Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/94702
playAround Town Send the year out in style at parties around town New Year's Action Elsewhere If you're hoping to skip town this New Year's, look no further than Ford Atkinson's The Fireside Theatre, which will offer a decadent seafood or steak dinner along with a combination music and comedy show to make sure you greet 2013 with a smile. New Year's in the City As the lights go out on 2012, the city of Madison will light up with a host of parties to ring in the New Year. From swanky soirées to fun-fi lled events for the whole family, you're sure to fi nd the perfect place to be when the clock strikes 12. When you have your family in tow, the annual U.S. Bank Eve offers one of the biggest bashes in town, including a myriad of activi- ties for all ages such as face painting, fi reworks and strolling magicians. And that's just the Capitol Square location. Th e fun spills over to the Monona Terrace, where kids can jump into bouncy houses and infl atables galore. Or, appease your young adventure seekers by heading to Ol- brich Botanical Gardens for an early eve- ning New Year's party featuring a holiday train and a conservancy fi lled with animals from the Henry Villas Zoo. If you're heading out with just grownups and looking for a high-energy night, Mad- ison has no shortage of boisterous parties. For one of the city's biggest celebrations, head to Essen Haus and Comeback Inn. Th ese neighboring establishments prom- ise to double the fun with two bands, two bars, two buffets, two dance fl oors, and (of course) plenty of German beer. Local hotspots such as Th e Brink Lounge and Harmony Bar & Grill will also offer live music and champagne for traditional glass clinking at midnight. Feeling fancy? Make a glamorous night of it by heading to HotelRed which will host a New Year's celebration in their restaurant offering a three-course dinner followed by a glitzy soirée and plenty of spirits and wine. Or leave your cares behind for the entire night and book a New Year's over- night package at Th e Madison Concourse Hotel, which including drinks, dinner, entertainment (two live bands and a DJ), and a leisurely New Year's Day brunch. –Liz Pelton December 2012 bravamagazine.com 65 Photo courtesy of The Madison Concourse Hotel