New Year's Eve Guide

Forbidden City 2005 Upper Sam Houston Park, on the corner of Lamar and Bagby, 713-691-0195, www.forbiddencities.com
Houston has not seen an event like this in many years. Forbidden City will feature outdoor fireworks, Aerial Silk Performers, exotic choreographed dance, a confetti drop, stilt twins, go-go dancers, Vegas costumed girls on swings, a pyro performance, three separate music areas (main, VIP and outdoor lounge), a sushi bar and so much more. Brought to you by Todd Markey, Lui Guzman, Joe Applewhite, Ryan Echiverri, Roguescene, Rick Riojas, Geno Segura and Swift Productions. Come party with thousands. This event will be held in a huge 13,000-square-foot tent. $35-$200.

Havana Latin Grill and Bar 818 Travis, 713-222-2254
he total package, Havana's Copacabana New Year's Eve Bash has it all! Dinner, dancing, live music, a DJ and a champagne toast at midnight. Havana has taken care of everything for you! Call for reservations.

Hilton Americas 1600 Lamar, 713-577-6139
Houston, you can ring in 2005 "As You Like It" this New Year's Eve at the Hilton Americas-Houston. This downtown hot spot will offer three unique options to meet a variety of tastes and pocketbooks. If black tie suits your mood, make your reservations at the Skyline Bar & Grill for a six-course dinner for two, free-flowing champagne and party favors, live music, dancing, champagne toast at midnight, a luxurious guest room, and a breakfast buffet and Bloody Mary bar on New Year's Day. Your splurge of $595 per couple includes all tax and gratuity. If you'd like a classy but more subdued affair, choose Spencer's for Steaks & Chops and feast on a five-course gourmet dinner for two with champagne, party favors all night long, live music, a champagne toast at midnight and an elegant guest room. The package goes for $395 per couple. And if you have theater or late-party plans and want a casual dinner on the way, the hotel's Cafe Americas will be serving a special menu with a glass of champagne and a three-course meal beginning at 5 p.m. for $50 per couple.

Hobby Center 800 Bagby, 713-315-2525, www.thehobbycenter.org
One of the most active country stars in the state, Bandera's own Robert Earl Keen will rock your conservative ass right into 2005. Then everything goes downhill from there.

The Improv 7620 Katy Fwy., 713-333-8800, www.improv.com/houston.html
Winner of NBC's hot reality series Last Comic Standing, comedian John Heffron has become the comic to watch and love. The Detroit funnyman whom Phyllis Diller referred to as "the cute one" has won a talent contract with NBC as well as other great opportunities. On tour for more than seven months straight, performing in theaters, comedy clubs and colleges across the country, he stops in H-town tonight.

Laff Stop 1952 W. Gray, 713-524-2333, www.laffstop.com
You probably know Jim Gaffigan as either an actor or a stand-up comedian. But wait, there's more! He's also a ballerina, or so he says. Find out all about this man tonight at a special New Year's extravaganza.

Last Concert Cafe 1403 Nance, 713-226-8563
It's a special New Year's Eve mix of live hip-hop, reggae, funk and rock with Dubtex, Friends of the Enemy, Kozmonix, DJ Swift, DJ C-Double, Fred Cee and Mark Cee. Come get funky in this bohemian oasis in the Warehouse District.

Licor Lounge 2204 Louisiana, 713-654-0869, www.licorlounge.com
It's the last Fabulous Friday of the year. Party to an eclectic mix of hip-hop, '80s and house. VIP area available. $20.

Maggiano's Little Italy 2019 Post Oak Blvd., 713-961-2700
A spectacular celebration will be held in the grand ballroom. Dinner will be served from a lavish buffet prepared by chef Johnny Poché, featuring a roast tenderloin carving station and a variety of Maggiano's signature salads and pastas, plus a bountiful dessert selection. Partygoers will enjoy dancing to the music of PF & the Flyers, merrymaking favors and a champagne toast to bring in the New Year. The entire evening, including an open bar, is $110 per person including tax and tip. For those with other party plans, the main dining room will be serving dinner; reservation times will be at 5 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.

Marfreless 2006 Peden, 713-528-0083, www.marfrelessbar.com
Downstairs it's business as usual, but upstairs you can purchase a package that includes a couch, a bottle of champagne, cheese plate, cheesecake and party favors. Prices depend on brand of champagne. No cover downstairs. Upstairs packages start at around $80. Take the concept of the midnight kiss to a whole 'nother level.

Mary Jane's Fat Cat 4216 Washington Ave., 713-869-5263, www.clubfatcat.com
Tonight enjoy a special New Year's party with the John Sparrow, one of Houston's hottest bands. $10.

The Mercury Room 1008 Prairie, 713-225-6372, www.mercuryroom.com
Austin's Sensual Soul will be rocking the house along with DJ Lucky LaRue and DJ Cipher spinning hip-hop and dance music in the Boaka Bar. Advance tickets $25; New Year's Eve $30.

Mugsy's 3200 Kirby, 713-526-5595
The classiest New Year's Eve party in Houston, with a free champagne toast at midnight and party favors for those who like to ring in the New Year in an intimate setting.