NYE In NYC: 20 Places To Party This Weekend

Spending New Year's Eve in NYC usually means watching millions of people dress up in their flashiest clothes and pay a lot of money to hang out in places they normally just go for free. But that doesn't always have to be the case, and we're not totally cynical about rejuvenating your fun karma for 2012, in style. If your resolution was to add more peace and less partying (or the other way around—we don't judge), check out our ultimate NYE party guide. Want to rage all night to some A-list DJs? Check. Cozy up for a super-chic dinner, with bubbly? Check. Or strip down for something called "Nude Years Eve"? Check, check, and check. Whether you're more into starting your year off centered or just looking to get shitfaced (with class, of course!), make sure to click through all of our 20 options for starting the year off right. And as for that hangover, well, in 2012, the pain might come before the gain.

What: What would a NYE party roundup (or any roundup, really) be without The Standard? This year, Le Bain brings the heat by way of DFA, Holy Ghost!, and Tim Sweeney, to name a few. Warning: non-ticket holders need not wait in line (or beg).
When: See here for tickets, 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.
Why: Because if you can get in, the rest don't matter.
Where: The Standard, 848 Washington Street (near West 13th Street); 212-645-4646.

What: Although Jimmy isn't a club-club, it's definitely a happening hot-spot and the beats will be bumping. Sure, it's $250 a head, but, c'mon, there are party favors!
Why: A cool location, and David Burke hors d'oeuvres.
When: $250 per person before midnight, $75 after, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Where: Jimmy, 15 Thompson Street (near Grand Street); 212-201-9118.

What: The Dream Downtown's been a big name on the scene this year, and will continue to be in 2012, so get in while you can and dance to the beats of DJ Questlove with all your nearest and dearest!
Why: "3 Rooms, 5 Bars, 4 DJs." Done.
When: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Where: Dream Downtown 355 West 16th Street (between 8th and 9th avenues); 212-247-2000.

What: Get your grub on at the John Dory Oyster Bar or The Breslin and then head down to hipster hangout, Ace Hotel, for some spinning festivities all night long.
Why: A cameo by Andy Rourke of The Smiths & East Village Radio.
When: RSVP: Rachael@thebreslin.com, 8 p.m. to 4 a.m.
Where: The Ace Hotel, 20 West 29th Street (between 5th and Avenue of the Americas); 212-679-2222.

What: The old strip club-come-hotspot's at it again with Champagne and Jello Shots, and we think this party, excuse us, ball is gonna be the dance-fest to beat.
Why: The invite is a pink growling tiger and at $40, you're getting a NYE steal! Plus, swing by to say hi to us!
When: $40, starting at 10 p.m.
Where: The Westway, 75 Clarkson Street (near Washington Street); 212-620-0101.

What: This annual black & white masquerade ball brings the chic to Soho. Oh, and it also brings Mena Suvari, Christian Siriano, and Mary-Kate Steinmiller, to name a few.
Why: Because there's a premium open bar and mandatory mask mystery.
When: $150 and up, open bar from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Where: Soho Grand , West Broadway (between Canal and Grand streets); 212-965-3000.

What: This ultra-cozy, super-hip hotspot is pricy but includes the Veuve and a full night of entertainment by The Darby Band.
Why: Sure, it's expensive, but you get Maine lobster or white truffle pasta or charred octopus or...mmm... what were we saying again?
When: $200 per person for the 6 p.m. seating, $400 per person for the 9:30 p.m. seating.
Where:The Darby, 244 West 14th Street (Near Hudson Street); 212-242-4411.

What: A cozy but delicious dinner in the East Village gives way to a boatload of champagne and good times down the alphabet avenues, or, a more intimate after party (if the mood strikes).
Why: Peanut Butter and Jelly eclairs and a pretty reasonable price tag for a four course meal.
When: $65 per person, early seating, $85 per person, late seating. Contact Reservations for times and availability.
Where:Beagle 162 Avenue A (between 10th and 11th streets); 212-228-6900.

