Best Bets: New Year’s Eve partying

Denny Charnecki, from right, Ann Hemann, Virginia Milton and Amanda Corey will all take part in the New Year's Big Country Show at the Paramount Theatre on New Year's Eve.

Christmas is done. The influx of food ingestion is almost over, and the holiday stresses may be mostly gone, too. Mostly. A few more holiday related events sit on the calendar, especially those that ring in the New Year.

There are two more chances to see beaming holiday lights, as the Austin Festival of Lights wraps up Friday and Saturday night at 5 p.m. and after. The tour, located at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Campground east of Austin on Interstate 90, is $15 to tour, with $5 for a donated food item. Check out more information at austinfestivaloflights.org.

Don’t stay up too late on Friday because Saturday could turn into a long one. The Eagles Club, 107 11th St. NE, actually kicks of New Year’s Eve on New Year’s Eve morning. Music, food, games and entertainment begin at 10 a.m. Saturday and continue until 2 a.m. Sunday. And if that’s not enough, head down to the Eagles again from noon until midnight on New Year’s Day; they’ve got more.

For those who are looking for the classy scene this weekend, check out Four Daughter’s Vineyard and Winery. The recently opened business several miles east of Grand Meadow on Highway 16 is holding a New Year’s Eve celebration, as well. Dinner seatings begin at 6 p.m. ($25) and 9 p.m. ($45) with four course dinners and various wines. Don’t forget to make reservations — 507-346-7300.

From local talent to the DC Drifters to Grand Ole Opry performers, the Paramount Theatre, 125 Fourth Ave. NE, will feature all eras of country music on New Year’s Eve. The Big Country Music Show starts 7:30 p.m., and tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door and $5 for students. Don’t worry; the show will be over with plenty of time to catch the ball drop.

The year 2011 won’t be the only piece of history in Austin come 2012. The Austin Public Library has been holding open viewings of its historic St. John’s Bible. Another viewing is open Jan. 5, along with an educational video on Jan. 7. at the library.

Look to Reporter Matt Peterson’s column every Friday for more about upcoming events in Austin. For even more, check out the calendar on Page 4 every day in the print edition.

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