How Will You Ring in the New Year?

With a brand new year just around the corner, do you know how you will be spending your holiday—will you be traveling or gathering in Times Square to watch the ball drop or staying put in our charming coastal town and grabbing a bite at a local eatery?

If you’re staying local, we have collected what’s for dinner at a number of restaurants around town and spiced it up with some fun facts about the holiday—what foods bring good (and bad) luck in the New Year; what percentage of those healthy resolutions actually stick; and how much do people typically spend on New Year’s Eve?

It is estimated that 8 out of 10 people spend upwards of $200 celebrating on New Year’s Eve, with much of the focus around good food, organized events and the traditional bubbly toast at midnight.

While there are a number of fun New Year’s Eve traditions, food plays a big role, especially when it comes to planning for good fortune in the New Year. Foods like black-eyed peas, ham or cabbage are said to bring wealth and prosperity; fish are associated with forward movement and abundance, while other foods are believed to bring not so good luck. Some say to steer clear of lobster and chicken because lobsters walk backwards and chickens scratch in reverse, symbolizing a reversal of fortune.

Symbols are a big part of commemorating a successful trip around the sun and looking ahead to another journey. With high hopes and a fresh start, many set out in the New Year with goals and resolutions to achieve a healthier, wealthier, and all around better version of themselves. Nearly 65% of people make resolutions but only 9.2% follow through! Nonetheless, it is the art of goal setting that keeps us motivated, focused and moving forward.

In Times Square, New York City, wishes are gathered all year long, as visitors from around the world write their wishes on a piece of official Times Square New Year’s Eve confetti, and at the end of the year, the wishes are added to the one ton of confetti and sprinkled over the millions gathered to watch the ball drop.

No matter where you are when the ball drops, we wish you and your business the prosperity to live a good life surrounded by healthy friends and family and a vision for the future that brings you much peace and happiness.

Where to Ring in the New Year in Newburyport and Beyond:

Blue Ocean Music Hall – NYE Dinner + a Show

Brick & Ash – NYE Party with DJ at 9:00pm

Brine – Enjoy a special NYE five-course menu

Capri – Featuring chef specials for NYE dinner

Davio’s – Special four-course NYE menu

Mama Dukes – Open NYE 6:00am – 2:00pm and NYD 9:00am – 1:00pm

Park Lunch – Prime rib and seafood casserole on special

Seaglass – NYE Dinner + a Show, plus NYD Brunch

Sea Level – Featuring NYE Chef’s Specials and full dinner menu

Starboard Galley – Long bone Pork Chop with potato croquette and salad

The Grog – NYE DJ to start at 9:00pm

The Paddle Inn – NYE 11:30pm – 6pm (5pm toast), NYD Pajama Brunch