There are big and small ways for everyone to celebrate 2011. Choose from art exhibits, light shows, concerts, dances, and galas — from casual to formal — from near and far. Be sure to make reservations and to keep checking our online event listings for updates. A happy and healthy new year to all.
Classical Music
New Year’s Eve Concert, Greater Trenton Symphony Orchestra, Patriots Theater, War Memorial, Trenton, 609-396-5522. trentonsymphony.org. $25 to $65. 8 p.m.
Pop Music
Salute to Vienna, State Theater, 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, 732-246-7469. www.StateTheatreNJ.org. New Year’s concert features the Strauss Symphony of America led by Klaus Arp with soprano Katarzyna Donalska, tenor Daniel Vadasz, and members of the Kiev-Aniko Ballet of Ukraine. $47 to $97. 6 p.m.
Art
Artists Network, Lawrenceville Main Street, 2683 Main Street, Lawrenceville, 609-512-1359. www.lmsartistsnetwork.com. “Festive Friday” reception with egg nog, hot cider, and holiday treats. Free. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
On Stage
In One Bed and Out the Other, Off-Broadstreet Theater, 5 South Greenwood Avenue, Hopewell, 609-466-2766. www.off-broadstreet.com. Classic farce. $35 is special price for New Year’s Eve show. 7 p.m.
The History of Musical Theater (Part I), Villagers Theater, 475 DeMott Lane, Somerset, 732-873-2210. www.villagerstheatre.com. Timeline of songs and skits illustrating the evolution of Broadway. $25. Late show includes a post-show party with hot and cold hors d’oeuvres and midnight champagne toast, $50. 7 p.m.
Dancing
California Mix Dance Party Gala, Central Jersey Dance Society, Universalist Congregation, 50 Cherry Hill Road, Princeton, 609-945-1883. www.centraljerseydance.org. Merengue for beginners lesson at 8 p.m. Single step swing lesson at 8:30 p.m. Open dancing to music of Phil Chan with hustle, west coast swing, Latin, slow swing, and more. Prizes, hats, noisemakers, hot and cold buffet. No alcohol. Register by E-mail to noname@centraljerseydance.org with your name, phone number, and number of attendees. $20. 8 p.m.
Good Causes
New Year’s Eve Party, State Theater, Heldrich Hotel, New Brunswick, 732-246-7469. www.StateTheatreNJ.org. Food, dancing, open bar, live band, champagne toast, live and silent auctions, and fireworks at midnight. Register. $175 ($65 benefits the theater). 8:30 p.m.
Comedy Clubs
Rodney Laney, Catch a Rising Star, Hyatt Regency, 102 Carnegie Center, West Windsor, 609-987-8018. www.catcharisingstar.com. Register. Early show, $35. Late show includes champagne toast and noisemakers, $50. 8 and 10:30 p.m.
Buda, Heart and Soul, Nottingham Ballroom, 200 Mercer Street, Hamilton, 609-235-7414. $60 includes show, DJ, dancing, and a champagne toast. Cash bar. 8 p.m.
Family Events
Hogmanay New Year’s Eve Bonfire, Lawrence Historical Society, Brearley House, Meadow Lane, Lawrenceville, 609-895-1728. www.thelhs.org. Revelers of all ages gather in the Maidenhead Great Meadow to light up the night with a traditional Scottish New Year’s Eve bonfire. The ancient tradition celebrates a clean break from all that had been bad in the old year. Hot cocoa, cake, and music follow indoors at the Brearley House. Free. 6 p.m.
Light Show, New Hope Chamber of Commerce, Logan Inn, 215-862-9990. www.newhopechamber.com. Winterland presents a 16-minute light show set to holiday music featuring more than 15,000 LED lights on the 35-foot Norway spruce on Ferry Street. Free. 6 and 8 p.m.
Food & Dining
New Year’s Eve, Rat’s Restaurant, 126 Sculptor’s Way, Hamilton, 609-584-7800. www.groundsforsculpture.org. Dine from dinner menu or a five-course tasting menu featuring champagne and sparkling wines. Stroll the grounds before or after dinner. Arturo Romay presents Latin music from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Register. 5 p.m.
New Year’s Eve, Rocky Hill Inn, 137 Washington Street, Rocky Hill, 609-683-8930. www.rockyhilltavern.com. Four-course prix fixe menu includes a glass of champagne and opera by Liana Guberman. Register. $60. 7 p.m.
Auld Acquaintance Wine Dinner, Stage Left, 5 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, 732-828-4444. www.stageleft.com. Hors d’oeuvres and dinner. Fireworks at midnight. Register. $159. 8:30 p.m.
New Year’s Eve, Za Restaurant, 147 West Delaware Avenue, Pennington, 609-737-4400. www.zarestaurants.com. Prix fix dinners include meat, lobster, vegetarian, and gluten free options. BYOB. Register. 5 to 10 p.m.
Live Music
Uptown Express, Bob Egan’s New Hope, Ramada Hotel, 6426 Lower York Road, New Hope, PA, 215-794-7716. www.bobegansnewhope.com. Repertoire culled from 80 years of pop music features Christopher Casewell, John DePalma, David Gurland, and Brad Parks. Their CDs include “Walk Like a Man” and “Take Your There.” Early dinner, a glass of champagne, and show, $100. Dinner at 9:30 p.m. with 11 p.m. performance, a glass of champagne, and dancing until 2 a.m., $110. 6 and 9:30 p.m.
New Year’s Eve Party, John & Peter’s, 96 South Main Street, New Hope, 215-862-5981. www.johnandpeters.com. With Randy Now. 9:30 p.m.
New Year’s Eve, KatManDu, Waterfront Park, Route 29, Trenton, 609-393-7300. www.katmandutrenton.com. Open bar, dinner buffet, party favors, and champagne toast at midnight. DJ Jeff Scott and VJ Paul Knox. 21 plus. $50 to $60. Register. 8:30 p.m.
New Years Eve Gala, Princeton Elks, 354 Route 518, Blawenburg, 609-466-4945. Hors d’oeuvres, hot buffet, desserts, champagne toast, party favors, chocolate fountain, cash bar, DJ, and laser light show. Register. 7 p.m.
New Year’s Eve Celebration, Santino’s Ristorante, 240 Route 130 South, Robbinsville, 609-443-5600. www.santinosristorante.com. Two seatings, 5:30 and 8:30 p.m. Edward Boutross and Trio perform jazz vocal standards at the second seating. BYOB. Register. 6:30 p.m.
Wendy Zoffer Trio, Westin Hotel, Copeland Restaurant, 2 Whippany Road, Morristown, 973-451-2619. www.princetonmusic.com. Musicians include Nels Anderson on guitar, Larry Hinkes on drums, and Wendy Zoffer of Plainsboro on flute and vocals. No cover. 9 p.m.
Singles
New Year’s Eve, Princeton Singles, Call for location, 609-936-1634. Happy hour, buffet dining, music, wine, and breakfast. Register. $45. 6 p.m.
New Year’s Eve Bash, Steppin’ Out Singles, Days Hotel, 195 Route 18, East Brunswick, 732-656-1801. www.steppinoutsingles.com. Dance, mix, and mingle. Hats, noisemakers, cake. Ages 40 plus. $35. 9 p.m.
