Party or plunge: Here are 10 things to do for New Year's on the South Shore
The new year is fast approaching, but there's still time to make plans without having to travel to Boston to celebrate.
Local bars and restaurants and other venues are offering special meals and packages to end 2023 in style.
Other places are offering early celebrations for kids who are usually in bed long before the ball drops.
Some people will greet 2024 with a quick plunge into the South Shore’s frigid waters on New Year’s Day.
Check out these local events that will end the year with a bang and tackle the new one head on.
New Year's Eve at Reelhouse Marina Bay
When: 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 31
Where: Reelhouse Marina Bay, 542 Victory Road, Quincy
Tickets/admission: $50-$100 (by reservation only)
For more information: 617-500-0884
The event will feature a raw bar boat display with oysters and shrimp, appetizers and bar bites, a champagne toast, party favors and the midnight ball drop on flat-screen TVs. Partygoers will be able to see the midnight fireworks display on Boston Harbor. Reserved booths are available for $100 and tickets include a cocktail server and a bottle of champagne.
Braintree Uno's New Year's Eve party for kids
When: 4-7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31
Where: Pizzeria Uno's at South Shore Plaza, 250 Granite St.
Tickets/admission: Free, but reservations required
For more information/reservations: 781-849-8667
This family-friendly event features balloon drops at 5 and 7 p.m. There will be goodie bags for the kids and ginger ale toasts. Reservations are required.
Marriott Boston Quincy Comedy & Cocktails New Year's Eve show
When: 7:30 and 10 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31
Where: The Marriott Boston Quincy, 1000 Marriott Drive, Quincy
Tickets/admission: $35 by reservation and at the door
For more information: 617-773-2080
The comedy night will feature Emily Ruskowski as the headliner, with additional performances by comedians Mr. B, Nestor Matute and Uzair Malik. Doors will open 30 minutes before the show. There will be a prix fixe menu.
Break Rock Brewing New Year's Eve BBQ
When: Noon to midnight Sunday, Dec. 31
Where: Break Rock Brewing, 534 Victory Road, Quincy
Tickets/admission: Free
Break Rock Brewing will host a New Year's Eve barbecue pop-up featuring both Blacks Creek and Hott Smoke BBQ. Saltwater Sons will perform from 8 to 11 p.m.
New Year's Eve daytime fun at Starland in Hanover
When: 10 a.m.-noon Sunday, Dec. 31
Where: Starland Sportsplex and Fun Park, 637 Washington St., Hanover
Tickets/admission: $20 (adults) and $10 per child
For more information: Eventbrite.com or call 781-996-3053
The celebration will include breakfast, dance parties, contests and more for youngsters with early bedtimes. There will be a balloon shower, a juice toast at 11:59 a.m., a continental breakfast, kid-safe drinks, a dance floor, games and more. All ages are welcome.
Games will include a doughnut-eating contest (just for the kids) at 11 a.m., followed by limbo, Hokey Pokey, the chicken dance and the cha-cha slide before the balloon drop.
The ticket price includes hot chocolate, coffee, tea, a $5 arcade card (kids only), hats, glasses, blowers and a round of mini golf. Goodies will include a cookie and brownie platter, fruit bowls, mini muffins, mini cinnamon buns and mini bagels.
Last chance of the season to visit the Holiday House of Hanson
When: 4-9 p.m. through Sunday, Dec. 31
Where: 16 Woodbrook Lane, Hanson
Tickets/admission: Free
For more information: Visit the Holiday House of Hanson on Facebook
Tim and Kim Young's Hanson home has been once again turned into a holiday wonderland of lights and inflatable decorations. Lots of them. Visitors are encouraged to park and wander the lighted paths to take in the full breadth of the display. The event also serves as a food and cash donation site for the Hanson Food Pantry, where Tim Young volunteers.
New Year's Eve party at The Townshend in Quincy
When: Regular dinner seating until 8 p.m., with ticketed New Year's Eve celebration to follow from 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 31
Where: The Galleria at Presidents Place, 1250 Hancock St., Quincy
Tickets/admission: $100
For more information: explore tock.com
The Townshend restaurant will celebrate its last night before closing for a potential renovation and rebranding of the space with a New Year's Eve sendoff. Tickets include punch, two drink tickets, a midnight toast and food.
Annual Duxbury Education Foundation Polar Plunge
When: 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 1
Where: Duxbury Beach
Tickets/admission: $30
For more information: Duxburyeducationfoundation.org
The Duxbury Education Foundation will once again host its annual polar plunge to raise money that supports programs in the Duxbury Public Schools. Teams are encouraged. A 5K road race is scheduled for 12:30 p.m.
Weymouth Polar Bear Plunge
When: 11:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 1
Where: George Lane Beach, 2-28 River St., North Weymouth
Tickets/admission: Free
For more information: Eventbrite.com
Free parking is available in the lot across the street from the beach. Participants will meet on the beach at 11:30 a.m. and will run into the ocean at 11:45. Coffee, hot cocoa and doughnuts will be provided. Plungers should wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off, a towel and warm clothes to wear afterward.
Boston Irish Dippers New Year's Day Polar Plunge in Quincy
When: Noon Monday, Jan. 1
Where: Wollaston Beach, Quincy Shore Drive, Quincy
Tickets/admission: Free
For more information: IPCboston.org
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This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: 10 ways to celebrate New Year's on the South Shore
