From Old Town to downtown to the Homer Spit, Homer’s bars offer New Year’s Eve celebrations from the sedate to the spirited. At AJ’s OldTown Steakhouse and Tavern, the night is young when AJ’s rings in the New Year on New York time — 8 p.m., live from Times Square. Other celebrations are more traditional, ringing in the year at midnight Homer time with champagne toasts and party favors.
Start the New Year right with a little exercise. As part of the national First Day Hike, Kachemak Bay State Park holds a hike at the Eveline State Recreation Area, Mile 13.8 East End Road. Hike, ski or snowshoe the short hike. Or, take to the water on Jan. 2 with a 1-mile paddle of the Kachemak Bay State Park Water Trail. See more information, below.
The Alibi
453 E. Pioneer Ave.
10 p.m., Fractal Theory, Dustin’s laser light show
Midnight: Champagne toast
Alice’s Champagne Palace
195 E. Pioneer Ave.
9 p.m., New Year’s Eve bash with DJ Tim Hatfield
Midnight: Champagne toast and party favors
AJ’s Old Town Steakhouse
and Tavern
120 W. Bunnell Ave.
4 p.m.: Open for dinner. Reservations recommended
5:30-8:30 p.m., Piano music with Lindianne
8 p.m.: New York time champagne toast
Down East Saloon
Mile 3 East End Road
10 p.m., Freelancer Band
Midnight: Champagne toast
Kharacters
Pioneer Avenue and Shelford Street
10 p.m.: Multi-band extravaganza with Barroom Roses and special guests
Midnight: Champagne toast
Land’s End Resort
4786 Homer Spit Road
Late dinner 5-10 p.m. with specials
10 p.m., DJ dance music
Midnight: Champagne toast
Discounted Homer local’s night room rates with getaway packages and dinner for two and a room. Call 235-0400.
New Year’s Day
10 a.m.-3 p.m.: Holiday brunch.
Otter Room
Best Western Bidarka Inn
575 Sterling Highway
Midnight: Champagne toast, party favors
Salty Dawg Saloon
Ramp 1, Homer Harbor, Homer Spit
Free juke box and free hors d’ouevres
Midnight: Champagne toast
Alaska State Parks First Hikes
Eveline State Recreation Area, Mile 13.8 East End Road past McNeil Canyon Elementary School
Jan. 1, Noon: 3-mile roundtrip hike, ski or snowshoe. Please leave dogs at home for this hike.
Water Trail start, Homer Spit
Jan. 2, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: 1-mile Kachemak Bay State Park Water Trail
Meet at the start of the Water Trail on the Homer Spit at “The Rock,” next to the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon. For adults and children age 15 and older. Bring kayaks and paddles, life jackets, snacks, water and weather appropriate gear.
For more information about the First Day Hike initiative, go to www.naspd.org/initiatives-special-programs/first-day-hikes.
