This story originally appeared in the Dec. 23 edition of the weekly LINK Reader. To get these stories first, subscribe here.
As 2023 draws to a close, Northern Kentucky hotspots are preparing to ring in the New Year with a crowd. From parties, to fairs, and cruises on the Ohio River, and for those who may not be able to stay awake past midnight, here is a guide to how Northern Kentucky celebrates New Year’s Eve.
Receptions Event Center in Erlanger, New Years Celebration of a Lifetime with Naked Karate Girls, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.
The Naked Karate Girls are headlining a show at the Receptions Event Center in Erlanger that aims to have guests on their feet and give the crowd a night to remember, with an open well bar, appetizers, buffet dinner, late-night snack bar, champagne toast and favors. The Naked Karate girls are known for their funny choreography, props and outfits to encourage everyone to stand up and dance.
The Madison Event Center in Covington, New Year’s Eve Party, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.
The Madison Event Center in Covington is planning a BLINK-like immersive experience for New Year’s Eve. A ticket to this event includes a dinner catered by Hotel Covington with hors d’oeuvres, salads, entrees and sides, drinks, including champagne. There will also be a DJ and a series of giveaways throughout the evening, including art made during the event. Free parking for all attendees will be available next door in the Hotel Covington garage.
Light Up the Fair, Boone County Fairgrounds, 5:30 to 10 p.m.
Light Up the Fair is a long driving light show for families to from inside their cars at the Boone County Fairgrounds on Idlewild Road. The Christmas lights show is on display now and will be through New Year’s Eve. Over one million lights shine along a two-mile path. First responders as well as active-duty military are offered free admission each night.
Ludlow Theatre, New Year’s Eve with the Doghouse, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Local band Doghouse will put on a show at Bircus Brewing on New Year’s Eve. Bircus will be serving craft beer, woodfired pizzas, champagne toast and some circus acts sprinkled in to complete the night.
Florence Y’alls, New Year’s Eve Fireworks, 5:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
Deck the Y’alls Lightfest will add an extra kick on New Year’s Eve with fireworks. Along with the more than two million lights, themed areas, food, ice skating and carnival rides, will be a special New Year’s Eve fireworks show that hopes to bring in 2023 with a bang.
BB Riverboats Newport, New Year’s Eve Kids Cruise and Dinner Cruise, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. & 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.
For those with an early bedtime, BB Riverboats Kids Cruise counts down to noon. The cruise will be packed with festive party favors as well as a DJ and other activities for families. Boarding begins at 10:30 a.m.
In the evening, BB Riverboats is offering an adult party with a dinner cruise, from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. The ride will include a full dinner, live music, midnight champagne toast, party favors, full bar and a late-night snack buffet to ring in the new year on the river.
Smoke Justis: Covington, New Year’s Eve Party, 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.
On New Year’s Eve, Smoke Justis in Covington will begin the night with a Not-So-Old Fashioned welcome cocktail, and follow in true Smoke Justis style with smoked prime rib with au jus horseradish cream sauce or hot smoked salmon with maple whole grain mustard glaze, all served family style for guests. Party favors will also be available as well as a proper New Year’s toast.
Newport on the Levee: Cincinnati Adventurers Guild and Cerberus Den’s NYE GAME Party, 6 p.m.
The Cincinnati Adventurers Guild and Cerberus Den are planning to ring in 2023 with board games. This event taking place at Newport on the Levee will feature role playing games like Dungeons & Dragons, Vampire Masquerade, and more. The family-friendly event aims to keep guests entertained while waiting for the ball to drop at midnight.
Newport Syndicate, Q102’S Best of the Best New Year’s Eve party. 7 p.m.
Rather than having one New Year’s Eve party, Newport Syndicate is planning three of them in one. Guests can hear DJ Chandler McFadden in the Ambassador Room, The Rusty Griswolds in The Grand Ballroom and dueling piano players in Gangsters Piano Bar while enjoying drinks, dinner, party favors and dancing.
Blind Squirrel, Trailer Park Floosies NYE Party. 9 p.m.
With some music, food and sports, the Blind Squirrel is hoping to cater to everyone on New Year’s Eve. Start with some of their famous buffalo chicken dip and then dig into a BBQ burger or boursin chicken sandwich. Guests can move into the dessert or drink territory, or both, just in time for the Trailer Park Floosies to hit the stage at 9 p.m.
Braxton Brewing Company, NYE in NKY, 7 p.m.
Braxton Brewing Company is planning a night with DJ Fur Sur, DJ BSP and DGNR8. Their New Year’s Eve celebration will also feature a photobooth, a full buffet and drinks on the rooftop, along with a champagne toast to end the evening.