Cheap and Free New Year's Eve 2011-2012 NYC Events!

Spent all your spare cash on Christmas presents? Don't despair, the Cheap Chick is here! I've compiled a list of all the free, and cheap New Year's events and parties in the city! All of these New Year's Events are under $40! So Auld Lang Syne it into 2012!

Start Date Unknown?
New Year’s Eve Wishing Wall
From the Times Square Alliance, “Your wishes for 2012 will be added to the confetti that flutters down in the heart of Times Square on New Year's Eve! Each year people from around the globe write their wishes for the New Year on pieces of official Times Square New Year’s Eve confetti. Whether it’s a personal goal, a dream for the future or doing something for the very first time, these wishes will be posted on the New Year’s Eve Wishing Wall located in the Times Square Visitor Center (7th Ave between 46th & 47th Sts). The wishes are collected at the end of the year, and added to the one ton of confetti that flutters down at midnight onto the crowd gathered in Times Square in celebration of the New Year, Free!

December 9 2011-February 5, 2012
Robert Burns and "Auld Lang Syne" Morgan Library Exhibit
From the Morgan library, “Every December 31, tens of millions of people raise their voices with friends and family in a chorus of "Auld Lang Syne," bidding farewell to the past year and looking forward to a promising new one. But how did a traditional Scots folk song—with lyrics that many people scarcely understand—emerge as one of the world's most enduring popular songs? With manuscripts and letters of the great Scottish poet Robert Burns (1759–1796), rare printed editions, and multi-media features, this highly focused exhibition explores the origins of a song that began as an old Scots poem and air and evolved into a globally shared expression of friendship and longing.” Inc. w/ regular museum admission ($15 adults) Cheap Chick Cheap Tip: The museum is free on Friday nights from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.!

December 28, 2011
Good Riddance Day
From the Times Square Alliance, “On December 28 from 12pm-1pm, the public is invited to the 5th Annual Good Riddance Day on the Broadway Plaza between 43rd and 44th Streets. Say goodbye to your worst memory from 2011 once and for all on Good Riddance Day! Win a free trip for two to New York City to participate in this event compliments of Cintas.

December 30, 2011-January 1, 2012
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Celebrate the film's 30th anniversary w/a late-night screening of theclassic Harrison Ford blockbuster and its brand-new4K digital restoration! 12:15 a.m., IFC Center, 323 Sixth Avenue, at 3rd Street, $13, tkts can be purchased here: http://www.ifccenter.com/films/raiders-of-the-lost-ark/!

New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2011
Free/No Cover Events:
New Year’s Eve Concert for Peace
From the Cathedral, “The 2011 New Year’s Eve Concert for Peace is a celebration of African-American Music and the Spiritual as a place of sanctuary for all people. The centerpiece of the concert will be the oratorio A Child of our Time by the distinguished British composer Sir Michael Tippett.Featured artists will include:
UBUNTU-SHRUTI Orchestra Dessoff Symphonic Choir, Chris Shepard, Music Director Indra Thomas, Soprano Rachel Calloway, Mezzo-Soprano Sean Panikkar, Tenor Morris D. Robinson, Bass, George Mathew, Conductor and Artistic Director.” 7 p.m. The Cathedral of St. John the Divine, 112th Street and Amsterdam Avenue, one block east of Broadway, General Admission seats are free and open to the public!

Last Exit Bar
Celebrate New Year’s Eve, w/Miss Gemini*Ursa Major*Dolowhite! No cover, party favors and champagne toast at midnight, Last Exit Bar, 136 Atlantic Ave., free!

Ayala Champagne Tasting at Columbus Circle
Take an early sip of the bubbly to welcome in 2012! 3:00 p.m. – 6 p.m., Columbus Circle Wines & Spirits, 1802 Broadway, free!

Fireworks at Grand Army Plaza
Ring in the new year in Brooklyn with fireworks at Grand Army Plaza, just off Prospect Park! The fireworks begin at midnight, but get there early if you come by car; parking spots can be scarce. The best places for viewing are along Prospect Park's West Drive and between Grand Army Plaza and 9th Street, free!

Times Square Ball Drop
Of course you can always brave the cold and stick with the tried-and-true NYC classic of watching the ball drop in Times Square with TV cameras and thousands of your best friends! Catch musical performances by Justin Bieber and Lady GaGaIt's best to get there as soon as possible; street closures start mid-afternoon, and the choicest spots are usually filled by 3pm or earlier, free! For a full schedule of events check here: http://www.timessquarenyc.org/events/new-years-eve/nye-schedule/index.aspx

Jivamuckti Yoga School 23rd Annual New Year’s Eve Celebration
Start the party off with kirtan dancing from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m., and then from nine to midnight observe mauna, the practice of silence. All asana rooms will be open free to the public for individual reflection on this auspicious evening.

