Why simply ring in the new year when you can dance it in as well? Get your kicks this New Year's Eve partying at some of the area's hippest venues.
For the young, restless and dance-crazed, we've compiled a list of 25 edgy, funky and downright cool places to celebrate the new year. Unfortunately, not every place with a New Year's Eve party could be listed. But we think we've picked the most jammin' of the lot.
Eclectic's the word here. There's something for every musical taste and dancing preference. Like the sounds and moves of hip-hop? No problem. How about moshing to heavy metal? We've got you covered. Into house or funk music? You'll find a venue here. So whatever your thing, get out there next Tuesday and work it.
Atlantic, the Can Company, 2400 Boston St.
The people at Atlantic swear you'll feel like a VIP at their "Definitive New Year's." Step into the tented water garden for a truly unique surrounding. Enjoy tapas and sushi, and get your fill at the open bar. Hear the sounds of a Brazilian band, a dance band or groovy DJ tunes. Party runs 10 p.m.-3 a.m. $85. Call 410-675-4565.
Attitudes 3000, 11445 Pulaski Highway, White Marsh
Want the excitement of New York's Times Square, but without the wind chill? No worries. You'll find what you crave at Attitudes 3000. There'll be silly hats, noisemakers, 13 televisions showing the action at Times Square and a balloon drop and champagne toast at midnight. And all the while, there'll be DJ music for dancing. From 8 p.m. to 9 p.m., there's no cover charge. After 9, there will be a cover charge, but it's yet to be determined. Call 410-335-7111.
Baja Beach Club, 55 Market Place
Bring in the new year at the beach? Of course. Dance the winter chills away at Baja Beach Club's party. Club-goers have access to a top-shelf open bar all evening. Party favors, a champagne toast, a dinner buffet featuring hand-carved turkey and roast beef, and a Continental breakfast are included in the ticket price. Doors open at 9 p.m. $45 per person in advance; $50 at the door. Call 410-752-7188.
The Belvedere, 1 E. Chase St.
Now here's a busy place. Things will be hopping on the 13th floor when reggae band Jah Works plays. Yah, mon! Open bar and huge buffet. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. $100. Things will be a bit ritzier on the 12th floor, where a masquerade ball with local band Lake Trout ushers in the new year. Open bar and fancy buffet. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Each party is $100. Call 410-332-1000.
Bohager's, 701 S. Eden St.
For those who have yet to turn 21, Bohager's "Band & Booz Bash" is the place to be. One of the few venues catering to an 18-and-over crowd, Bohager's will feature live music by No Pets for Noah, along with recorded music by two DJs. Also, casino-style gambling, a light buffet and balloon drop. Doors open at 9 p.m. $65. Call 410-563-7220 or 410-481-SEAT.
Cafe Asia, 614 Water St.
Come for dinner, come for dancing. Dinner seatings are 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.; reservations recommended. $30 cover for those not having dinner. DJ Mike Denoe will be playing music best described as "house leaning toward dance." Champage toast, party favors, appetizers, cash bar. Open till 4 a.m. Call 410-528-1925.
Cancun Cantina, 7501 Old Telegraph Road, Hanover
Into the country-and-western scene? Then mosey on over to this club, offering a down-home New Year's Eve celebration. You'll hear live music by some good old boys - the Dallas Band (at the main bar) and Great Train Robbery (on the deck). Included are party favors, a champagne toast at midnight, a buffet of appetizers, dinner and, hey, if you're still around, breakfast. Doors open at 5 p.m. $30 per person; $40 per couple. Call 410-761-6188.
Coliseum, 594 Cranbrook Road, Cockeysville
Feeling lucky? Then the Coliseum is where you'd want to be. This sports bar will be giving away DVD players, vacations, mountain bikes and electric grills, among other prizes. After attempting to win a prize, get on the dance floor and party to rock and hip-hop music spun by a local DJ. You can roll into the Coliseum whenever it suits you; it's open early in the day and closes at 4 a.m. No cover charge. Call 410-683-2012.
The Down Under Niteclub, 4 W. Main St., Westminster
For those in Carroll County not looking to make the trek into Baltimore, this aptly named underground club presents a great alternative. Spend your New Year's Eve dancing to DJ music, beginning at 9 p.m. Club-goers can also enjoy an appetizer buffet throughout the evening. $5 cover charge. Doors open at 8 p.m. Call 410-876-0101.
Fletcher's, 701 S. Bond St.
If you're craving an aggressive dancing style, check out heavy-metal band Margret Heater, the headliner for Fletcher's New Year's Eve concert. Throw opening acts Pornomint and Cylix into the mix, and moshing is bound to ensue. No gimmicks here, just a good old-fashioned hard-core metal show. Doors open at 9 p.m. $15. Call 410-558-1889.
Hammerjacks, 316 Guilford Ave.
