Ring in the New Year Here

Where are you spending New Year's Eve? If you're looking for ideas, Patch is here to help. Read on for what's happening and where.

FAMILY FRIENDLY PICKS

Midnight at 3 p.m.

• Where:
• When: 1-7 p.m.
• Pricing: $7. Skate rental is extra.
• Why Go: The New Rink is holding a "Midnight at 3 p.m." open skate party, that's fun for the whole family, but planned especially for the children, who can do an early countdown at 3 p.m. There'll be a balloon drop, party favors and more. 

Fun at Dave & Buster's

• Where:
• When: 5-8 p.m.
• Pricing: $30. Reservations and advance payment required. Call 586-930-1515 to sign up.
• Why Go: Dave & Buster's is throwing a family New Year's Eve party, with a buffet, games and magic. 

THE BAR SCENE and BEYOND

Cass Bar After Dark

• Where:
• When: 9 p.m.-2 a.m.
  
• Pricing: No cover
  
• Why Go: Cass Bar & Grill is holding a New Year's Eve bash, with drink specials for the ladies from 9-10 p.m., music, pizza buffet from midnight-1 a.m., champagne toast, and more. Dress to impress. Open to anyone 21 and older.

Empire's Epic Party

• Where:
• When: 9 p.m.-4 a.m.
• Pricing: $40
• Why Go: Empire is holding a mega New Year's Eve party, with deejays, party favors, dancing, balloon drop at midnight, live feed of the balloon drop in Times Square, champagne, late-night buffet and more.

New Year's at Ciccarelli's

• Where:
• When: 7 p.m.-4 a.m.
• Pricing: $25
• Why Go: Ciccarelli's is holding a New Year's Eve bash with champagne toast, pizza, deejay, dancing, plus the Times Square ball drop airing live on the big-screen TVs.

Sherwood New Year's Party

• Where:
• When: 7 p.m.
• Pricing: Dinner package is $50. Appetizers and champagne toast only costs $15. Opt for a safe ride home between midnight and 2 a.m. for $10.
• Why Go: Sherwood Brewing Company is throwing a party to welcome 2012, with appetizers, dinner, party favors, midnight toast, a 9 p.m. show by Grape Jam, and a private release of Black Tie Hop Stout. 

Fun at Freddy's

• Where: Freddy's, 40000 Garfield, Clinton Township
• When: 7 p.m. 
• Pricing: $25
• Why Go: The George Brothers Band is performing its mix of classic rock at Freddy's, plus there will be a champagne toast and appetizers at midnight.

Hamlin Happenings

• Where:
• When: 7 p.m.-1 a.m.
• Pricing: $189 per pair for party and hotel, or $135 for party sans hotel
• Why Go: Hamlin is having a New Year's party package tied to both its Van Dyke and Hayes locations. Guests can opt for hotel, five-course dinner for two, open bar, champagne toast, party favors, live entertainment, and transportation to and from the inn.

Late Skate

• Where:
• When: 8 p.m.-2 a.m.
• Pricing: $15. Rollerblade rental is extra.
• Why Go: Ring in 2012 in motion, with a package at the New Rink that includes skate rental, pizza, pop, party favors, midnight balloon drop, games and prizes. All ages are welcome.

Tin Fish Fun

• Where: Tin Fish, 17470 Hall, at Partridge Creek
• When: 9 p.m.
• Pricing: No cover
• Why Go: Enjoy New Year's Eve at Tin Fish, with Planet of Fun and Sparky performing live, a midnight balloon drop, champagne toast, drink specials and snack buffet after midnight.

THE BANQUET HALL SCENE

Crank's Gala

• Where:
• When: 7 p.m.
• Pricing: $125 per couple, $70 per person. Call for tickets, 586-247-3800.
• Why Go: Hors d'oeuvres will be served at 7 p.m., buffet dinner at 8:30 p.m. Guests will enjoy premium beverages, a midnight champagne toast, a midnight slider bar, dancing, party favors, door prizes, giveaways, dessert trays, an espresso and cappuccino bar, and much more.

Mirage Celebration

• Where: The Mirage Banquet Center, 16980 18 Mile Road, Clinton Township
  
• When: 7:30 p.m.
  
• Pricing: $75 per person. For 21 and older only. Call 586-228-2222 to make reservations.
• Why Go: The Mirage is holding a New Year's Eve party, with premium bar, gourmet strolling dinner, live music by "Twin Towers," sounds by Solid Gold DJ, party favors, midnight toast, late-night appetizers, a live video feed of the Times Square ball drop and more.
  

Party at the Palazzo

• Where:
• When: 7:30 p.m.
• Pricing: $100. Call 586-731-2100 for reservations.
• Why Go: Palazzo Grande is hosting a New Year's gala, with appetizers and cocktails starting at 7:30 p.m., dinner at 8:30 p.m., video deejay, a show by One Man Out, premium bar, dancing, party favors, midnight toast, afterglow gourmet pizza and more.