On New Year’s Eve, restaurants and clubs all over town offer special dinners and parties to give a resounding Charleston welcome to 2012. See the full list by clickinghere.

For those seeking chic, the Second Annual Platinum Ball at the Hippodrome (old IMAX theater) merges music, fashion and film, in a soiree from 9pm until 2am. All-inclusive tickets range from $95 to $150 per person.

For New Year’s with an Asian twist, Bonenkai! O-Ku’s forget the year New Year’s Eve Party offers open bar, unlimited hors d’oeuvres, DJ, party favors and a champagne toast, 10pm–2am, $80–$100 per person.

For cocktail connoisseurs, The Cocktail Club is putting on the bells and whistles, promising good spirits and a night of craft cocktails, tasty bites, and lively music. $100 per person ($90 for club members). Or, cruise into 2012 on a SpiritLine New Year’s Eve Dinner Cruise featuring a four-course dinner and cruise of Charleston Harbor, 9:30pm–12:30am. $85.00 per person.

For families, Happy New Year, Charleston! offers a non-alcoholic and family-oriented alternative program to celebrate the New Year, with something for everyone: comedy, African dancing, classical, gospel and jazz music, children’s activities, and fireworks. Marion Square, 4–10:30pm, free admission. Or, bring the family to James Island to experience the Holiday Festival of Lights Winter Carnival: A Festive New Year’s Celebration, with children’s amusement rides, inflatable jump castles, an old-fashioned carousel, portable climbing wall, children’s activities, and fireworks. Wristbands for unlimited rides $10, with individual tickets $1 each. 5:30–9:30pm.

No matter how you say goodbye to 2011, on Sunday put on your bathing suit to greet 2012 with an annual Sullivan’s Island tradition, the Polar Bear Plunge. This invigorating fundraiser for Special Olympics of South Carolina is at 3pm, but the fun begins around 11am when people gather for food and drink. Hosted by Dunleavy’s Pub.

Photo courtesy of WCIV-TV

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