Lights, glitter, action! A new year approaches — and those gold-sequined dresses or dapper suits won't wear themselves. Everywhere you look, there are DJs and dance floors, balloons and confetti prepped for the big countdown. And don't forget about all those New Year's blowouts at Twin Cities restaurants, bars and hotels (some even offering overnight specials). Or maybe you prefer the comfort of hot chocolate and a sweatsuit. Never fear, there's an abundance of outdoor and family events, as well. Whether you're a jet-setting millennial or a busy parent with a gaggle of rowdy kids, here are a couple dozen great options for welcoming 2019.
NOON YEAR'S EVE: Como Park Zoo and Conservatory eighty-sixed the beach ball drop from its annual celebration. This year, look for an environmentally friendly shower of biodegradable confetti at the stroke of noon. There's also a selfie station and countdown crafts for the kids. (10 a.m.-1 p.m. Mon. 1225 Estabrook Dr., St. Paul, comozoo conservatory.org)
NEW YEAR'S EVE SLEDDING: Take a few trips down the hills of Hyland Lake Park Reserve before warming up with some free hot cocoa. Don't forget to bring your own fixings for s'mores by the fire. (Noon-4 p.m. Mon., free, Richardson Nature Center, 8737 E. Bush Lake Rd., Bloomington, 763-559-6700, three riversparks.org)
NEW YEAR'S EVE FAMILY PARTY: With the music of Jack and Kitty on the stage, here's your chance to embarrass the kids with your mom and dad moves. Swimming, inflatables and crafts are also included, not to mention the Maple Maze indoor playground. (2-6 p.m. Mon., Maple Grove Community Center, 12951 Weaver Lake Road maplegrovemn.gov)
NEW YEAR'S EVE AT AFTON ALPS: Take in some skiing, some bouncy house action or boogie down with the Teddy Bear Band. Lifts close at 9 p.m. for a Torch Light Parade and fireworks. (6600 Peller Av. S., Hastings, aftonalps.com)
GREAT GATSBY PARTY: Bank Restaurant brings back the roaring '20s with its themed NYE party. Guests can usher in the new year with a special menu and complimentary midnight Champagne toast. After the meal, it's definitely time to hit the dance floor. (6 p.m. Mon., $125-$300, 88 S. 6th St., Mpls. eventbrite.com)
LOUIE ANDERSON: He won't come dressed as his matronly character from FX's "Baskets," but the Minnesota-born comedian is sure to offer up some laughs. (6:30 & 9:30 p.m. Mon., $32.95-$102.95. 12600 Nicollet Av. S., Burnsville, 952-895-4685 or ames- center.com)
BLUES BASH: Harmonica? Check. Guitar and vocals about a dude down on his luck? Check. This bluesy New Year's Eve party features Lamont Cranston Band, Reverend Raven & the Chain Smokin Altar Boys, Westside Andy and Scottie Miller Band. Buy yourself a concert ticket, or check out the overnight packages complete with dinner buffet, Champagne toast and more. (7:30 p.m. Mon., $35-$309, Doubletree Hotel, 7800 Normandale Blvd., Bloomington, 952-893-8430 for show tickets; 1-866-271-8967 for hotel packages)
SCOTT HANSEN: Pete Borchers opens for this stalwart of the Minnesota comedy scene (7 & 9 p.m. Mon., $30-$40, 9475 Deerwood Lane N., Maple Grove, 763-425-2700)
CRYSTAL BALL: DJs Bonics, Mister Black and Isaak Thurber keep the crowd hyped with a diverse selection of music. After a glass of liquid courage, take to the piano karaoke lounge and belt out a tune. Also performing are Rock It Man Entertainment's comedic dueling pianos. There's even an area with arcade and LED interactive games, plus lounge areas to rest those tired dancing feet. (8 p.m. Mon. $117.58-$260. IDS Tower, 710 Marquette Av., Mpls. 612-376-7404. crystal ballmn.com)
TRANSMISSION NEW YEAR'S EVE: Tease the hair and grab a neon outfit for DJ Jake Rudh's '80s prom-themed dance party. (9 p.m. Mon. $20, First Avenue, 701 1st Av. N., Mpls., 612-338-8388 or first-avenue.com)
THROWBACK NEW YEAR'S EVE BASH: Host of KMOJ's "Back in the Day," Ray Richardson spins '70s, '80s and '90s tunes all night long. Dress to impress for red carpet photos, Champagne and free buffet. (9 p.m. Mon., $40-$50, Courtyard Marriott, 1500 Washington Av. S., Mpls., 763-762-0902 or 651-239-3363)
GAME-A-THON: For those planning to be in bed before the clock strikes midnight, this Jan. 1 celebration boasts board games, computer games and an all-day movie marathon. (10 a.m.-10 p.m. Tue., free, Buffalo Community Center, 206 Central Av., Buffalo, Minn. wrightcountygeeks.org)
