Party options

Party-goers looking for a good time New Year's Eve will have plenty of options this year.

n The Carson Nugget's gala will begin at 7 p.m., and the fun won't stop until 1 a.m. The main ballroom will be rocking with live music by The Motifs and Bill McClain's Mobile Music.

A dinner buffet will be served from 7-9 p.m., along with a no-host bar, free party hats and favors, champagne and a free commemorative champagne flute. Reservations are required, and tickets are $50 per person. Call 882-1626, ext. 221.

n For those more traditional celebrants, there will be a New Year's Eve dance at the Brewery Arts Center from 8 p.m. to midnight. Participants can dance to live music by Wild Sage and caller Tom Thoreau. A potluck of desserts and finger foods will be served at 10 p.m., with champagne or sparkling cider at midnight. All ages are welcome. Cost is $10 for adults ($12 at the door), $6 for children. For more information, call Darla at 883-9351.

n All ages are welcome to join the festivities at the Carson Colony Gymnasium, beginning at 9 p.m. with live music from Wicker Box. Entry is $1 per person with beer and sodas sold. Proceeds benefit kids' recreation and Easter programs.

n Bad Intent, voted "Best Band" at Taste of Downtown, will be featured at Decades Bar and Grille at 9:30 p.m. The cover charge of $5 includes party favors and one drink.

n Genoa Bar will host its second annual Unplugged New Year's Eve party at 9 p.m., with no electricity.

n A live fireworks show will be on display at 11:45 p.m. on South Virginia Street, between First and Second streets in Reno, with live broadcast on News 4.

n As usual, Lake Tahoe will come alive with parties and festivities throughout the night.

Among several party spots, The Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort will be offering an early- and late-seating dinner at the Lone Eagle Grille, followed by a celebration in the Lakeside Ballroom with dancing and music by Jo Mama until 1 a.m. A champagne toast and balloon drop brings in the new year at the stroke of midnight.

And it should shape up to a super holiday for ski enthusiasts as well, with up to 5 feet of new snow expected to drop in the Sierra by New Year's Eve. For more information, go to www.mytahoevacation.com.