If you are reading this, then chances are we have survived the end-of-the world predictions and prophesies issued throughout 2012.
Therefore, the arrival of 2013 will definitely be worth celebrating, and there are plenty of opportunities to join in on the fun throughout the city. If you are looking for an exciting or creative way to bring in the New Year, then you might be glad to know that the Recorder has assembled a listing of New Year’s Eve (Dec. 31) events that offer something for everyone.
‘Countdown to Noon’ Celebration at the Children’s Museum
Especially designed for family fun, this celebration, which begins at 10 a.m., features a countdown to 12 p.m., so that little ones can participate in the holiday festivities. This event is included with general admission ($12.50 youth, $17.50 adult, $16.50 senior) to the museum, which is consistently ranked as among the best in the country. The museum is located at 3000 N. Meridian St. For more information, visit childrensmuseum.org or call (317)-334-3322.
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New Year’s Eve Celebration
at the Athenaeum
Featuring a live comedy performance by ComedySportz, with two shows at 7:30 and 10:30 p.m. at the Indianapolis Athenaeum, 401 E. Michigan St. Both shows will include hats, noisemakers, sparkling cider toast and a cash bar. Cost for admission is $20 ($15 students and seniors). For more information, visit indycomedysportz.com or call (317)-951-8499.
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Family Celebration
at the Indiana
State Museum
This family-friendly event will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. at the museum, 650 W. Washington St. Admission is $11 in general and $6 for members. This is another ideal option for partygoers who need to take the kids along, and would like them to learn something as they have fun. Guests can expect to enjoy fun activities, live music, games, crafts, magicians, clowns and a balloon drop for children at 8 p.m. For more information, visit indianamuseum.org or call (317)-232-1637.
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New Year’s Eve
at the Indianapolis Museum of Art
Bring in the new year with class and fun during the “6 x13: New Year’s Eve” event at the Indianapolis Museum of Art (IMA) 4000 Michigan Road. Guests will be treated to food and beverages, a champagne bar, Upland Brewing, dancing and live musical entertainment. For more information, visit imamuseum.org or call (317)-923-1331.
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New Year’s Eve
at the Jazz Kitchen
This event, which will last from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., will feature an all-star cast of musicians, including Cynthia Layne, Bill Lancton, Rob Dixon and Kenny Phelps. Music will include R&B, soul classics and jazz standards. Admission $110 and includes dinner and dessert buffet, soft drinks, tax, gratuity, champagne toast, party favors and cover charge. For more information, visit thejazzkitchen.com or call (317) 253-4900.
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A bluesy celebration at the Slippery Noodle Inn
Bring in the New Year with some blues at this popular downtown nightspot during a 9 p.m. performance by Big James and the Chicago Playboys. The Slippery Noodle Inn is located at 372 S. Meridian St. For pricing and other details, visit slipperynoodle.com or call (317) 631-6974.
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‘Ciroc the New Year’ at Regions Tower
This is the place to go if you want to bring in the New Year with excitement. Presented by Cha Cha, this event, which will begin at 9 p.m., will be held on the rooftop of the Regions Tower downtown, located at 1 Indiana Square. Special guests will include Mindy Winkler and DJ’s Lockstar, Gabby Love, Indiana Jones and Gno. Available options will include an open bar, light appetizers and a champagne toast. For more information, visit cirocnewyears.com/.
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ISO’s New Year’s Eve in Vienna
The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra (ISO) will transform the Hilbert Circle Theatre into Musikverein – a famous concert hall in Vienna – to celebrate New Year’s Eve in old world style. Former ISO associate conductor Sean Newhouse will return to lead the orchestra, with featured performances by Dance Kaleidoscope and soprano Jennifer Zetlan. An exciting champagne toast and party will follow the 9 p.m. show. Tickets range from $35 to $60. For more information, call (317) 639-4300.
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New Year’s Eve at the Omni Severin
The Omni Severin Hotel thinks the best place for you to bring in the New Year is a stay, dinner and party in the newly opened Severin Bar. The hotel is offering two packages. The packages include: Omni Severin Hotel’s “Rockin’ New Year’s Eve Room and Dinner Package” for $249.
This includes celebrating New Year’s Eve in the heart of Indy. Special offers are an overnight stay in a luxurious guest room, valet parking and a festive four-course dinner in a 1913 restaurant, followed by champagne toast and party favors in the Severin Bar at midnight, as well as a scrumptious buffet breakfast on New Year’s morning and late check-out at 2 p.m. The other package is Omni Severin Hotel’s “Rockin’ New Year’s Eve Room and Party for $219. This package includes an overnight stay, valet parking, champagne toast and party favors in the Severin Bar at midnight, and breakfast on New Year’s morning and late checkout. For more information visit omnihotels.com or call (317) 634-6664.
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Chateau Thomas Winery
Ring in the New Year at Chateau Thomas Winery in Plainfield. The night will include a welcome reception and gift, dinner buffet with wine, live music, dancing and party favors. A champagne toast and breakfast buffet at midnight and breakfast New Year’s Day in your hotel will complete the experience. Accommodations are available at the nearby Staybridge Suites or Holiday Inn Express. Reservations are required. For more information visit chateauthomas.com.
Legacy of New Year’s traditions
The celebration of New Year’s is one of the oldest holidays, and most historians agree it was first observed in ancient Babylon during the spring season around 2000 B.C.
Since then New Year’s traditions have begun throughout the centuries, including the adoption of Jan. 1 as New Year’s Day (in Rome in 153 B.C.), publication of the popular song “Auld Lang Syne” (1796), the Tournament of Roses Parade (1886) and the annual “ball dropping” festivities in New York’s Time Square (1907).
Conrad’s New Year’s app
It is estimated that roughly 70 percent of Americans will actually celebrate the New Year, with many of them traveling. Family and friends of those traveling may want to tell them about the new Conrad Concierge app available for any Conrad hotel user. With the app, travelers can order amenities, book appointments and room service and customize their room to their liking at any point after booking the reservation – all from a smart phone. Guests can also create the ultimate cocktail for a toast, pre-arrange for a driver to pick them up from parties and bars, witness New Year’s activities in Times Square from their smart phone and even keep track of New Year’s resolutions.
