I’m posting this a bit early on purpose. Many of these parties are running advance ticket specials and I want to make sure anyone watching only the blog and not the Twitter or Facebook has a chance to snag the discounts. I posted as much information as I could find about each one, and will try to keep this updated as I find out more. I normally don’t post these half-done, but in this case time is of the essence.

Unlike what I did for Halloween, I am including all festivities scheduled to take place during the final evening of 2009 and first morning of 2010, regardless of whether it is specifically promoted, labeled, or themed a New Year’s Eve party. The rationale behind the difference is that Halloween parties usually have an element of strongly recommending if not requiring costumes, and New Year’s Eve parties normally do not (despite what some people may think after watching Trading Places one too many times).

Unless otherwise noted, parties end at 2am, and should be assumed to be 21 and over only. It is not unheard of for prices to increase as New Year’s Eve approaches; I may not be able to keep up with all of them and probably will not really try. So, in case of a conflict, the venue’s current price overrides anything I may have posted here. Many events will sell out prior to New Year’s Eve. New events may be added at the end of the list; if nothing you see now strikes your fancy, please check back and/or keep an eye on the Facebook page and Twitter account.

I wish all of you a happy and safe transition from 2009 to 2010. See you on the flip side.

Thursday 12-31

Allen Oldies Band and Beetle, Continental Club, 3700 Main, 8pm, no cover. Ring in the new year with two of Houston’s most talented oldies tribute bands at a first-rate music venue. There’s a reason I put this one first on the list: I want to make sure nobody overlooks it. 09-S-NYE-1

New Year’s Eve 2010 Black & White Bash at Mezzanine Lounge, 8pm. $35 advance tickets, $50 at the door. 21+. 09-S-NYE-2

New York New York Empire City Celebration at Pravada, 2815 S. Shepherd Dr., 9pm, $45 general admission, $60 elite VIP packages available–see Web site for details. Featuring a champagne toast at midnight $5,000 balloon drop, open bar until 12:30am. 21+. 09-S-NYE-3

The BLT VI New Year’s Eve Party at Warehouse Live and Lucky’s Pub, 801/813 St. Emanuel, 8pm, $79+. BLT stands for black tie, lingerie, and toga, and dress within the theme is encouraged but not required. Live music from Adrenaline and The Spicolis, multiple DJs, midnight toast. These are two great venues, and any time they join forces for an event like this, it’s bound to be a great party. 21+. 09-S-NYE-4

New Year’s Eve Celebration with Scott Gertner and band, Scott Gertner’s Sky Bar and Grille, 3400 Montrose, penthouse level, 8pm, $50 with table reservation or $30 without. Midnight champagne toast, midnight breakfast buffet, rose for the ladies, three fireworks displays visible from the location, and of course, Scott Gertner and the band. Men 23+/women 21+. 09-S-NYE-5

A Blaggards New Year’s Eve, Ashford Arms Pub, 14605 Perthshire, $10. The legends of “Stout Irish Rock” (of which I am a huge fan) are spending New Year’s Eve in town. Cover charge includes food and midnight champagne toast. 21+. 09-S-NYE-6

Free Press New Year’s Eve Party, Mango’s, 403 Westheimer, 8pm, $10. Featuring Sideshow Tramps, B L A C K I E, Grandfather Child, Robert Ellis & The Boys, The Manichean, Female Demand, and Hollywood Floss. All ages. 09-S-NYE-7

Dan Electro’s Guitar Bar, 1031 East 24th St., 9pm, no cover charge mentioned. Featuring the Fondue Monks and Black Roze. 09-S-NYE-8

Totally 80’s New Year’s Bash with Thunderpants, House of Blues, 1204 Caroline St., $30, 10pm. 21+. 09-S-NYE-9

Sherlock’s Pub, 10001 Westheimer, start time not listed, $7. Featuring Rat Ranch, a band that’s pretty hard to describe, but I’ll try anyway: I hear influence from Smash Mouth, Pink Floyd, The Police, Devo, and The Romantics, updated for the late 00s/early 10s. If that sounds impossible it’s not, really, listen for yourself. 09-S-NYE-10

A Neapolitan New Year presented by Ars Lyrica, Hobby Center for the Performing Arts (Zilkha Hall), 800 Bagby, 8:30pm, tickets start at $31.25 ($21.25 for students, must show ID at door). Ring in the New Year with the American premiere of J. A. Hasse’s Neapolitan masterpiece Marc Antonio e Cleopatra. Rising stars Ava Pine and Jamie Barton will join the ensemble for a performance to remember. The post-performance gala features champagne, hors d’oeuvres and the annual silent auction. 09-S-NYE-11

Fay and Sammie with The Mid City Players, Sammy’s at 2016 Main, time not listed. 09-S-NYE-12

The Hightailers at Last Concert Cafe, 1403 Nance St., time not listed. 09-S-NYE-13

Market Tasting: Bubbles for Festivus, Block 7 Wine Company, 720 Shepherd, 4-8pm, $20. After the tasting join Shawn Pander as he performs a set to ring in the New Year. 09-S-NYE-14

DJ Marc at Brian O’Neill’s, 5555 Morningside, 8pm, $5. Cover includes champagne toast at midnight. Table reservations available for $20. 09-S-NYE-15

…possibly more to come. Watch this space.