Times Up 12th Annual New Year’s Eve Bike Ride and After Party
Start 2012 off on wheels, two (a bike) or eight (roller skates) with a Time’s Up Bike Ride! Ride from the arch in Washington Square Park to Central Park’s Belvedere Castle. After the ride is over participants are welcome to watch the fireworks in Central Park and celebrate the New Year with music and dancing! Be sure to dress festively and bring along those noisemakers and party favors, as well as food and drinks to share! Meet at 10 p.m. under the Arch at Washington Square Park, or you can join in the ride around 10:20 p.m. at Madison Square Park, 23rd and Broadway, Flatiron side, if you’re starting out in Brooklyn, you can join the feeder ride in Williamsburg on the Brooklyn side entrance of the Wiliamsburg Bridge, and if you don’t want to ride at all, you can simply join the group at Belvedere Castleat 11:45 p.m., free!

Duke’s
Duke’s will welcome the New Year with drink specials, free Jell-O shots, and “NYC’s Best Wings,” and No Cover! Gramercy Park (99 E. 19th Street near Park Avenue South,) and Murray Hill (560 Third Avenue at 37th Street, free!

Sycamore Bar
Rock out the new year in this Ditmas Park bar w/ DJ music all night long (10 p.m. to 2 a.m., plus a late night dance party (2 a.m.-?)! No cover, and drink specials all night! 1118 Cortelyou Rd., free!

Free Concert to Usher in the New Year
"William K. Trafka, St. Bartholomew’s Director of Music and Organist will play festive works for this New Year’s celebration: A CONCERT TO USHER IN THE NEW YEAR. Organ works of Bach, Howells and Planyavsky will be heard alongside transcriptions of orchestral works by Vivaldi and Walton." 11:00 p.m. to 11:59 p.m., St. Bart's Church, Park Ave. at 51st St., free!

New Year's Celebration at Mug
A simple RSVP gets you into this shindig, with DJs spinning club music, a free buffet, and midnight champagne toast plus a 6 a.m. free continental breakfast! 9 p.m., Mug, 448 E 13th St, free w/RSVP (call 212-353-1011!)

Also check out this list of no-cover bars from my friends at at Time Out New York: http://newyork.timeout.com/things-to-do/641969/no-cover-bars?package=641973

$2 and up!
Need to stop and refuel in-between all your party-hopping? Then head on over to Bark Hot Dogs for their "Resolution Specials," which they'll be offering until 9:30 p.m. tonight! Specials include $2 French fries, $3 classic dogs, $5 Bark Burgers, and $4 pints of Sixpoint!

5/5/5 New Year's Eve Spectacular
Celebrating five years in business, Union Hall is keeping its New Year's Eve cover at $5! There will also be $5 drink specials, karaoke, and the chance to win an ipad2! 8 p.m., Union Hall, 702 Union Street, Park Slope, $5!

$10 and up!
New York Roadrunners Emerald Nuts Midnight Run
Get 2012 off with a running start with The New York Roadrunners Emerald Nuts Midnight Run! There will be DJ music and dancing at 10 p.m., a costume parade and contest at 11 p.m., plus fireworks and a four mile run in Central Park at midnight! Dancing and the costume contest will be held at the Central Park Bandshell, just south of the 72nd Street Transverse in Central Park, New York. The closest entrance is at Fifth Avenue and 72nd Street. For more info and registration details, go here: http://nyrr.org/races/2011/r1231x00.asp Cost: $10-$55!

Midnight showing of Jurassic Park
Nothing says New Year’s Eve like being eaten by rampaging dinosaurs! 11:59 p.m. IFC Center, 323 Sixth Ave (at 3rd St) cost: $13, members: $8, seniors and children under 12: $9

Underground Rebel Bingo + Cheryl:
"The kids from the mixed-queer affair Cheryl are hosts at this sweaty year-end bacchanal, featuring feisty disco band Midnight Magic and the party people from the Underground Rebel Bingo Club. 9 p.m., $20-$25 (advance tkts are sold out, but go here to find out about secret tkts that are still available: http://eepurl.com/gGVCH or email hardcore@rebelbingo.com for special consideration. begging letters and photos of body parts welcome.

See New Year’s Eve the movie!
Why live the real New Year's Eve when you can watch an ensemble cast of pretty people celebrate for you? Check local movie listings for showtimes!

