This post is written by Tim Simeone, Visitor Center Receptionist at Experience Columbus.

There are always so many different options of things to do and places to go on New Year’s Eve. You could be counting down with hundreds of strangers at a dance club, with good friends staying late at a restaurant, or curling up at home watching re-runs of Murder She Wrote with a pint of Jeni’s Salty Carmel Ice Cream (my last year New Year’s Eve). Here are some events that might encourage you to TiVo Angela Lansbury’s mysterious adventures and hop out on the town to ring in 2012.

The Columbus Blue Jackets will be facing off against the Washington Capitals at 7 p.m. If you think the firing of the cannon after a goal is impressive, wait till you see the new indoor pyrotechnic and firework display they will be debuting at this game in honor of Columbus’ Bicentennial . In addition, Mayor Coleman will be dropping the puck. Nothing rings in the New Year like pyrotechnics, hockey, and hopefully a Blue Jacket win!

Attention Kids…if I haven’t lost you already with my Angela Lansbury reference. First Night Columbus has a ton of activities for you and your family. Have you ever wondered about the projectile integrity of the marshmallow? The MallowBlaster, which launches mallows over 200ft, will be at the Veterans Memorial Hall from 6:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. COSI will have its Game Truck and Saturday morning cartoons from around the world, I’m hoping to see Tom and Jerry!…I’ve lost you again.

Are you looking for ‘Some Enchanted Evening?’ Well ‘just you wait ‘enry ‘iggins!’ The ProMusica Orchestra will be performing a night of Broadway and Old Vienna at the Southern Theatre. The Westin is also hosting a pre-party and has great packages to choose from. The Bicentennial will also be celebrated with a champagne toast at intermission. This is a great spot to listen to ‘the music of the night.’

If you want to dance your way into 2012, The Bluestone is having a glow party with six different DJ’s. Make sure you come prepared with some glow stick dance moves as they are giving away 10,000 glow products. When in doubt, use them as drum sticks.

Hit up one of these or several other events around town just make sure to keep Jeni’s in the freezer for after the party.

If you are anything like me, you are just now realizing Christmas is only a week away and you haven’t had time to think about New Years Eve yet.

So, I did a little homework and found some fun things to do for all types of groups looking to celebrate.

Family Friendly
This year marks the 15th Annual First Night Columbus . The event begins at 4 p.m. and ends at 10 p.m.; admission is $8 in advance and $10 the day of. Celebrate community spirit, rich cultural heritage and the arts in a substance-free, family-friendly environment. This year there will be more than 150 entertainers in more than 15 downtown performance sites as well as hands-on activities.

Always a sure bet for a good time for both young and old is Magic Mountain Fun Center’s New Year’s Eve Party , held at both the Reynoldsburg and Polaris locations from 6 p.m.-1 a.m. Admission is $19.95 and gets you a buffet, unlimited video game play, a hat and noisemaker, prize filled balloon drops, two performing acts, family friendly challenge games and a coloring contest for the littlest party goers. (more…)