As one year comes to an end and a new one begins, it is important to residents of Connecticut to celebrate in style. Whether you are single and want to party with friends, have a special someone you plan to steal a kiss from at midnight or want to be surrounded by your whole family, there are plenty of New Year’s Eve parties in the state to fit every resident’s preference. It is important to start 2013 off on the right foot, so plan ahead to ensure a successful night on this fun holiday. From low-key, family friendly fun to club-thumping dance floors, Connecticut has much to offer as 2012 comes to a close.

First Night Hartford
57 Pratt St., Suite 802
Hartford, CT 06103
(860) 727-0050
www.firstnighthartford.org

Price: $10 for adults, $2 for children up to age 15, and free for children under two years old

If you’re looking for family friendly fun for all, First Night Hartford is your perfect New Year’s Eve party. The event does not permit alcohol, but that doesn’t stop the crowds from enjoying this festive night each year. Venues participating in the fun include the Hartford Public Library, City Hall, Hartford State House and Wadsworth Antheneum, among others. Events range from artistic displays to professional musical performances. Visitors of all ages can delight in a grand fireworks display at 6 p.m. and of course again at 12 a.m. when 2013 is finally here.

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Hartford Pub Crawl
Various Venues
Hartford, CT 06103
www.clubzone.com

Price: $20.13 plus small service fee

For those who love to party hard in the capital city, Hartford’s New Year’s Eve Pub Crawl is the party for you. Multiple venues are expected to participate. Hartford’s most popular bars and nightclubs will feature drink specials to all pub crawl participants. Get your tickets early, as they are expected to sell out. Tickets may be purchased online and cost $20.13 (plus a small service fee). Once your purchase is confirmed, tickets can conveniently be printed from the computer. Make sure to have a designated driver and always drink responsibly.

Midnight on Main
634 Main St.
Middletown, CT 06457
(860) 638-2013
www.middnight.org

Price: $20 for adults and $10 for children

Worthy competition to Hartford’s First Night, Midnight on Main is Middletown’s similar version of a fantastic party. While this is only the second year of the New Year’s Eve event, it is already a beloved tradition for Middletown and neighboring residents. A multitude of art forms take over the city’s historic Main Street, where people of all ages can take part in the fun. Similar to First Night, a fireworks display is enjoyed both at 6 p.m. and midnight. To participate, simply purchase a Midnight on Main button and wear it proudly, as it gets you into every participating venue for free. The event will run from 3 p.m. until midnight.

Mohegan Sun Resort and Casino
1 Mohegan Sun Blvd.
Montville, CT 06382
(888) 226-7711
www.mohegansun.com

Price: $43.50, includes service fee

What better way to ring in the new year than with a classic celebrity like Cyndi Lauper? She will be performing her #1 hits at Mohegan Sun Arena beginning at 7:30 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. Tickets may be purchased on Ticketmaster and cost $43.50 for all seating areas, as well as the main floor. This relatively low ticket price already includes fees, making this concert one of the more affordable shows at this amazing venue. Of course, Mohegan Sun has plenty of dining, drinking and gaming options to ensure endless amounts of fun to end the year right. Who knows, you may even go home a winner!

Shish Lounge
904 Farmington Ave.
West Hartford, CT 06119
(860) 986-7698
www.shishlounge.com

If you love dancing and having a great time, Shish Lounge is a perfect choice to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Part of West Hartford Center and Blue Back Square, Shish Lounge offers drink specials, great DJs, fabulous dancing and fun for all. Frequent visitors of Shish rave about their memorable experiences. The lounge goes all out for holidays and events, and New Year’s Eve will be no exception.

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Nicole DiCicco is multimedia specialist in Connecticut who enjoys dancing, movies and live music. She writes about all the nightlife Connecticut has to offer. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.