Museum of Natural History Kwanzaa celebration
From the museum website, “KWANZAA 2011! is a vibrant celebration that honors the seven principles of Kwanzaa with performances of song, dance, and spoken word and an international marketplace. This year’s event will feature storyteller Linda Humes as master of ceremonies, the dynamic African-Caribbean performing group Something Positive, Inc., and other exciting presenters.” 12:00 pm - 4:00 p.m. Museum of Natural History, 79th Street and Central Park West, Milstein Hall of Ocean Life, First Floor, Free with museum admission (Suggested general admission: $19 adults, children ages two-12- $10.50)

$18
Victorian Christmas: Origins of Christmas Traditions
Discovery Walking Tours wants to take you along on a walk to learn about the local origins of Christmas! “Want to experience a new Christmas tradition in New York – something beyond the Rockettes and the Rockefeller Center tree? Go off the beaten path this holiday season by taking this walking tour through three Victorian areas--Gramercy Park, Ladies Mile, and Chelsea--exploring the Christmas traditions that emerged from each. Stops include where O. Henry wrote Gift of the Magi and where Clement Clarke Moore penned Twas the Night Before Christmas. The tour will also explore New York's role in the evolution of the modern Kris Kringle, from Washington Irvings St. Nicholas figure to Thomas Nasts jovial Santa.” 1 p.m. Call 212-465-3331 for reservations and meeting place. Cost: $18!

New York in the New Year-Historic Lower Manhattan Big Onion Walking Tour
Join Big Onion for “a wide-ranging tour exploring the history, architecture, and people of Lower Manhattan – the birthplace of New Amsterdam and now the world’s financial center. Stops could include: Trinity Church, and sites associated with 18th-century slave uprisings, J.P. Morgan, Alexander Hamilton, George Washington, Abbie Hoffman, and others.” 1 p.m., meet at the Front steps of the U.S. Custom House, located at Bowling Green, Cost: $18!

$20+
Deity
DJ Vinnie Campisiwil be spinning the tunes as a live broadcast of the Tmes Square ball drop plays on the TV. Toast the new year w/a complimentary glass of champagne at midnight! 9 p.m. to 4 p.m. 368 Atlantic Ave, Cost: $20! To RSVP: Email deitynyc@gmail.com

New Year’s Eve with Brother Joscephus and the Love Revival Revolution Orchestra “Ring in the New Year with an unstoppable line-up of funk, soul, good vibes, and complimentary champagne at midnight!” 9p.m doors, $, 92Y Tribeca, Mainstage, 200 Hudson Street, $20 advance / $25 day of show (midnight champagne toast included!)

$25+
Hedda Lettuce’s Xanadu Sing-along
Everyone’s favorite green-headed drag queen will be hosting a screening and sing-a-long of the camp classic Xanadu starring everyone’s favorite “Let’s Get Physical” Grease Girl Olivia Newton-John “as a Greek muse who inspires a feather-haired stud to build a roller rink.” The audience will sing-a-long with Hedda to the title tune and “Magic.” The screening will be followed by a champagne toast and the live Times Square countdown on the big screen.

Village Pourhouse Downtown
Calling all beer-lovers! Come on down to the Village Pour House where the price is right, and there are more than 100 beers on tap! 9:00 p.m. - 4:00 a.m. Village Pourhouse, Locations here: http://villagepourhouse.com/ $25 - $110! 21+

Drum in the New Year at Bembe
$25 gets you in the door (reduced admission after midnight), an open bar from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., and a champagne toast at midnight! Bembe, 81 South Sixth Street at Berry, Williamsburg!

$30+
Murray Hill's Annual NYE Extravaganza!
From Murray Hill, “Excited to roll out all the holiday entertainment for you! This year, the NYE blow-out show moves to Knitting Factory in Brooklyn! We are taking over the joint for the entire night with performances and a jamming dance party. Get your tickets early to this fiesta to wash down 2011 and bring in the New Year!! Doors: 9:30 p.m., Show: 10:30 p.m., Knitting Factory, 361 Metropolitan Avenue, Tkts start at $25 and can be bought here: http://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/73783?__utma=1.783363283.1321541603.1321541603.1321541603.1&__utmb=1.1.10.1321541603&__utmc=1&__utmx=-&__utmz=1.1321541603.1.1.utmcsr=nycgo.comutmccn=(referral)utmcmd=referralutmcct=/articles/new-years-eve-concerts-2012&__utmv=-&__utmk=140490163

