New Year's Events in Bethel

You don't have to go all the way to Times Square in New York City and stand in the cold away from bathrooms for hours to have a good time. There are a host of New Year's Eve special events and parties throughout Bethel. So grab your funky 2012 sunglasses and get ready to celebrate.

At Greenwood's Grille and Ale House, 186 Greenwood Ave., there will be live music beginning at 9 p.m. provided by The Pears, a local rock cover band. The Pears will keep the dance floor crowded and ring in the New Year with a decade spanning repertoire of hits that includes recent songs like Maroon 5's “Harder to Breathe,” “Lady Gaga's “Poker Face,” and the Blacked Eyed Peas' “I Got a Feeling,” as well as classic hits such as The Bangles' “Walk Like an Egyptian” and Dusty Springfield's “Son of a Preacher Man.” In addition to the music, partiers can choose from Greenwood's impressive selection of on tap craft beer offerings that include specialty beers from famed regional breweries such as Brooklyn and Blue Point Breweries.

There will also be a party vibe at The Spot, on 1 Front St., where there will be drink specials all night plus a free champaign toast at midnight and a viewing of the Times Square Ball Drop. Tony Maniscalco who owns The Spot, said New Year's is generally pretty crowded at his bar and that, “it's a good time.”

For a more romantic and laid back night, couples and groups of friends can have dinner at La Zingara, at 8 P.T. Barnum Square, or at Stella Restaurant & Bar at 213 Greenwood Ave. Both restaurants are offering fixed multiple course meals that include a champaign toast. Starting at 9:30 p.m. guests at Stella can pay $65 for a four course meal with entrée options ranging from whole grain pasta with shrimp to an all natural New York strip steak. There's also appetizers, soup or salad, and dessert. At La Zingara for $85 guests can also have a four course meal and choose from menu items including, home made crepes, a wide assortment of homemade pasta, fish, and meat options such as veal, chicken and lamp.

Another Bethel dinning spot, Plain Jane's Restaurant, at 208 Greenwood Ave., will also be running dinner specials on New Year's Eve, but for Plain Jane's the main event might be New Year's Day when they host a brunch from 10 a.m. till 2:30 p.m. The brunch will feature live music provided by Mike James a singer songwriter who plays covers and originals in a folk pop style.

But, whatever way you choose to celebrate make sure to do it responsibly and have a good time. Happy New Year!