To usher in 2007, there are activities for all ages in and around the West Windsor and Plainsboro area, as well as near and far. But whether it is dinner and a movie, music or drama, or a big gala, reservations (or a call ahead) are suggested for all events.##M:[more]##
Classical Music
New Year’s Eve Concert, Greater Trenton Symphony Orchestra, Patriots Theater, War Memorial, Trenton, 609-396-5522. www.trentonsymphony.org. Concert program features music from classic films including “Moon River;” “Singing in the Rain,” “Rhapsody in Blue,” and the overture to “The Merry Widow.” $25 to $65. 8 p.m.
Comedy Clubs
Paul Venier and Steve Trevelise, Catch a Rising Star, Hyatt Regency, 102 Carnegie Center, 609-987-8018. www.catcharisingstar.com. The 10 p.m. show will be two hours and champagne toast included, $40. 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.
Craig Robinson, The Stress Factory, 90 Church Street, New Brunswick, 732-545-4242. www.stressfactory.com. 8 p.m., $43. 11 p.m. show, $92.50.
For Families
Holiday Light Spectacular, PNC Arts Center, Holmdel, 732-335-8698. www.livenation.com. Drive-through park features more than 2 million lights in more than 100 displays. Benefit for area charities. $15 per car. 5 to 10:30 p.m.
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.
Dinner and Concert
Jacqui Naylor, Stage Left and Catherine Lombardi restaurants, Crossroads Theater, 7 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, 732-828-4444. www.stageleft.com. New Year’s Eve celebration includes concert by jazz singer Jacqui Naylor and champagne reception, $150. With five-course dinner at Stage Left, $249. With five-course dinner at Catherine Lombardi, $199. Register. 8 p.m.
Faith
Service of Lessons and Carols, Trinity Church, Princeton University Chapel, 609-924-2277. www.trinityprinceton.org. Trinity’s choirs move to the chapel for this special service. 11 a.m.
Var Sapravesa, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 177 Princeton-Hightstown Road, West Windsor, 609-799-1753. www.popnj.org. Ecumenical Christian Asian Indian Watch Night service for all ages. Multicultural hymns and praise songs; confession, scripture, testimony, and song; lighting of lamb, and first Eucharist of the new year. New Year’s Fellowship meal at 12:30 a.m. Sponsored by the Central Jersey South Asian OUtreach Initiative of the NJ Synod. For all ages. 11 p.m.
Dinner and Dancing
Princeton Elks, Route 518, Montgomery, 908-625-3328. Versatonics Band, cash bar, surf and turf dinner, champagne toast, a continental breakfast. $50. 7 p.m.
Hyatt Regency, 102 Carnegie Center, 609-987-1234. www.princeton.hyatt.com. Crystal Garden package includes five-course dinner, party favors, dancing, and cash bar, $100. 8:30 to 1 p.a.
Westin Princeton, Forrestal Village, 888-627-7036. www.westin.com/princeton. Five-course dinner for two at Bimi, the Hibachi-style steak house and sushi bar, buffet breakfast. $259. 8:30 p.m.
KatManDu, Waterfront Park, Route 29, Trenton, 609-393-7300. www.katmandutrenton.com. Open bar, buffet, continental breakfast, champagne toast at midnight, DJ Michael T, and El Ka Bong. Register. $60. 8:30 p.m.
Dinner/Dessert Shows
Darla Rich Quintet, Hopewell Bistro, 15 East Broad Street, Hopewell, 609-466-9889. www.hopewellvalleybistro.com. New Year’s Eve. Two seatings for fixed price dinner and show. Register. $45. 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
John Bianculli Group, Off-Broadstreet Theater, 5 South Greenwood Avenue, Hopewell, 609-466-2766. www.off-broadstreet.com. Jazz, Broadway show tunes, and standards presented by four instrumentalists and a vocalist. Coffee, dessert, champagne. BYOB. $40. 7 p.m.
Live Music
Arturo Romay, Sotto 128 Restaurant and Lounge, 128 Nassau Street, Princeton, 609-921-7555. www.sotto128.com. Latin jazz guitar. 5 to 8 p.m.
Carol Heffler Trio, Martine’s Riverhouse, 14 East Ferry Street, New Hope, PA, 215-862-2966. Carol Heffler, vocals; Jim Ridl, piano; and Steve Varner, bass. Register. 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
Louie and the Lake Lickers, JB’s Bistro, 482 West Trenton Avenue, Morrisville, PA, 215-295-5765. www.lakelickers.com. Rock and roll covers to kick off the new year. Champagne toast at midnight. No cover. 9 p.m.
Red Rover, John & Peter’s, 96 South Main Street, New Hope, 215-862-5981. www.johnandpeters.com. 9 p.m.
Johnny Pompadour and the Full Grown Men, Sotto 128 Restaurant and Lounge, 128 Nassau Street, Princeton, 609-921-7555. www.sotto128.com. New Year’s Eve show. 10 p.m.
Triumph Brewing Company, 138 Nassau Street, Princeton, 609-924-7855. www.triumphbrew.com. Hosted by Rainbow Fresh. $10. 10:30 p.m.