Places to celebrate NYE - where it's warm

With extremely cold temperatures dominating New Year's weekend, many across the state are looking for ways to stay inside and, hopefully, stay close to home.

Here's a list of some places in the Twin Cities hosting fun - and warm - ways to ring in the new year:

COMO ZOO
Dec. 31 and Jan. 1 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. the Visitor Center at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory

The visitor center will be filled with family-friendly entertainment for a special Noon Year’s Party with games, dancing and music from the DJs of Kidsdance. There will be crafts, zookeeper talks, giveaways, contests and a countdown to NOON when hundreds of beach balls will be dropped from the ceiling at two locations - one for those ages five and under.


“Human Ball Drop” Caps NYE Party at Minnesota Children’s Museum
6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 31

After the museum's renovation, the popular New Year’s Eve party at Minnesota Children’s Museum is back on, featuring a “human ball drop” at 8 p.m. when a daring artist from Twin Cities Trapeze will ring in the New Year with a plunge inside the museum.

Other activities include dancing to the live music of Will Hale and the Tadpole Parade, holiday art projects and cookie decorating.

Tickets: $10 for museum members; $15 for non-members
Information: Call 651-225-6000 or visit https://mcm.org/new-years-eve-party/


Moonlight Circus at Mall of America rotunda
December 31 from 6 p.m. to Midnight

The event will include two ball drops: one at 10 p.m. and one at midnight. 

Throughout the evening, contortionists, jugglers, aerial fabric performers and more will flood the Rotunda for a night of thrilling live entertainment by Xelias Aerial studio. Guests will also be able to participate in meet and greets with their favorite Nickelodeon characters along with giveaways as they countdown to the New Year. 

Guests who purchase unlimited ride wristbands will also receive a free pair of 2018 commemorative glasses.        

For more information on this event, visit http://www.mallofamerica.com/events 

MAGIC: 24K New Year's Eve at Hyatt Hotel
Dec. 31 9 p.m.- 2 a.m. / VIP Entry at 8 p.m. at Hyatt Regency Hotel, 1300 Nicollet Mall

Now in its 12th installment, the Twin Cities’ party returns with MAGIC: 24K New Year’s Eve featuring music from Strangelove and 95.3’s own D MIL as well as special guest Brotinez, who is joining us from Chicago.

In addition to the main ballroom, this year’s event will also feature a Silent Disco, where DJ’s Kurt Schultz and Bunny Mob will battle hit-for-hit for the most dancers on their channel. 

Attendees can also check out aerialists soaring and fire performers heating up the night.

More info at http://www.nyempls.com/

SNOWTA at Minneapolis Convention Center

Ring in the new year with music, dancing, a skate park, a snow board rail jam, arcade and more at the Minneapolis Convention Center.