For New Year’s Eve in Homer, bars celebrate in two time zones: New York style at 8 p.m., with a live television broadcast of the ball dropping at Times Square, or at local time at midnight. From East End Road to the end of the road, revelers have a choice of celebrations from the raucous to the sedate.

Thanks to another holiday tradition, people celebrating can get home safe. As in past years, local taxi cab companies Kostas Taxi, Ryder Transport and Kachecab provide free rides home from 8 p.m. New Year’s Even to 6 a.m. New Year’s Day. Tips are encouraged, though.
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. Ski or snowshoe the short hike.

The Alibi
453 E. Pioneer Ave.
8 p.m., DJ music with Nelton
Midnight: Champagne toast

Alice’s Champagne Palace
195 E. Pioneer Ave.
9 p.m., DJ Movement
Midnight: Champagne toast and party favors

AJ’s Old Town Steakhouse
and Tavern
120 W. Bunnell Ave.
4 p.m.: Open for dinner.
5:30-8:30 p.m., Jay C. Smith
8 p.m.: New York time champagne toast

Beluga Lake Lodge
6:30-9:30: Music by Mo Mo Blues
8 p.m.: East Coast champagne toast
Oyster shooters, andouille skewers, seafood cakes, stuffed mushrooms, gumbo, blackened prime rib, blackened halibut, bourbon bread pudding

Down East Saloon
Mile 3 East End Road
10 p.m., DJ music
Midnight: Champagne toast

Kharacters
Pioneer Avenue and Shelford Street
10 p.m.: Plagiarists and Shy Bones
Midnight: Champagne toast

Land’s End Resort
4786 Homer Spit Road
5 p.m.-1:30 a.m.: Dinner with specials served from 5-10 p.m., followed by music by Denali North Events, dancing, New Years toast, and more. No cover. For more information and dinner reservations, call 235-0406.
Discounted Homer local’s night room rates with getaway packages including dinner for two, two glasses of wine, 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
NYE full-rack rib dinner, barbeque baked beans, cornbread and aspargus. Price TBD.
Midnight: Champagne toast

Salty Dawg Saloon
Ramp 1, Homer Harbor, Homer Spit
8 p.m.: Hors d’oeuvres/appetizers
9 p.m.: Holy Santos Gang
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 p.m.: Three-mile roundtrip ski or snowshoe. State Parks staff and volunteers will guide you around the trail system. Enjoy hot drinks, snacks off the grill and a warming fire. A $5 donation is suggested.

Taxi Cab rides
Get safe taxi cab rides home the night of New Year’s Eve and Day from 8 p.m. Dec. 31-6 a.m. Jan. 1 courtesy of Kostas Taxi, Ryder Transport and Kachecab. For rides, call 399-8008, 399-8115, 399-8888 or 235-1950.