Wicked Good Ways to Ring in the New Year

From romantic hotel packages to celebratory menus, Salem is offering a full plate to celebrate the New Year by night and by day.

The restaurants and accommodations of Salem, Massachusetts plan to ring in the new year with style, and hope you will join them. Depending on the party you choose, festivities include champagne, chocolate-dipped strawberries, masquerade balls, lobster and lots of live music. If you prefer to usher in 2010 quietly, hibernation fireside is encouraged at some of Salem’s historic accommodations.

Here are some ideas to inspire your plans to end this year and begin the next. Please make advanced reservations, because many of the parties and packages will sell out.

Get your Glam On

Whether your celebration will be intimate or en masse, make sure you look fabulous with a make-over at the award-winning Rouge Cosmetics. Appointments for New Year’s Eve day are limited, so book yours today. A complete makeup application costs $50, Lashes and Lash Application costs $20. Book your appointment at 978-740-1044 or info@rouge.com.

End 2009 with Lobster and Wine

Lobster is on the menu and Julie Dougherty will be on stage Capt.’s Waterfront Grill & Pub on Pickering Wharf. Celebrate the evening with water views and yacht club ambiance. There will be a balloon drop, prizes, and complimentary champagne. Make your reservations for the 5pm or 9pm seating at 978.741.0555 or capts.com.

The chef at Finz on Pickering Wharf is preparing a celebratory menu that will be fresh and delicious, and The Mystics will be performing from 9:30 pm – 12:30 am. There’s no cover charge for the evening, but reservations are recommended. Hipfinz.com

If you thought costumes were only for October, you will be pleasantly surprised by the Gulu Gulu New Years Eve Masquerade Ball, which will feature music by Big Blue Octopus, appetizers, and a midnight champagne toast. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 the day of the party, and they will sell out, so don’t wait to book this hot date. gulu-gulu.com

Sit down for an elegant, four-course, pre-fixed dinner at the Hawthorne Hotel, from 6:00 pm -10:00 pm. There will be live Jazz music (don’t panic, no dancing!) in Nathaniel's and Sophia's. Call 978-825-4311 for your reservation. hawthornehotel.com

Chef Tony Bettencourt at Sixty2 on Wharf will be serving a four course dinner with paired wines, as well as Sixty2’s regular menu. There will be two seatings, and reservations are a must. Stay for midnight and enjoy a champagne toast at midnight! Make reservations at (978) 744-0062. 62onwharf.com

Bobby Vee will be spinning tunes at Victoria Station, where there will be dancing, free party favors, and a free champagne toast at midnight. There is no cover charge. Make your reservation at Victoria’s Station by calling 978-745-3400 or visiting VictoriaStationInc.com.

Make an Overnight of It

Book your New Year’s Eve at the Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites and you could wake up in 2010 in luxury! Rates start at $159 for two and include breakfast, chocolate covered strawberries, a bottle of champagne and a complimentary appetizer in the Regatta Pub in the hotel. Book your reservation at 978-740-8788. salemwaterfronthotel.com

Stay at the Salem Inn on New Year’s Eve and they will take care of your cover charge at Rockafellas Restaurant. Make a reservation to enjoy Rockafellas’ four-course dinner, party favors, live music, and a champagne toast. After you dance the year away, you are a one-block walk from a cozy room with a working fireplace or Jacuzzi (your choice!) at the Salem Inn. A hearty continental breakfast awaits you on January 1^st, as does a kinder, gentler check-out time of 1:00 PM. $179.00, plus tax. saleminnma.com

2010 Begins with Brunch

If you didn’t spend New Year’s Eve at the Hawthorne Hotel, plan to start the New Year with them. The Hawthorne will be serving a glorious a la carte brunch from 12pm - 3pm. Chef Ken O'Keefe's creative New Year's Day Brunch menu will start your new year off right, with course after course cooked to order. For reservations call 978-825-4311. hawthornehotel.com

Make your resolution to spend more time in historic, hip Salem, Massachusetts, where there is magic, culture, and history to discover around every corner. For complete information on visiting and exploring Salem, visit Salem.org.