Ringing in the New Year

Ringing in the New Year with friends old and new is a holiday tradition. For those who want to enjoy the eve but not venture too far from home, here's a list of some local events and celebrations.

1.    Start the evening with light refreshments and a movie (or two) at the , 423 Park Ave., Huntington. They will be showing The King's Speech, Rabbit Hole and Black Swan starting at 6 p.m. Share a champagne toast at midnight while you watch the ball drop at Times Square on their giant TV screen. Admission $20 members; $25 public.

2.    Watch the Long Island Philharmonic's own New Year's Eve ball drop at the 19th annual New Year's Eve Concert. They are presenting a tribute to Broadway, featuring songs from The Phantom of the Opera, Mamma Mia!, Chicago, A Chorus Line, South Pacific and many more. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIE/C.W. Post, Greenvale , 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Complimentary glass of champagne. Ticket prices $55, $70, $85. 631-293-2222. 

3.    , 363 New York Ave., Huntington.  Celebrate New Year's Eve with a DJ and special menu. 631-421-6900.

4.    , 330 New York Ave., Huntington 11743. Celebrate with live music on New Year's Eve at this popular venue. 631-425-1457.

5.    Join a New Year's Eve meditation on compassion and prayers for world peace at the , 282 New York Ave., Huntington. Snacks and refreshments are from 9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and a talk on "The Power of Intention" from 10:30 p.m. to 12 a.m.  631-692-9594.

6.    It's a bird, it's a plane – it's the laser light show at the ! On Friday,  the New Year's Eve Laser Marathon will feature great music by legendary rock bands with Laser Beatles at 8 p.m., Laser Vinyl (classic 1970s rock) at 9 p.m., Laser Zeppelin at 10 p.m. and Laser Pink Floyd-The Wall at 11 p.m. Sparkling cider and cookies will be served at midnight. Tickets are $30 for the marathon or $12 per show. Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport. 631-854-5579.

7.    Head to , 402 New York Ave., Huntington, for a midnight tequila toast with noisemakers. They will have a full dinner menu and a la carte specials. 631-549-0100.

8.    Enjoy a late dinner and listen to the Thompson Gunners band play at , 65 Wall St., Huntington. Dinner. Their 9:30 p.m. seating is price fix at 9:30 p.m. includes a complimentary champagne toast and noisemakers at midnight. $65.  631-385-9255.

9.    Dance your way into 2011with the live band at , 117 New York Ave., Huntington starting at 10 p.m. Seating for their New Year's Eve special three-course menu including dessert starts at 9 p.m. ($125). 631-385-1515.

10. If you just want to get away – but not go too far – the Huntington Hilton, 598 Broad Hollow Road, is offering a special couple's New Year's Eve getaway for $399 including buffet dinner, a DJ, party, a room for two at the hotel and breakfast the next morning. 631-845-1000.