The 5 Best Places to Spend New Year's Eve

 3… 2… 1… Happy New Year! New Year’s Eve is one night when kids get to stay up late and singles have a great reason to act wild. No matter who you are, be sure you make the most of this night that only comes once a year. We’ve found the best places to be in 417-land when the clock strikes midnight.

First Night

Where: Various venues in downtown Springfield. For more information, call the Urban Districts Alliance at 417-831-6200.
Cost: $7 per person or $25 for a family four-pack in advance; $8 per person or $30 for a family four-pack the night of.
Why You Want To Be There: First Night Springfield is an alcohol-free, family-friendly event held at 10 downtown locations, among them the Downtown YMCA, Mediacom Ice Park and 1984. Plans include music and entertainment at select locations, plus a finale with fireworks. The fun starts at 5:30 p.m.

“Titanic Revisited” New Year’s Eve Party

Where: Chateau On The Lake Resort & Spa, 415 N. State Hwy. 265, Branson, 417-334-1161
Cost: Packages range from $399 to $509.
Why You Want To Be There: If you like the thought of spending New Year’s Eve dressed in your finest attire sipping champagne, you’ll want to spend it at Chateau on the Lake. The Chateau is partnering with Titanic Branson to host an event that will feature Titanic-themed décor and a three-course meal. There will be live music by the Gary Myers Band featuring Bucky and the Horn Dawgs, a balloon drop at midnight and a fireworks display. There’s also a late 6 p.m. checkout time on New Year’s Day. The event begins at 7 p.m.

Metropolitan Grill

Where: 2931. E. Battlefield, Springfield, 471-889-4951
Cost: Varies based on order. Regular menu entrées are $15–27.
Why You Want To Be There: If you’re looking for a gourmet meal without going bankrupt, you should check out Metropolitan Grill. It will offer their full menu along with a variety of specials. Each table will receive chocolate-covered strawberries and a champagne toast at no additional charge.

Parlor 88 Lounge

Where: 1111 E. Republic Rd., Springfield, 417-882-8882
Cost: Varies
Why You Want To Be There: If you want to spend your New Year’s Eve out and about but don’t want to deal with the excitement and noise of the just-turned-21 crowd, Parlor 88 is the place to be. Aside from the regular menu, Parlor 88 has a New Year’s Eve special for a group of four that includes champagne, wine, appetizers and desserts for $85. There will be a champagne toast at midnight. Reservations are recommended.

At Home With Your Snuggle Bunny

Where: Your house.
Cost: Free.
Why You Want To Be There: If you don’t feel like dealing with crowds, spend the night at home with your man or woman. Prepare a meal together (the diet starts tomorrow, so make it good) and eat by candlelight. If you plan to end the evening in a romantic way, then the comforts of home are perfect for the… ahem… extracurricular post-midnight activities.

New Year’s Eve Hot Spots

Still making plans for New Year’s Eve? Check out some of the hottest events taking place in 417-land.

What: New Year’s Eve Pub Crawl
Where: Participating venues in Downtown Springfield
Cost: $10 wristbands plus drinks and food

Celebrate New Year’s Eve with lots of friends and lots of drink specials at the Downtown New Year’s Eve Pub Crawl. The fun starts at 8 p.m. Participating venues include Baileys, Big Whiskey’s, Boogie, Bugsy Malone’s, Coester’s, Ernie Biggs, Finnegan’s Wake, High Life, Icon, Jordan Creek, Kai, Level Two, Maria’s, Millie’s, Outland, Patton Alley, St. Michael’s, Springfield Brewing Co., Tonic, Trolley’s and Tropical Liqueurs.

What: Dinner
Where: Gilardi’s, 820 E. Walnut St., Springfield
Cost: Varies

If you want to be able to relax and enjoy your New Year’s Eve meal without feeling rushed, Gilardi’s is the spot for you. The restaurant is offering several seatings that will be around two hours long, but space is semi-limited so be sure to make reservations. There will be a set menu with a choice of one of five or six appetizers, five salads, six or seven entrees and several desserts, plus a champagne toast at midnight, along with a large wine selection all night long.

What: Dinner
Where: Avanzare, 1908 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield
Cost: Varies

Looking to grab dinner before hitting up your favorite evening hangout? Check out Avanzare. Unlike many other restaurants, this fine Italian dining spot will still offer their full menu on New Year’s Eve. There will be various dinner specials and special desserts. Open 4 p.m. to just past Midnight.

What: Dinner
Where: Riad, 105 Park Central Square, Springfield
Cost: Varies

If you’re still feeling sluggish from your other holiday meals you can find some healthy dining options at Riad. They will have a limited menu for New Year’s Eve, including some special steak and seafood options.

What: Dinner
Where: Liberty Tavern Restaurant, Hilton Promenade at the Branson Landing, 3027 W. 76 Country Blvd., Branson
Cost: $29.95 for the special

Liberty Tavern is a sure hot spot for a New Year’s Eve dinner in Branson. Guests pick any item from the regular menu or have the option to enjoy the New Year’s Eve special, which includes a choice of Caesar or garden salad, prime rib with mushroom cabernet sauce, Yorkshire pudding and fresh seasonal vegetables with a chocolate decadence dessert.

What: Dinner
Where: Trofi Restaurant, Branson Convention Center hotel, 200 E. Main St., Branson
Cost: $29.95 for the special

Want to treat your pallet to some new flavors? Give Trofi restaurant a try for your holiday meal. Guests will have their choice of the regular menu, which includes many Mediterranean dishes, or the New Year’s Eve special: Mediterranean antipasto, mushroom infused risotto, intermezzo, choice of 6 oz. filet or seared scallops, seasonal vegetables and flaming Spanish peaches for dessert.