For many people, there's something hopeful about ringing in New Year's Day. The opportunity to leave an old year behind and celebrate the start of the new year is often looked on as a time of moving forward with all that was good, and embracing an expectancy that the best is yet to come. If you happen to live in or are visiting the Ohio tri-state area, here are a few fun ideas for making the most of New Year's Eve and New Year's Day with Friends And Family:
Betty Blake River Boats
You can choose either a kids cruise or a more romantic couples cruise for your New Year's Eve.
The kids cruise is a lunch option that includes music, favors, special activities, and special characters from the pirate, princess and super hero cruises to add to the festivities. If you're more interested in the romantic couple's option, you'll enjoy dinner, entertainment and a midnight toast.
Springdale 18 Cinema de Lux
Ring in the New Year with movies, dessert munchies and of course, champagne (for those over 21) while you watch the ball drop live. This package deal includes your movie choice of Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Jumnji: Welcome to the Jungle, or Pitch Perfect 3.
Fountain Square
If you like being in the heart of the city and all the New Year's Eve action, this is the place for you.
It's also nice that the event has free entry, except for parking. And since we're talking Cincinnati, it's reasonable. Festivities include ice skating, vendors with memorabilia and munchies, games and midnight fireworks.
Cincinnati Zoo's Happy Zoo Year
The eighth annual Happy Zoo Year is the perfect family friendly event. Not only do you get the beauty of the Festival of Lights, but the kids get to enjoy a Madcap Puppets production, party favors and an early countdown to the New Year with fireworks.
Since this New Year's Eve event runs from 5pm - 9pm, it's perfect for families with little ones who likely won't be able to stay up late.
Austin Landing, Dayton Ohio
If you're looking for a New Year's Eve that's also for a good cause, Austin Landing will be the location of Party with a Purpose. Local rock group Stranger has partnered with Pink Ribbon Girls cancer organization.
Stranger plays 80s and 90s covers. Various food and drink options will be available for guests to purchase. Then there will be fireworks and a free midnight champagne toast for those over 21.
Harlem Globetrotters
This touring basketball team has been around for decades, and has a reputation for building bridges between the cultures and generations with their talent, skill and comedy. The family friendly sports team will be playing at Wright State's Nutter Center in Dayton, Ohio on New Year's Eve.
Lights Under Louisville (Kentucky)
Though this one is more Christmas oriented, it can't be ignored because of what a unique experience it offers. The light up display is family-friendly and also easy.
Imagine a 30 minute ride through part of an underground cavern that's lit by around two million lights, which include lighting up 850 characters. Not only will this excursion give the kids something to really talk about when they return to school, but it will likely be a memory they'll talk about for years to come.
 My Old Kentucky Home - Merry and Bright
Ever wonder about where the Christmas tree originated or how mistletoe and kisses became a thing? What's a Christmas pickle? This historic Victorian era event answers those and several other trivia type of Christmas questions.
Southern Lights Holiday Festival
You'll begin this fun family excursion with a drive through the Kentucky Horse Park light display.
Then park the car and enjoy other attractions such as local crafts, model and mini trains and the petting zoo.
The above are just a few of several possibilities for New Year's Eve fun. Whether you enjoy the holiday with that special someone or a while crew of friends and family, making sweet holiday memories is sure to bring delight to the season.
