Do Something Different This New Years Eve; While Saving a Buck

Last week I began looking around online for New Years Eve parties in the city. Not soon after I realized ticket prices for bars sky rocketed since a year ago. Virtually every bar in the city, and some in the suburbs, require a ticket to celebrate the New Year. However, what use to be an option is now included in that ticket. Many bars and clubs now "include" a top-self open bar with their ticket, which in result makes the price way higher. The cheapest New Years Eve bar tickets are anywhere from $70 to $100. If you want to go VIP then be prepared to cough up an extra $50 to $100. Open bars are great, but if you try to drink your money's worth then you will be ringing in 2012 on a stretcher. Here are some alternative options for this New Years Eve in Philly:

Riverfront Fireworks: A Philadelphia classic. This year there are two shows; one at 6 pm and another at midnight. There are plenty of great spots along the Delaware, like Penn's Landing, to watch the sky light up. The fireworks are a party in itself as thousands gather to see them go boom boom boom, even brighter than the moon moon moon (yeah it's Katy Perry so what?).

Blue Cross RiverRink: The ice skating rink at Penn's Landing is open for most of the winter, but it is holding a special gathering for New Years celebrations. There is a party from 5 to 7 pm for the first fireworks show, which is more for families. Then there will be another party on the ice from 11 pm to 1 am.Tickets are $30 to skate and $20 for spectators. 

Battleship New Jersey: Another great spot to welcome 2012 while seeing the fireworks is across the river on board the Battleship New Jersey. They too will host two separate parties for both fireworks shows; starting at 4 and 10 pm. There will be prizes, music with food and drinks (including alcohol) available for purchase. Tickets are ONLY $8!

Helium Comedy Club: Helium, located at 20th and Sansom Streets, will also have two shows. Stand-up comedian Anthony Jeselnik will be performing. The first show begins at 8 pm with appetizers beginning at 6. Jeselnik will take the stage again at 10:30 with a desert buffet and midnight champagne toast after. Ticket prices for the earlier show are $38 and the later one is $59. Both New Years Eve tickets include a FREE ticket to a future show.