The New Year is fast approaching, and the wondrous eve that promises celebratory drunkenness, bejeweled party dresses and gigantic glitter-embossed balls slowly descending is closer than you think.

And with it, invitations to trendy parties and expensive events taking place all over your respective city, at bars, clubs and lounges. And the only thing more difficult than figuring out what to wear, is where to wear it and how you'll manage to pay that pesky coverage charge so you can show off those new garbs.

Perhaps you're sick of spending a small fortune just to enjoy finger foods and an open bar, open from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. And perhaps sick of figuring out how to score enough drinks to get your money's worth before the sun comes up. If that's the case, you should change things up.

EVENTBRITE

Before you think this Eventbrite.com is just like any old website that posts over-priced nightly events, know that this site often lists no-cost and low-cost gems to be enjoyed by any who are willing to search persistently.

Simply go to Eventbrite.com > Search "Nye" or "New Years Eve" and your location > then click "Filter Result" and select "Free" under Price and any other desired specifications. Also, if you like to drink for free, make sure you type "open bar" when you search "New Years Eve." You can search for free and open bar events any time of the year. Also, check out Time Out for events.

YOUR BEST FRIEND OR FAMILY'S HOUSE

Rather than getting drunk and wild at a strange place with strangers, get drunk and loose at a familiar place with family and friends. Participate in a turn of the year hangout that's epic and won't leave you wandering your respective city without a clue. So, gather alcohol (responsibly), comida, music and company, and party bravely into the New Year.

SEARCH YOUR CITY:

New York: "Time's Up! 11th Annual New Year's Eve Bike Ride. Meet at Washington Square Park Arch, Washington Square North at Fifth Avenue at 10:30 p.m.; or 9:45 p.m. Brooklyn side of Williamsburg Bridge; or 10:20 p.m. Madison Square Park, 23rd Street and Broadway. Free.

Hop on your bike, or skates, with other free-wheelers and ride to Belvedere Castle in Central Park. A free dance party and fireworks show will be waiting for you. Festive attire is encouraged."

Chicago: "Navy Pier: Fireworks & 2 Parties. When it comes to New Year's celebrations, Navy Pier is the epicenter of all things spectacular. Enjoy all the entertainment, rides and attractions at this family friendly destination, and, at midnight, watch a kaleidoscope of colorful fireworks, perfectly synchronized to inspiring music over Lake Michigan.

"Party at the "biggest" and "best" event around at the annual Chicago Resolution Gala, the ultimate destination for kicking off 2015. With more than 30 bars, delectable buffet stations and access to the Grand Ballroom and the Lakeview Terrace, there are plenty of places to mingle and dance the night away. To see and be seen, hit up Crystal Gardens New Years Eve. With DJ Kane and DJ J-Rose spinning hits on the turntables and more than 20 premium liquor bars, it's easy to have a great time dancing and toasting with friends. Nosh on hors d'oeuvres and signature dishes at the food stations, and step out on the private terrace to watch the fireworks."

Orlando: "Zeta Bar 'Bubble Lounge.' Hilton Bonnet Creek -- 
For New Year's Eve, Zeta Bar & Sushi Lounge will be transformed into the "Bubble Lounge," featuring a DJ until midnight, a selection of champagnes and a live screening of the ball drop on 10 large-screen televisions.
 No charge; no reservations required."

It's likely that they're fireworks brightening up the sky no matter when you live, so check the website of your local news stations or local publications to find out where.

STAY IN & WATCH "IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE":

Or watch any film classics that shows you the importance of life. So, chow down on empanadas, guacamole, chorizo corn madeleines and sit with your family and enjoy the night quietly.

NEW YEARS EVE SPECIALS:

Pitbull will appear at the Thompson Miami Beach Hotel. Enrique Iglesias, Fifth Harmony, Becky G, Fall Out Boy and country act The Band Perry. And it will be broadcasted on Dec. 31. Catch it on FOX from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. EST. Then watch the rest of the broadcast from 11 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. EST.

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