What: The most exquisite and intimate way to celebrate the "apocalypse"? A four-course meal with Brooklyn's finest, of course!
Why: A great place to cozy up, and an undead theme make this supper sure to be the best "last" meal you'll ever eat.
When: $75 supper and dinner, starting at 5 p.m., $95 late night seating with champagne toast. Email to book.
Where: Vinegar Hill House, 72 Hudson Avenue (near Water Street); 718-522-1018.

What: Brooklyn's biggest park offers a romantic (and cheap) fireworks alternative to braving the wild streets of Manhattan.
Why: Because nothing is as picturesque as the iconic Grand Army Plaza.
When: 11 p.m., free.
Where: Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn.

What: A posh three-course meal, paired with a ticker-tape celebration and "handcrafted" cocktails for the more discerning crowd.
Why: Because you've spent all year working for it.
When: $375 dinner, starting at 9 p.m., drinks by consumption after 1 p.m.
Where: The Lambs Club, 132 West 44th Street (between 7th and Avenue of the Americas); 212-997-5262.

What: A more refined affair features dancing, but also offers passed canapes and decadent desserts, plus DJs spinning tunes.
Why: A hotel crowd keeps things manageable, and you can pony up for a table if you're feeling flush.
When: 9 p.m. to 1 a.m, $250 for standing, $350 for reserved seating.
Where: The Double Seven, 63 Gansevoort Street (between Washington and Greenwich streets); 646-490-8925.

What: The Ars Nova New Year's Eve Spectacular hosts a variety of eye-treats, including daredevil performances, costumes, "salacious burlesque and curiosities," and a couple of the coolest theater geeks in town.
Why: Because where else can you wear that feathered boa you simply refuse to part with?
When: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., $75-$250.
Where: Ars Nova, 511 West 54th Street (at 10th Avenue); 212-489-9800.

What: Those rascals at Mr. Saturday Night are at it again, with beloved DJs Eamon Harkin and Justin Carter. This time they are taking over Brooklyn party spot House Of Yes for their annual (and debaucherous) NYE fiesta.
Why: The event sells out every single New Year's. And people don't stop talking about it until the next one.
When: 9 p.m. to 6 a.m, $20.
Where: House Of Yes, 342 Maujer Street (between Waterbury and Morgan streets), Brooklyn.

What: Pretty much the coolest lady ever, Sandra F***ing Bernhard, the foul-mouthed, hyper-feminist, pro-gay comedienne who refuses to hold her tongue sounds off as the clock counts down.
Why: Because nothing would be more badass.
When: 9 p.m and 11 p.m., $100 and $150.
Where: Joe's Pub, 425 Lafayette Street (near Astor Place); 212-539-8778.

What: Not quite a New Year's Eve option, David Barton Gym claims that their daytime workout puts the body in a "hormonal state" that prevents it from storing fat — allowing you to guiltlessly indulge.
Why: Because what if it were true? Also, you'll feel pretty proud of yourself for working out on New Year's Eve.
When: 10 a.m. and 12 p.m., free with RSVP.
Where: David Barton Gym, 215 West 23rd Street (between 7th and 8th avenues); 212-414-2022.

What: Documentary theatre Maysles Institute is hosting a "Past Future!" event, featuring time-traveling, burlesque and performance by the Sassparilla Sisters, and good ole rock-and-roll — plus a champagne toast.
Why: Because if you are spending your New Year's in Harlem, might as well get a little crazy.
When: Starts at 10 p.m., pay-what-you-want.
Where: Maysles Institute, 343 Lenox Avenue (between 127th and 128th Streets); 212-582-6050.

What: Look, we don't have much else to say, except this event is called "Nude Year's Eve", requires a trek to Jersey, includes naked Twister and is all-you-can-drink. You will have stories to tell forever.
Why: Well, at least you don't have to stress about what to wear.
When: Starts at 7:30 p.m. to 4:30 a.m., $40-$60, plus a $10 nudie bus ticket.
Where: Location provided upon ticket purchase.

What: Crunchy Providence band Deer Tick is holding the fort down at Brooklyn Bowl, bringing a slight Southern tinge to the North Wythe.
Why: We'll put it simply: Hot. Dudes. Galore.
When: Doors at 6 p.m., Show at 8 p.m., $45.
Where: Brooklyn Bowl, 61 Wythe Avenue (between North 11th and North 12th streets); 718-963-3369.