10 Things You Could Do in Salem on New Year's Eve

If you were thinking of sitting at home this New Year’s Eve with a bottle of wine and Netflix, think again. Salem has a full schedule of celebrations to get you out and moving until the ball drops. Check below for a full day of activities.

Free Events

Countdown to Noon: Everyone deserves a good way to ring in the new year. Even the kiddos who can’t, or shouldn’t, make it to midnight. That’s why the YMCA, 1 Sewall St., in Salem, is throwing a Countdown to Noon party, complete with noisemakers and party hats, for kids in the area. The party starts at 9 a.m.

Launch NYE 2014: This family-friendly New Year’s Eve party only goes until 7 p.m. so there’s still time to watch the ball drop over a glass of champagne (or sparkling juice). Head to Old Town Hall, 32 Derby Square in Salem, around 4 p.m. on New Year’s Eve for crafts and other New Year’s Eve activities.

Paid Events

Prohibition New Year’s Eve Party—$30: Swing in the New Year at Opus Underground’s ‘20s-themed party. A ticket will buy you entry, a complimentary cocktail, hors d’oeuvres and a champagne toast. I’d say the party won’t start til you walk in, but Opus, 87 Washington St. in Salem, will be bumpin’ at 6 p.m. whether you are there or not.

Do you know of any other New Year’s Eve events? Let us know in the comments.

Crunchy Monkey at Rockafellas—$25: A pop/rock cover band straight from Boston, Crunchy Monkey will keep you dancing until next year. The cover at Rockafellas, 231 Essex St. in Salem, will pay for your entertainment and party favors. Show off your wicked dance moves from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

New Year’s Eve Celebration at Vic’s Boathouse—$5: Bobby V. DJs this end-of-the-year bash, which starts at 8 p.m. and goes until you finish your complimentary glass of champagne at midnight. The Boathouse, 86 Wharf St. in Salem, also provides appetizers.

Black Dog Brother at Gulu Gulu Cafe—$10: Who doesn’t want to go to a carnival-themed New Year’s Eve party? Gulu Gulu Cafe, 247 Essex St. in Salem, has got you covered with unlimited popcorn, cotton candy, games, prizes and more. Plus live music from the Black Dog Brother band, an eclectic brand of gypsy rock.

Pajama Jammy Jam NYE at the Lobster Shanty—$5: Forget cuddling in your pajamas on the couch this New Year’s Eve. Instead, put those footy PJs on and head out to the Lobster Shanty, 25 Front St. in Salem, for a party starting at 8 p.m.

Sake, Sushi and Dance NYE Celebration at Fresh Taste of Asia—cost varies: Entrance to this New Year’s Eve festivity will gets you a three course sushi meal with sake pairing as well as a champagne toast. Call Fresh Taste of Asia, 118 Washington St. in Salem, at 978-825-1388 for tickets and more details.

The Merj at Brodies Seaport, New Year’s Eve Celebration—cost varies: Celebrate the New Year with a violin concert with a rock-and-roll twist. Brodies Seaport, 215 Derby St. Salem, throws a NYE party that’s both classy and fun, starting at 9 p.m.

NYE with DJ Smooch at Murphy’s—cost varies: It’s always a party at Murphy’s, 300 Derby St. in Salem, which brings in entertainment every night. On New Year’s Eve DJ Smooch will spin starting at 10 p.m.

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