To Ring in the New Year, Get an Early Start

New Year's Eve is the biggest day on the night-life calendar, fraught with decisions: Should we rent tuxedos and go to one of those all-out black-tie hotel parties? Is there a band playing at a favorite club? Or should we just forget about all the hassles and welcome 2007 with a cheap beer at a neighborhood pub?

To try to get a handle on the numerous options across the Washington area, here is a list by type of event: hotel gala, concert, dance clubs and bars. And procrastinators will welcome the option of free and cheap parties, most of which don't require reservations.

Whatever your interests, you should try to make a decision soon. Many of these events, particularly those at hotels and nightclubs, raise prices precipitously as New Year's Eve draws closer, and a good number will sell out before Dec. 31. (If a Web site is listed below, it means you can purchase tickets to that event online.) When the big night rolls around, arrive early to avoid long lines. It's sad but true: Every year, I hear from people who arrived at the club at 11 p.m. and missed "Auld Lang Syne" because they were still waiting to get in or check their coats.

A number of bars and clubs will be closed Dec. 31, either for a private party or because they're giving staff the night off. This includes such standbys as the Brickskeller, Galaxy Hut and HR-57.

For an updated list of events, including price hikes and sellouts, check washingtonpost.com's City Guide.

Galas and Hotel Balls

These events, with multiple dance floors, live music and, if you're lucky, free-flowing drinks, offer the most bang for your New Year's buck. They also tend to be the most crowded, with some drawing thousands of guests.

Two things to note: If an event has an open bar, you can assume there's a champagne toast at midnight. Also, events listed below are offering discounted hotel rooms; ask about the deals when ordering tickets.

CARNEGIE LIBRARY Mad Mad Masquerade 2007 features Scythian (Celtic, world), Monopoli (indie rock), Yamomanem (New Orleans jazz), Christopher Robin Band (Southern rock) and Beat Tactics (DJs) in the former City Museum. Movies show in a theater on the basement level, and magicians perform. $99 ($119 after Friday, $149 at the door), top-shelf open bar, hors d'oeuvres and buffet stations. 801 K St. NW (Mount Vernon Square); 202-631-6336. http://www.scythianmusic.com.

DOUBLETREE HOTEL CRYSTAL CITY Wicked Rockin' New Year's Eve Ball '06. Wicked Jezebel (party rock), Red Letter Day (folk rock), drag performers Ella Fitzgerald and Destiny B. Childs, D.C. Kings, Charm City Boys and comedian Regina Jozet Adams. Open bar, dinner buffet, champagne, door prizes. Formalwear requested. $199 ($379 couples). Tickets must be purchased by Dec. 22. 300 Army Navy Dr., Arlington; 703-909-3264.

GRAND HYATT WASHINGTON Downtown Countdown features the Rebirth Brass Band (New Orleans jazz), the Sugar Hill Gang (hip-hop), Pat McGee Band and Politicks (alternative rock); DJs (Top 40, rock, hip-hop); and karaoke in three ballrooms. Hosted by DC 101 FM DJ Elliot in the Morning. Sponsored by Lindy Promotions, Georgetown Events, The Washington Post Express and others. $159, open bar, hors d'oeuvres buffet. $225 VIP tickets give access to premium drinks and more rooms. Creative black tie optional. 1000 H St. NW; 301-652-7712. http://www.downtowncountdown.net.

HILTON ALEXANDRIA MARK CENTER Positive Black Men Coalition New Year's Eve Gala with Blue Magic ('70s soul), Soul Patrol (neo-soul, go-go) and DJs Lady JC and Smooth (R&B) in three ballrooms. Live broadcast on Majic 102.3 FM (WMMJ). $99 for Blue Magic concert and after-party with other acts, beginning at 8; $60 for after-party only, beginning at 10. Soul food buffet and champagne toast. Semiformal/black tie optional. 5000 Seminary Rd., Alexandria; 301-809-6094. http://www.pbmc.net.

HYATT REGENCY BETHESDA SalsaMetro.com's annual New Year's Eve Salsa Party with live music by Edwin Ortiz y Su Orquesta La Romana (salsa); DJs Alberto (Azucar) Machado, Bruno (El Unico), Mery (La Unica) and Miquel (El Sonero) Morales; comedian Rockn Randy; and performances by local dance teams and instructors. $85 ticket includes admission, reserved seat, champagne toast and party favors; $95 VIP ticket adds dinner and an open bar. One Bethesda Metro Center, Bethesda; 301-657-1234; http://www.latin-dance.com.