SF Rings in 2011 With A Bang

With New Year’s Eve only a mere couple of weeks away, we thought you might want some ideas on how to spend the night with your loved ones, friends, or frenemies. We have gathered a couple of ideas to bring you 2011 magic in the city that knows how to throw a party and throw it well.

For those twenty-one and up, we suggest a night of being on everything including roller skates thanks to Black Rock Roller Disco. The New Years Eve Roller Disco at CELLspace provides the tunes and skate rentals. Also encouraged; dressing up in disco or new wave attire. John Travolta, anyone? For only $10, skate your way into a New Year. Fun starts at 8 pm and we applaud anything glow in the dark.

The Westin St. Francis in Union Square transforms literally into another world for NYE. We suggest checking out Passport to the World for a dazzling and entrancing view into multiple themes. You will feel like you are walking into another continent with six different-themed rooms and ten areas like  Europe, Asia, or even the North Pole. Multiple DJ’s and bands will be performing along with a fashion show. Tickets range from $150-$225 per person depending on if you want to roll like a V.I.P. Don’t delay in getting your tickets though as they tend to go up in price. Semi-formal attire required, black tie optional. Drinking, preferred.

If you desire an underwater theme for New Year’s and are not part of the Little Mermaid cast, don’t dispare. The “Councourse Center” changes into a veritable sea world that would make sea urchins proud. Sea of Dreams which has graced SF with its presence since 2001, is themed “GALAXSEA” this year and features more than sound, but  visual eye candy and a highly stimulating (especially with a few cocktails) experience. You will be amazed at the sheer wonderment of it all. From a cabaret to a tea room, this is a one stop party for anyone’s eclectic tastes. For anyone eighteen and older. We suggest getting your tickets soon as many are sold out, but we found some still available from $85-$150.

Nothing says ringing in the New Year like a yacht party. Board a $4 million swanky ship and toast to an even better future. A Midnight Affair-Yacht Party at the

Fume Blanc Commodore at Pier 40 says bling-bling all by itself. Suits and cocktail dresses are a requisite to this party as it is a salute to Hollywood’s Golden Age. Choose from three different floors of music and DJ’s that will have you glad you put on your dancing shoes. We can’t forget a stunning view of fireworks compliments of the “Embarcadero Fireworks Show” . Prices range from $80-$150 depending on if you want to include an open bar and the afterparty at Ruby Skye on your tab.

The 25th Annual Japanese New Year Bell Ringing Ceremony at the “Asian Arts Museum” is a flavorful and fun event for families. You can strike a temple bell; in this case a 2,100 pound, sixteenth-century Japanese bronze bell. As how tradition goes, it must be struck one hundred and eight times with a custom log. This tradition reverberated from Japanese custom which brings in the new year with joy and peace and hinder mortal desire that anguish humankind. Guests will also have the opportunity to enjoy the special exhibition, “Beyond Golden Clouds: Five Centuries of Japanese Screens”. Children twelve and under are admitted FREE.

Another great way to spend time with the fam is at the “Actor’s Theatre” with Comedy On The Square Presents Frisco Fred’s Magic & More New Year’s Eve Family Show There will be two shows; one at 7:30, one at ten. Frisco Fred has become a worldwide name and performed at the NY Comedy Festival along with other highly acclaimed events. Touted as the “The world’s only nearsighted comedian/magician/juggler/escape-artist/tightrope walker”, he is sure to impress even the most skeptical audience member. Tickets are $40.