It’s time to say “buh-bye” to 2018 and start anew. But before you re-up that gym membership and plan for another year of resolutions, get to Cleveland to bust out your best sparkling attire, fill the champagne glass and get ready to show 2019 who’s boss.
For an early start to the New Year’s festivities, the Great Lakes Science Center is hosting its New Year’s Eve Eve Celebration as a part of Winter Wonder Days. Kids can play indoor winter games, check out the fire and ice big science show, try carpet skating and countdown to 2019 with a balloon drop at 2:19 p.m. (Sunday, Dec. 30, noon-5 p.m.)
Families can ring in 2019 with a daytime celebration along the Cuyahoga River at Merwin’s Wharf’s New Year’s Eve Brunch. The festivities include an all-you-can-eat brunch buffet, face painting, balloon art, a magic show and countdown balloon drop. (Brunch seating at 9 a.m. & 12 p.m.; reservations recommended.)
Have all of the New Year’s Eve fun without missing bedtime at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s Noon Year’s Eve. The event offers a kid-friendly celebration with dancing, music, crafts, visits with the zoo’s animals and a special countdown at the stroke of noon. (10 a.m.–1 p.m.)
Start off the New Year by going back in time to the Roaring 20s at Distill Table’s Great Gatsby-themed New Year’s Eve Party. Eat and drink your way into 2019 with a three-course meal, champagne and cocktails. (4 p.m.–12 a.m.)
Music Box Supper Club is offering three options to revel your merry way into the New Year. Looking for an early celebration? Toast at noon at the Motown Noon Year’s Eve with music from Moss Stanley and the Nitebridge. Or, for those looking to get a little more rowdy, check out The FM Project’s Steely Dan Tribute. As the clock ticks closer to midnight, lace up your dancing shoes to jive with the high-energy cover band The Sunrise Jones. (Noon Year’s Eve Motown Brunch, 12 p.m.; Steely Dan Tribute Band, 9 p.m.; Sunrise Jones Dance Party, 9 p.m.)
Toast to the New Year at Gervasi Vineyard during its New Year’s Eve celebration at the Crush House. Located just over an hour from Downtown Cleveland, Gervasi Vineyard will serve a four-course dinner, complete with a glass of bubbly. (A few early bird seatings at 5 p.m. are still available; reservations only accepted by phone at 330.497.1000).
Don your tuxedo or gown and strut into 2019 at Lago’s New Year’s Eve Soirée. The theme of the evening celebrates the French classic Moulin Rouge. The evening will feature live entertainment, decadent food and premium cocktails. A variety of ticket options are available, ranging from full admission with dinner to a lower-priced late-night admission. (7 p.m.–2 a.m.)
Request your favorite songs all night long from the dueling pianos at Big Bang Cleveland’s New Year’s Eve Bash. Sing, dance and laugh until the clock ticks toward midnight. A variety of packages will have you feeling like a rock star (and stay within your budget). Grab a group of friends for VIP admission, which includes a table of four and food and drinks. Or, choose the “Rockstar package” for beverages and dancing-room only admission. (7 p.m.–2 a.m.)
Pick and choose from a variety of party packages to kick off 2019 at Pickwick and Frolic. Select the comedy show-only ticket, a dinner show admission, or the “NYE Party Package” with live music and dancing. (7 p.m.–12 a.m.)
New Year’s Eve with comedian Jay Phillips at the Cleveland Improv Comedy Club will leave you belly-laughing into 2019. Choose to see the comedy show early in the evening or come later for the comedy show and the midnight celebration. The late-night show festivities including party favors, assorted appetizers, champagne and a livestream of the ball drop. (Comedy Show, 7:30 p.m.; Comedy Show and Midnight Celebration, 10:30 p.m.)
Want to wine and dine? Take a short drive from Downtown Cleveland to Landerhaven’s NYE 2019 Party. Be ready to dance to non-stop live music from a DJ. Then, nom your way through dining options with a surf and turf dinner, hors d’oeuvres, a sweets table and champagne. If that wasn’t enough food, indulge in a grand breakfast buffet during the oh-so-early hours of 2019. (8 p.m.–2 a.m.)
Nighttown invites you to cherish the last moments of 2018 with a performance at the legendary jazz venue by Sammy DeLeon’s Latin Jazz Sextet, which will perform Latin jazz, salsa and merengue music. (8:30 p.m. and 10:15 p.m.)
Raise a glass to 2019 during Spice Kitchen + Bar New Year’s Eve celebration entitled “No 'Pagne, No Gain,” which (or course) means champagne will not be in short supply! Crush a five-course dinner from executive chef Jason Dallas — with each course paired with a unique French champagne. (9 p.m.–12:30 a.m.)
The Cleveland POPS Orchestra is joined by actor Erich Bergen, best known for his roles in the film “Jersey Boys” and TV’s “Madam Secretary,” to perform The Hollywood Songbook "Songs from The Big and Small Screen.” Enjoy tunes from favorites like “Singin’ In The Rain,” “The Wizard of Oz” and “Dirty Dancing.” After the show, continue to party at Severance Hall with live music and dancing until the balloon drop at midnight. (9 p.m.–1 a.m.)
Kiss 2018 goodbye at one of Cleveland’s newest eateries, the Ohio City Galley. The venue’s New Year’s Eve Gala offers good eats, featuring appetizers from each of its four restaurant concepts, as well as limited-edition beer, vintage wine and hand-crafted cocktails. Round out the evening’s festivities by snapping a pic in the photo booth or by showing off your smooth dance moves with the live DJ. (9 p.m. –1 a.m.)
For an elegant New Year’s Eve, The Metropolitan at The 9 invites you to attend its sophisticated “Midnight Was Made to Misbehave” event. The old Hollywood-style happening includes hand-crafted hors d'oeuvres, complimentary beer, wine and craft cocktails, as well as music from a live DJ. For those looking to avoid the hassle of finding a rideshare on NYE, The 9 is offering New Year’s Eve overnight room packages. (9 p.m. –2 a.m.)
It’s the final countdown of 2018, and Wild Eagle Steak and Saloon in Broadview Heights boasts a lively scene for the last moments of the year. Cut a rug with music from Cleveland Breakfast Club, try your hand at arcade games and watch a performance from the Cleveland Cavaliers Girls. Only VIP and package tickets remain. Book now! (9 p.m. –2 a.m.)
Celebrate New Year’s “EV” at the Barely House in the Warehouse District with DJ EV. Bid farewell to 2018 with one of Cleveland’s most popular DJs and enjoy a finger-food buffet, party favors, a light show and a champagne toast at midnight. Only a few tickets remain! (9 p.m.–2 a.m.)
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