Golden Dragon Acrobats
A special New Year’s Eve performance of the Golden Dragon Acrobats, including a champagne toast, begins at 7pm at Queens Theater, Flushing Meadows-Corona Park theater. This thrilling troupe of death-defying acrobats includes spellbinding jugglers and eye-popping contortionists. Tickets: $32; Family 4-Pack - 4 tickets for only $100! Ttkts can be bought here: https://www.choicesecure03.net/mainapp/SectionChart.aspx?qs=oUZmsMNWKg6A8okwJju25JRawKq%252fdRDvtCbBpny80MPlfj%252b7ywyYdMuW0uKsUjxPP9CVMofHt7pgul8WHYISw8Ey3oNlu7nS

BangOn! NYC presents: Hollywood New Year's Eve!
"Featuring two main stages (electro vs vintage), four rooms, a midnight balloon drop and champagne toast, live streaming of the Times Square countdown and...*Green-screen photobooth*Hollywood look-alikes*Massive inflatables*Stilt-walking barbie dolls*The Party Dolly *Free sunglasses for early (and late) arrivals*Professional coat check*Much, much, more..." 7 p.m. to late, Party location TBD w/RSVP, tkts are $30 in advance and $40 at the door. Tkts can be bought here: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/217532

$35+
Gemini and Scorpio All That Glitters NYE Party
This glittery soiree will feature “Four-trombone-led funk'n'rock ensemble Po' Boys Brass Band, Mind-boggling beatbox and horns funk duo, The Hornitz, Acro-burlesque by Kinetic Architecture, Throwback disco dancing by Solid Go Go, Glamorous magician hostess Tanya Solomon, Fabulous face & body painting by Painteresse Elysabeth, and Tarot and 2011 numerology divination by Marcy Currier!”Dress code [you MUST dress to the theme/no casual attire]: all that glitters, sparkles or shines; silver/gold; 9 p.m.-5 a.m., 21+ (25+ suggested) Irondale Center, 85 S Oxford, Fort Greene, Tkts are now: $40, $50 at the door if avail, $30 after 12 a.m., and $20 after 2 a.m. and can be bought here: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/214453

Mister Saturday Night Does NYE
Justin Carter and Eamon Harkin are hosting The House of Yes New Year’s party and “promise an intimate party and no waiting on a long line to get your drink on, coat check or to get rid of all the excess liquor intake (bathroom).” Cash bar. 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. House of Yes, 342 Maujer Street; Brooklyn, NY 11206; United States Tkts must be purchased in advance, are $35 and can be bought here: http://www.residentadvisor.net/event.aspx?316350

New Year’s Eve Spectacular @ Carolines on Broadway
“Laugh in the New Year with a great show in the heart of Times Square at the famous Caroline's on Broadway's New Years Eve Spectacular party!” 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Caroline’s on Broadway, Broadway bet. 49th and 50th Streets, cost: $38.25, 18+!

Millennium Dance Party Hosted by Lori Brizzi
Dance the New Year away with a dance party hosted by Lori Brizzi and her team of DJs. “Admission includes light hors d’oeuvres throughout the evening and complimentary champagne at midnight along with party hats, noisemakers and a balloon drop!” 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., 8-10 pm Mixed Ballroom, 10 pm-2 am Club Style Mix, 92Y Uptown, 92nd Street and Lexington Ave., Full cash bar until 1 a.m., $35 advance/$50 door! Tkts can be bought here: http://www.92y.org/tickets/production.aspx?performanceNumber=77011

17th Annual Brooklyn Bridge New Year's Eve Walk
Start out the new year with a bang as you walk across the Brooklyn Bridge and view seasonal fireworks! Walks begin between 10:15 PM and 11:15 PM ending at midnight. There are 10 guides which means 10 walks with the last walk leaving at 11:15 PM. NYC’s best tour guides will lead you around the City Hall area and the Brooklyn Bridge to learn little known facts about the 19th century’s greatest technical marvel. In-person processing at the site begins at 9:45 PM. Multiple walks will be launched between 10:15 PM and 11:15 PM. If enough people come early, we may even launch at 10 PM! Meeting place: Outside McDonald's Restaurant, 160 Broadway between Liberty and Courtlandt Streets,Tkts are $40 if you pay in advance online: http://www.newyorktalksandwalks.com/cgi-bin/calendar/calendar.cgi?d=31&m=12&y=2011

