Cheap Chick NYC New Year's Eve Picks!

Mazel tov, or Auld lang syne, I think that's it. Anyway, even though you probably haven't left cookies and milk for Santa, or unwrapped any gifts yet, here are my New Year's Eve picks, hopefully you haven't already made plans to fall asleep before midnight or pay $100+ to party at a local nightspot. Watch for more posts as events come in, and there may also be NYC New Year's Day Picks (but I'm not promising anything!) Enjoy!

Historic Lower Manhattan-New York in a New Year Walking Tour http://www.bigonion.com/description/index.html#13

Emerald Nuts Midnight Run (free to watch!) http://www.nyrr.org/races/2009/r1231x00.asp

Get relaxed at Jivamukti Yoga with a dance party, silent meditation, and a massage for free! (pre-dinner and class beforehand cost $.) http://www.jivamuktiyoga.com/fms/event_fm.html

Time's Up New Year's Eve bike ride and after-party! http://times-up.org/

Watch New Year's Eve fireworks at Grand Army Plaza. Starts at 11 p.m. http://www.prospectpark.org/calendar/event/235303

The Cake Shop on Ludlow is having a Death to the Decade party with just a $15 cover! http://cake-shop.com/ (check the calendar for more info.)

Auld Twang Syne at the Living Room, starts at 9 p.m., $15 for bar and music, $10 for just bar. (scroll down calendar for info.) http://www.livingroomny.com/calendar

Start off New Year's Eve right with a free champagne tasting at Columbus Wines and Spirits, 1802 Broadway. 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

See singing duo Dean and Britta at Southpaw for an early New Year's concert. Tkts are $20 in advance. http://spsounds.com/

Feel nostalgic for new year's past at the Paley Center, as you watch old-time TV shows until 5 p.m. and of course the Met is open New Year's Eve as well-remember you need only make a donation-I think a $1 works well! I'm sure some of the other museums will be open as well!

See the Champian Fulton Quartet for free at Lincoln Center. http://new.lincolncenter.org/live/index.php/atrium-champian-fulton-quartet-dec-31

Watch Breakfast at Tiffany's (at 3:20 p.m. and 7:40 p.m.) or The Apartment (at 1:10, 5:30, and 9:50 p.m., with a champagne toast after the 9:50 p.m. showing) as part of the Film Forum's Madcap Manhattan series.

A spiritual New Year's awaits you at St. John the Divine's Concert for Peace. General admission for the public is free.

Party at 92ndY Tribeca with music, conceptual art, and comedy.

The Village Pourhouse party has only a $20 cover!

Prospect Park Fun Run, still only $20 until Dec. 31, $25 day of. Get your exercise on, and then watch the fireworks!

Of course you can always think like a tourist and brave the crowds at Times Square for the big ball drop!

Feel free to send me your suggestions for a cheap and/or free New Year's celebration! Of course I think an apartment party, game night, or a meal out are fun recession-worthy events for new year's too!