How to Ring in the New Year in the Capital Region
How do you want to celebrate the New Year? You can dance the night away, spend an evening laughing with friends, or even take a polar plunge. Whichever way you choose, the Capital Region has an event for you! Read on for our top picks.
First Night Saratoga 2019
December 31, 2018 – 6 p.m.
When you think New Year’s Eve in the Capital Region, you think First Night Saratoga. This year’s theme is “Let’s Celebrate” and with 15,000 people expected to attend, you can bet a large celebration will be had by all. Festivities kick off at 5 p.m. with the annual First Night 5K Run with all events starting at 6 p.m. These events include live music, standup comedy acts, mind arts, extended hours at shops and restaurants, and culminating in a firework display in Congress Park at midnight. You can find all the info about admission, schedule, and parking over here.
First Night of Funny
December 31, 2018 – 8 p.m.
Laugh your way into the new year with 4 professional standup comedians at the First Night of Funny at The Egg. You can expect non-stop comedy from these hilarious hosts who have graced your screens in programs on Netflix, HBO, and Comedy Central. Buy your tickets now at The Egg’s website.
New Year’s Eve Bash with Funk Evolution
December 31, 2018 – 10 p.m.
Get your New Year’s party started at River’s Casino & Resort in Schenectady! You’ll be dancing away 2018 to Funk Evolution’s unique, high-energy show. Each admission includes 2 drink tickets, a buffet of snacks, and of course, a night-long dance party! Doors open at 9:30 p.m. with the full event kicking off at 10 p.m. You can get your tickets right here.
The 2019 Lake George Polar Plunge
January 1, 2019 – 1 p.m.
The annual Lake George Polar Plunge is a popular tradition that takes place on New Year’s Day. Shepard Park Beach fills with people donning their best swim gear for a plunge into the chilly lake waters. Last year over a thousand people were in attendance so the plunge is staggered into groups of 400. Sign up for this invigorating start to the New Year at Duffy’s Tavern. Proceeds from the event go toward Springfield Shriners Hospital’s Acute Pediatric Rehabilitation Program and local fire department. For all the important info you’ll need click here.
Bach at New Year’s
January 1, 2019 – 3 p.m.
If you prefer a more mellow way to celebrate the New Year, check out Bach at New Year’s at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall. Presented by the Berkshire Bach Society and WMHT, you can see music by, “Berkshire Bach Ensemble Director and Soloist, Eugene Drucker, Founder of the Emerson String Quartet, and a program of two Brandenburgs plus more festive concerti with “wind power” by Bach, Vivaldi, Handel, Telemann, and Corelli.” For tickets to this stylish event, click here.