New Year’s Eve is a study in contradictions. It marks the ending of one year, the beginning of another. It is a time to reflect on the past or look with hope to the future. Some people choose to mark the occasion by watching the Ball drop in Times Square from their home. Others like to get out and party. The City of Miami offers a great selection of events.

One of the biggest is the Bayfront Park event you probably saw mentioned elsewhere on the site. It is a big concert and firework spectacle with a giant Orange dropping at midnight to mark the New Year. There are plenty of other things to do in Miami, though.

Santa’s Enchanted Forest is one of the best known holiday events here and they are open on Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Let your kids celebrate at a carnival and holiday display unlike anything they have ever seen before. For more information on this, or to buy/print tickets, visit santasenchantedforest.com.

The Miami Seaquarium is another fun place to take the kids, as they also have a holiday celebration going on. You can find contact information and get more details at www.miamiseaquarium.com. Your kids are sure to enjoy seeing some wonderful marine life while taking in all the sights.

Parades are also a great way to spend New Year’s with children. The Miami International Boat Parade is an annual event where your kids can watch some impressive boats while taking part in a variety of family-friendly activities. The latest updates and contact info for this event can be found at www.miamiboatparade.com.

So, what if you are an adult looking for more wild things to do in Miami come New Year’s? Miami has just what you need, as most Miami night clubs here have a New Year’s Party. Indra Lounge hosts a Skin Party for couples and women only. Be ready to show up dressed to impress. They recommend leather, latex and other hot outfits. Contact the club at 305-673-6047 for more information. You have to be 21 or over for this one.

If you are looking for a magical start to the New Year, check out the bash at The Fifth in South Beach. There are party favors, a balloon drop and much more to entertain you. The dress code is upscale here. For more information, call (305) 538-9898. Please note that this is also a 21 or over event.

For those looking for a more elegant way to ring in the New Year, check out The Hilton Miami’s party. It features dinner, a DJ, dancing and more. Again, this is for those 21 and over. To make things even more festive the Hilton features party favors, laser light shows, and confetti.

If you are looking for something a little different, try Touch Lounge’s “A Knight at Touch”. It is a masquerade ball where the guests reveal their identities when the clock strikes 12. For more information, please call (305) 532-8003.

Remember- however you choose to spend the New Year’s Eve, make sure you have a designated driver to get you home safe.