New Year’s Eve bashes will be taking place all over the city, but the best ones require reservations and fill up early, so resolve to plan ahead for 2013. Whether you want to take your kids out for a crisp winter night of arts and hot chocolate, enjoy a romantic dinner with your date or party like it’s 1999, the Lou has an option for you.

First Night in Grand Center
Intersection of Finney Ave. and N. Spring Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63103
(314) 289-1500
www.grandcenter.org

Time: 6 p.m. to midnight
Price: $10 adults/$5 children ages 6 to 12/free children 5 and under

On New Year’s Eve, revelers take to the streets in Grand Center for this alcohol-free, family friendly celebration of the arts. Bundle up to enjoy outdoor stage performances, street performers, participatory artworks and snack booths. Warm up indoors with dancing at the Sheldon Ballroom or indoor dance, music and theater productions at Grand Center’s variety of venues including churches, theaters, galleries, concert halls and restaurants. One admission button gets you into every venue and covers all costs except food and souvenirs. Fireworks will go off at 9 p.m. and midnight.

First Night River Bend
Lewis & Clark Community College
5800 Godfrey Road
Godfrey, IL 62035
(618) 468-7500
www.lc.edu/FirstNight

Price: $10 in advance or $15 at the event for adults/free children under 5

The Metro-East has its own First Night event in Godfrey. This event is an alcohol-free, family friendly celebration of arts and world culture.  Live music, dance and theater productions, craft projects and colorful wandering characters all add to the festive atmosphere. Jugglers, magicians and belly dancers round out the entertainment roster. End the evening with fireworks at 9 p.m. for young children or stay late and enjoy the lights at midnight.

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Molly’s in Soulard
816 Geyer Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63104
(314) 241-6200
www.mollysinsoulard.com

Time: 8 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.
Price: $50 three-course dinner/$50 open bar/$90 both

Molly’s New Year’s Eve celebration is legendary and has been sold out for four straight years, so make your reservations early. The premium open bar begins at 8 p.m. and runs until 1:30 a.m. with free appetizers at 10 p.m. The outdoor patio is filled with heated tents to keep the celebration safe and warm. If you choose the dinner option, you’ll enjoy Molly’s famous Creole cuisine on the restaurant side of the establishment.

Rock N Roll New Year’s Eve
Lemp’s Grand Hall
1817 Cherokee St.
St. Louis, MO 63118
(314) 664-8024
www.lempmansion.com

Time: 8 p.m to 12:30 a.m.
Price: $65 per person

Lemp’s New Year’s Eve party features a prime rib buffet, four hours of open well bar, champagne at midnight and a balloon drop to ring in the New Year. The historic (and haunted) mansion at the corner of Lemp and Cherokee provides a sophisticated backdrop to enjoy live music and mingling. This is another annual tradition that sells out every year and reservations are required.

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Ultimate New Year’s Eve Party
Hyatt Regency at the Arch
315 Chestnut St.
St. Louis, MO 63102
(314) 655-1234
www.stlouisarch.hyatt.com

Time: 8 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.
Price: Party only $99/Room package for two $299

Two floors of partying with multiple bands and an open bar make this a monster celebration. Throw in some light appetizers, party favors and a midnight champagne toast during a balloon drop and you’ve got The Lou’s Ultimate New Year’s Eve Party. Those who don’t want to drive home can get a deluxe guest room and party admission for two for $299.

Lauren Haas is a writer who specializes in finding the fun! Lauren was the publisher of the St. Louis Area Family Gazette for eight years, and now writes freelance articles on St. Louis events and attractions, budget travel, arts and entertainment and fitness topics. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.