'Star Wars: The Force Awakens'
Watch the new episode of “Star Wars” (9 p.m.) or “Sisters” (9:35 p.m.) followed by a champagne toast, dessert reception, and big-screen viewing of the ball drop at Showcase Superlux. Age 21-plus. $20.16. The Street, 55 Boylston St., Chestnut Hill, www.showcasecinemas.com/newyearseve2016
Boston Ballet's 'The Nutcracker'
This family-friendly evening starts at 7:30 p.m., and includes champagne pop-up carts for adults and a pre-show concert featuring the music of Johann Strauss and other seasonal favorites starting at 7. Company all-stars, including former principal dancer Jeffrey Cirio, will perform, and the evening will end with confetti cannons. Boston Opera House, 539 Washington St., Boston. Tickets start at $35; 617-695-6955 or www.bostonballet.org
BeyoncÉ and Jay Z-themed dinner and celebration
The Carter family inspires the meal and the atmosphere at Back Bay Harry’s. Enjoy a multi-course, prix fixe dinner and Don’t You Drop That Alcohol cocktails amid a setting of Beyoncé and Jay Z concert footage and music videos. Back Bay Harry’s, 142 Berkeley St., Boston. Reservations available between 6-11 p.m. Tickets are $65. Call 617-424-6711 for reservations. www.backbayharrys.com
Wild Zoo Year Celebration
The Stone Zoo's reindeer lead the 4 p.m. parade, which is followed by early entrance to ZooLights. This family-friendly winter wonderland for animal fans also features reindeer- and snowman-costumed characters and a reindeer ice sculpture. Stone Zoo, 149 Pond St., Stoneham. Tickets are $7 for members ($8 for non-members) or when purchased online. Children under 2 are free. 617-541-5466 or www.stonezoo.org
Glow at District Hall
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Steps from Boston's midnight fireworks display is Glow, an evening at District Hall with live music from Kicking Sunset, dancing, and party favors. District Hall, 75 Northern Ave., Boston. Doors at 8:30 p.m. Age 21-plus. Tickets, $30, are available at www.glow2016.eventbrite.com.
Outlook & Lookout at The Envoy
The Envoy Hotel offers a multi-part New Year's Eve experience that begins with a bottle of champagne at check in. Dine on a three-course tasting menu at Outlook Kitchen and Bar, then move to Lookout Rooftop Bar for a champagne toast and a view of the fireworks. Overnight accommodations also include valet parking, courtesy late check out, and brunch for two.
70 Sleeper St., Boston. Package starts at $629 (dinner and toast is $75 per person).
617-530-1559, www.theenvoyhotel.com
The Beehive Ball
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Celebrate with an evening of bohemian decadence. New York's People's Champs play live while guests enjoy a buffet of hors d'oeuvres and desserts.
9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Age 21-plus. Tickets are $125 per person ($80 without food buffet) and there is a cash bar. 541 Tremont St., Boston.
For reservations, call 617-423-0069 or visit www.beehive2016.eventbrite.com.
'The Donkey Show'
Disco, roller skaters, and hustle queens: "The Donkey Show" brings "A Midsummer Night's Dream" to life through great tunes from the 1970s. This New Year's Eve iteration starts at 9 p.m. 2 Arrow St., Cambridge. Tickets start at $25; www.cluboberon.com
'Intimate Illusions' with Ivan Amodei
Illusionist Ivan Amodei promises a magical start to 2016 with an evening of humor and sleight of hand. The Italian-born talent will perform two shows — 8 and 10 p.m. — at Hyatt Regency Boston. One Avenue de Lafayette. Tickets are $75, and available at 866-811-4111 or www.ivanamodei.com.
New Year's Eve Comedy at ImprovBoston
The funny folks at ImprovBoston have three different shows that vary as family-friendly fare. Bring kids of any age to the 6 p.m. performance. The 8 p.m. show is a comedy showcase for ages 16-plus, and the 10 p.m. is for adults (21-plus). The last show also offers complimentary champagne. 40 Prospect St., Cambridge. Tickets start at $16 (children are $10), and are available at www.improvboston.com/nye.
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Justin vs. Britney: New Year's Eve Dance Party
Cover bands the Timberfakes and It's Britney Bitch pay homage to former teen idols Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears in a pop dance party at the Middle East Downstairs. 472-480 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge. Tickets for the 8 p.m. show start at $30, and are available at www.ticketweb.com.
Boston Baroque
Ring in the New Year at Sanders Theatre with a concert that includes Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons" featuring concertmaster Christina Day Martinson, Vivaldi's "Concerto for Sopranino Recorder" featuring Aldo Abreu, and Handel's Concerto Grosso in D Major, Op. 6, No. 5. The 8 p.m. program will be accompanied by champagne and chocolates. 45 Quincy St., Cambridge. Tickets start at $30, and are available at the box office at 617-987-8600, ext. 113; www.bostonbaroque.org
Pig Roast at BISq
Go whole hog into 2016 with a 10:30 p.m. complimentary pig roast that includes late-night snacks, champagne, and music. 1071 Cambridge St., Cambridge, 617-714-3693, www.bisqcambridge.com
First Night
No button needed this year. A beloved tradition, First Night is a day and a night filled with every kind of entertainment and activity. Highlights for families with young children include the People's Procession to the Boston Common at 6 p.m., followed by early fireworks at 7. Free. Visit www.firstnightboston.org for a complete schedule.
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• Mix up some fun with 5 essential holiday cocktail recipes
• Toast the new year with a trio of Loire Valley sparklers
• Small party plates for the holidays
Jill Radsken can be reached at jill.radsken@gmail.com.