Manhattan Offers New Year's Eve Celebrations

Nothing says "Happy New Year!" like celebrating New Year's Eve in New York City. From a Times Square gala and a rooftop revel overlooking Manhattan's skyline to a jazz-enhanced Epicurean spread, these six New Year's Eve events at 10 locations present a plethora of options at a wide range of prices, $45 to $750 per person.

230 FIFTH, Zagat's number one rated nightlife venue for 2010/2011 and New York's largest rooftop garden and penthouse lounge with spectacular 360-degree views of the city, offers several packages for taking New Year's to new heights - from $150 for open bar and hors d'oeuvre to $750 per person for window-seating, additional food and drink selections and a bottle of Dom Perignon Rose. All packages convey title to creative footwork on two indoor dance floors and red hooded robes (blankets, too!) for outdoor rooftop reveling under high-powered heaters. 230 FIFTH, Fifth Avenue at 27th Street, 212-246-1000. http://www.230-fifth.com.

Overlooking Times Square from the Crowne Plaza Times Square's second floor, Brasserie 1605 fields an intimate bash with all the trimmings - five-course feast, traditional New Year's Eve paraphernalia, open bar and dancing for $250 per person. Celebrants will dine on the likes of Seared Duck Breast and Foie Gras Medallion, Forbidden Rice Pilaf, Celery Root Puree and Pomegranate Reduction and have access to sidewalk viewing of the ball drop. Brasserie 1605, 1605 Broadway, 212-315-6000. http://www.cpmanhattantimessquare.com/brasserie-1605.html.

An urbane outing will be provided by Fiorini, "one of Midtown's few well-kept secrets," according to Zagat. Redolent of old world charm, it is a sophisticated setting for a Champagne toast to 2011 after savoring a four-course Italian feast with choices like Filet Mignon, Black Truffles and Barolo Red Wine Sauce and Halibut with Toasted Almonds, Prosecco and Tarragon. Sensibly priced at $82, DJ entertainment and all the requisite accoutrements included. Fiorini, 206 E. 56th, 212-308-0830. http://www.fiorinirestaurant.com.

Belgian boite Petite Abeille presents a festive three-course dinner for just $45, with Roasted Guinea Hen Braised Leg, Potato Rosti and Truffled Natural Jus, complemented by tasty amuses bouches and a celebratory cocktail, at all four locations. The modestly priced regular menu will also be available, while the city's largest selection of Belgian beers will provide plenty of bubbly, in addition to the wine list's sparklers. Petite Abeille buzzes at: 401 E. 20th Street, 212-727-1505; 466 Hudson Street, 212-741-6479; 44 West 17th, 212-727-2989; and 134 West Broadway, 212-791-1360. http://www.petiteabeille.com.

Traffic Bar & Restaurant shifts into high New Year's gear with endless beverages from the Midtown hot spot's two bars, complemented by a tasty array of passed hors d'oeuvre - the likes of Cilantro Grilled Shrimp with Mango Vinaigrette, Chicken Satay with Thai Peanut Sauce and Traffic's signature Mini-Burger Sliders adorned by Housemade Aioli. When not focused on the consequent finger-licking, celebrants can keep tabs on all the New Year's Eve festivities broadcasts on 23 televisions. $90 per person at Traffic, 986 Second Avenue, 212-813-2595. http://www.trafficbarnyc.com.

At Pera Mediterranean Brasserie the infectious rhythms of the Lapis Luna Jazz Band will accompany several scenarios, sipping $10 Champagne cocktails in Pera's stylish bar and dining from Pera's a la carte menu, among them. A $65 three-course offering, featuring such dishes as Veal Osso Buco, Classic Gremolata, Ratatouille and Feta Lasagna, is another, as are two multi-choice, four-course presentations for Mediterranean food connoisseurs - one vegetarian with a Homemade Pappardelle with Seasonal Mushrooms, Baby Rocket Pesto and Parmigiano main course, one not - in the dining room at $110 and $140. Pera, 303 Madison Avenue, 212-878-6301. http://www.peranyc.com.

Photo Credit: trafficbarnyc.com