After –Hours New Year’s Eve Discounts!
Everyone knows the party doesn’t end after the ball drops! Check out these after-hours deals!
Revival, 129 E 15th St, After 12:30 Admission, $10!
Lexicon, 226 E 54th St, After 12:30 Admission, $ 15
Bounce, 55 W. 21st St., After 12:30 Admission, $20!
The Lott, 55 West 21st Street, After 12:30 Admission, $20!
Slate, 54 West 21st Street, After 12:30 Admission, $20!
Empire Room, @ The Empire State Building, 350 Fifth Ave., After 12:30 Admission, $25!
Forum, 127 4th Ave., After 12:30 Admission, $20!
SNAP, 248 W 14th St., After 12:30 Admission, $20!
Forum, 127 4th Ave., After 12:30 Admission, $20!
Swing46, 46th Street bet. 8th and 9th Avenues, After midnight, there is no cover, or poss. only $5-$10 cover with live swing band and festive decorations!

January 1, 2012, Happy New Year!
New Year’s Historic Times Square Walking Tour With Big Onion
“Join us as we explore the vast history, architecture, theater and underworld of legendary Times Square – the Crossroads of the World. Stops could include: The New-York Public Library, Astor Hotel, Palace Theater, Sardi’s and sites associated with the Shuberts, Flo Ziegfeld, Bob Hope, Fanny Brice, and Damon Runyon.” 1 p.m., Meet at the southeast corner of 42nd Street & Sixth Avenue, at Bryant Park.


Annual New Year’s Day Polar Bear Swim
Chill out in 2012 with the Polar Bear Club as they take their yearly dip at Coney Island! Assemble on the Boardwalk at Stillwell Avenue, Coney Island. Bring warm clothes, surf boots, or old sneakers, towels and a camera! The NYC Parks Department provides changing facilities on the Boardwalk at Stillwell Avenue. Swim time: 1:00 p.m. SHARP, arrive early. Of course you can always have fun watching other people freeze their asses off! Free!

38th Annual New Year’s Day Marathon Benefit Poetry Reading
This event will feature 140 Poets and performers! 3 p.m., Poetry Project, St. Mark’s Church, 131 E. 10th Street, cost: $20, $15 for students and seniors, and $10 for Poetry Project members!

New Year’s Day Open House at The Merchant’s House Museum
Come follow the centuries-old New York tradition of paying New Year’s Day calls, this year with a vintage-twist. Take a tour of the 1850s Merchant’s House Museum, retro-decked with 1950s ornaments and memorabilia, then enjoy a cup of holiday punch and canapés in the cozy period kitchen. 3 to 6 p.m., $30!

Victorian Christmas: Origins of Christmas Traditions
Discovery Walking Tours wants to take you along on a walk to learn about the local origins of Christmas! “Want to experience a new Christmas tradition in New York – something beyond the Rockettes and the Rockefeller Center tree? Go off the beaten path this holiday season by taking this walking tour through three Victorian areas--Gramercy Park, Ladies Mile, and Chelsea--exploring the Christmas traditions that emerged from each. Stops include where O. Henry wrote Gift of the Magi and where Clement Clarke Moore penned Twas the Night Before Christmas. The tour will also explore New York's role in the evolution of the modern Kris Kringle, from Washington Irving’s St. Nicholas figure to Thomas Nast’s jovial Santa.” 1 p.m. Call 212-465-3331 for reservations and meeting place Cost: $18!

Happy New Year's Day Hike
“Explore the north end of Manhattan along the Great Saunter Path. Visit Inwood Hill and Highbridge Parks. Welcome the New Year’s by walking the shores, parks of upper Manhattan. See hills, great wild parks, historical sites, shoreline on the Harlem River.” Meet at noon at the 178th St and Broadway entrance to the Port Authority Bus Terminal Information Booth. Free! For more information, call Cy A and friends, 212-663-2167, free!

Morning Bird Walk: Bring in the New Year with Birds
"Explore the Lullwater and Peninsula Nature Trails and discover the beautiful plumage and fascinating behavior of the Park’s wintering ducks as they ring in the New Year. Rain or shine. Led by the Brooklyn Bird Club. 10 a.m., Prospect Park, Meet at the Audubon Center, free!

Plus MOMA, the Guggenheim, The New Museum, The Museum of Natural History, The New York Hall of of Science, The New Museum, The Museum of the Moving Image, The Times Square Discovery Exhibition Center, The Socrates Sculpture Park, and The Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian are all open on New Year's Day!

Here are some ways to keep those New Year's Resolutions w/help from NYC Parks! http://www.nycgovparks.org/highlights/places-to-go/new-years-resolutions?

Let me know if I've missed any cheap and free New Year's Eve events! CCintheC!