Open Bar

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.

Put on your party hat and get ready to blow that noisemaker. There's lots to do in and around the city this New Year's Eve. Here are some of the bars, clubs and other venues offering festive events for singles, couples and families who haven't yet made end-of-the-year plans: Bars and clubs Local jazz funksters Written Prisms open for jammers the Bridge at the 8x10. Doors open at 8 p.m., and the music goes "as late as it takes," according to co-owner Brian Shupe. Tickets are $39 in advance and $49 at the door.

Before the kids slide into the post-Christmas blues, check out some activities they can do.Children in kindergarten through eighth grade can exercise away some of that holiday energy at the Longwell Municipal Center, where the Westminster Recreation Department has a Holiday Open Gym.Chose any session from noon to 2 p.m. or 2 to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday. Cost is $1 per child per session.The center is on Longwell Avenue. Information: 848-6962.*Pre-teens can skate through holidays at the Carroll County Middle School Recreation Council's Christmas skating party.

Today, Sade Baderinwa finds out if nine weeks of training has paid off. The past nine Thursday evenings, the WBAL-TV morning and noon news anchor has joined bunches of other women at Polytechnic High School for training sessions preparing them for today's Avon Walking and Running event. "I'm not a runner, but I got into this because I wanted to get in shape," Sade says. "I was going to the gym, but I wanted to do something that's fun." Sade's "fun" started out in "beginning walking" -- one of four training groups Avon folks set up at the Thursday sessions.

NINE-YEAR-OLD Christopher Webster likes school. He enjoys karate lessons, riding his bike, playing the drums, Cub Scouts, and being a big brother to Caitlyn, 7.All pretty typical. But Christopher, the son of Paul and Susan Webster, is also the published author of a short fairy tale story, "The Elf Who Tricked the Dragon," that is featured in the December issue of Highlights for Children.The story was first published last spring, in Chesapeake Children, a local monthly tabloid for parents.

With mere days left in 2005, there are still plenty of party options in the city for the unprepared. Here's our list of the highlights, which includes extravagant evenings, open bars and concerts, and fireworks, of course. The 13th Floor The club holds a tropical-themed party with Latin act Mambo Combo and reggae artist Danny Dread. The celebration starts at 9 p.m. Tickets are $100 and include an open bar, buffet, party favors and champagne. The 13th Floor is at the Belvedere, 1 E. Chase St. Call 410-347-0888 or visit www.the13th-floor.

Hooray! April 1. We can finally believe that spring is really here. Feel like celebrating? Well, the spring party rush is about to begin, and chances are your favorite nonprofit is throwing some sort of fund-raiser. Whatever your description of fun is, you probably can find it at one party, at least, over the next three months. Consider these categories and examples: In the cultural black-tie arena, one springtime tradition continues at the Walters Art Museum, as its Women's Committee presents its 15th Annual Art Blooms April 16-18.

If you haven't decided where to party tonight, here are a few spots in the greater Pasadena area where people will ring in 1993:* Celebrate with friends and family at the VFW Post 2462 dinner-dance from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the post home, 1720 Bayside Beach Road.Tickets are $25 and include a prime rib dinner, open bar, hors d'oeuvres, party favors and a continental breakfast.Music will be provided by a disc jockey.Information: 437-5629.* Join in the merry-making at the Lake Shore Democratic Club, 236 Maryland Ave., from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.An open bar, a hot and cold buffet, party favors, coffee and pastries, and music by "The Coachmen" are included in the $25 per-person price.