vivaldi Ristorante — Evening includes a six-course dinner, live entertainment, open bar and midnight toast. Reservations are required.
When: 8 pm – 2 am
Where: 201-10 Cross Island Parkway Service Road, Bayside
Cost: $150/per person, $120/minors 20 and younger
Contact: (718) 352-2300
And, just in case you cannot find a sitter, there are New Year’s Eve and Day options for families, too.
At the New York Hall of Science in Corona, catch a 3D screening of the recent Disney hit “Frozen,” with showings at 3 p.m. on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1.
While at the Hall of Science, you can still catch GingerBread Lane, the world’s largest gingerbread village display.
