5 fun ways to celebrate the New Year in Butler and Warren counties

With the new year right around the corner, check out these five ways to celebrate 2019:

MORE POPULAR STORIES:

• The year in Butler County photos: Best images of 2018

• From guns to marijuana: How Ohio’s laws changed this year

Kings Island WinterFest

Monday, Dec. 31

Park visitors can ring in 2019 at Kings Island with a brand new way to celebrate New Year’s Eve.

“By visiting Kings Island on New Year’s Eve, you can experience all of WinterFest, and then stick around to ring in the new year at the region’s most unique New Year’s Eve party,” said Chad Showalter, director of communications for Kings Island.

It is going to be a celebration for the entire family. At 8 p.m. there will be an indoor countdown and balloon drop for families who may not want to stay out until midnight. Then from 8 p.m. to 1 p.m. the park will feature a DJ, live music and other entertainment. The Eiffel Tower will turn into a giant countdown clock and when the clock strikes midnight fireworks will fill the sky, he said.

In addition to the fireworks, the event will include Snoopy’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve party, Charlie Brown’s New Year’s Eve Celebration show and other family-friendly festivities. Visit www.visitkingsisland.com for tickets and more information.

New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day Orienteering at Camp Timberhill

Monday, Dec. 31 and Tuesday, Jan. 1

Those who enjoy spending time outdoors can enjoy two local orienteering opportunities. The annual New Year’s Day outing will return to Rentschler Forest MetroPark’s Camp Timberhill on Tuesday, Jan.1. Participants can begin anytime from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. “It’s become a tradition on New Year’s Day to have an event. It seems like a lot of people want to get out and (walk or) run off some of the festivities from the night before, and do something physical and entertaining,” said Mike Minium, event director, Orienteering Cincinnati. He said the event is designed for everyone, from beginners to those with more advanced training. The activity will feature a range of different courses for various ages and skill levels.

For those more experienced, there will be a New Year’s Eve night course on Monday, Dec. 31 at Camp Timberhill, starting at 8 p.m. Pre-registration by email is encouraged. Orienteering is an internationally recognized sport that requires navigational skills using a map and a compass to move through series of check points in a diverse environment, usually in unfamiliar terrain. The sport can be enjoyed as a walk in the woods or as a more competitive activity. Check out www.OCIN.org and www.yourmetroparks.net for details. For questions or to RSVP for the New Year’s Eve course, email mikeminium@aol.com. A park permit is required.

New Year’s Eve at Topgolf’s Big NYE Bash

Monday, Dec. 31, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Topgolf. Reserve a bay with up to six people for a night of fun and celebration. The reservation includes unlimited play from 9 a.m. to 1 a.m., along with party favors and a midnight fireworks show. Guests can upgrade to the VIP experience for exclusive access to an all-inclusive, premium NYE Feast with a carving station and a bottle of bubbly. $250 for general admission and $450 for a VIP bay (for up to six guests). Bays sell out quickly, so be sure to RSVP as soon as possible. Visit ww.topgolf.com to reserve a bay online, or call (513) 342-6249. Topgolf is located at 9568 Water Front Drive in West Chester.

New Year’s Eve at Grainworks

Monday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Ring in the new year at Grainworks Brewing Company. Begin the evening with appetizers and dinner with a prime rib carving station. Plus, the celebration will include dessert and special brews. Also, Grainworks has partnered with the AC Hotel at Liberty Center for a fun and safe evening. Purchase your tickets to receive a special discount code for a hotel stay. Cost for the celebration at Grainworks is $75 for one guest and $125 for two guests. Grainworks Brewing Company is located at 7790 Service Center Drive in West Chester. Find out more information at www.facebook.com/grainworksbeer.

New Year’s Eve Party at The Coach House

Monday, Dec. 31, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Guests will enjoy plenty of champagne, and a three-course meal. To start, choose lobster bisque or a Caesar salad. Entrees include salmon with orange Beurre blanc, prime rib with au jus and horseradish sauce, or a pork chop with apple glaze. All entrees are served with baked potato and green beans. Finish the meal with off with dessert, including Death by Chocolate or a tart with hazelnut. Cost is $35 per person. Make a reservation online at www.coachhousetavern.com, or call (513) 856-7899 for more information. The Coach House is located at 100 Berkeley Drive in Hamilton.

About the Author