Provided the world doesn’t come to an end in the next few days — if you believe certain interpretations of the Mayan Calendar coming to an end — you will likely soon start to wonder what to do on New Year’s Eve. Year after year, my personal preference remains a good house party or two. But if you have an itch to get about (or out of) town, here is a sprinkling of different things to consider:
Party at the Castle (1 Austin Terrace)
It’s hard to imagine house music drifting through the misty grandeur of Casa Loma, but even anachronisms are allowed on New Year’s Eve. The entire first floor of the Castle will host a night-long party, and revellers will be free to drift with their champagne flutes throughout the Great Hall, the Conservatory and the Library. Semi-formal dress is required. Purchase tickets online.
Get (an hour and ten minutes) out of town to Vineland (3620 Moyer Road, Vineland)
Vineland Estates Winery is the site of one of Niagara’s first winery restaurants, and is critically acclaimed for its creative local ingredient-inspired cuisine. (The New Year’s menu includes winter truffle, fresh pappardelle, duck). The restaurant is situated in a gorgeous 1845 farmhouse perched atop rolling vineyards and the Niagara escarpment. Have a sumptuous late dinner, and then book a night at one of the old manor house bed and breakfasts in the area. Call 888.846.3526 ext. 33 or email to reserve.
The Sadies at Horseshoe Tavern (370 Queen Street West)
It goes without saying that most Toronto music venues will have a handful of bands playing on New Year’s Eve. But for an evening wholly and truly about music, there will be no better place to be than the legendary Horseshoe Tavern, which will be hosting The Sadies, as it celebrates its 65th birthday as one of Toronto’s most authentic music institutions. With at least three reasons to toast, expect a lot more revelry in the usually laid-back Tavern. Purchase tickets online.
Gladstone Hotel — Lucky 13 (1214 Queen Street West)
The Gladstone loves its themes. This year, the Gladstone’s New Year’s party is Vegas-style, including all classic casino staples — poker, slots, and roulette — and an all-night dance party on two floors. A Vegas-style dinner buffet is also an option. Luckily (and I wondered about this), Vegas-goers will be playing for prizes, not cash, which will keep the focus on ringing in the New Year as lightheartedly as possible. Purchase tickets online.
Single In the City’s New Year’s Party at the Bata Shoe Museum (327 Bloor Street West)
In case you’re ringing in the New Year solo, you might want to pop into Single In the City’s New Year’s Party at the Bata Shoe Museum. The party will include a few DJs, an open bar, hors d’oeuvres and access to all museum exhibits. (And: you might win the Best Shoe Contest.) Purchase tickets online.
The Big Lebowski at the Bloor Hot Docs Cinema (506 Bloor Street West)
And finally, if watching movies on New Year’s is just your thing, but you want a semblance of out-on-the-town-ness, go over to the Bloor Hot Docs Cinema, whose version of New Year’s revelry will include a screening of the Big Lebowski (starting at 9:30 p.m.), drinks and watching the ball drop on the big screen alongside fellow film fans. No effort required. Purchase tickets online or in person.
Image: Sunnybeach via iStockphoto