Please, NO MORE COVID. Make noise with noisemakers, bust out the (reasonably-decibel’d) fireworks, drink that champagne, and sing the song "Auld Lang Syne" at a great volume without knowing any of the lyrics—other than the first line… “Should auld acquaintances be forgot…”

New Year’s eve is a delightful time. It holds the promise of tomorrow…even that promise is the irrational and decidedly pagan belief that the 1st of January will change everything about your life.

Nonetheless, people love celebrating New Year’s Eve at great parties. And if you are not one of those who have to be captive at a friend’s house—or are taking prisoners for the night at yours—here’s a guide to the merriment in the city. 

The hotels around town have laid out the feast.

ITC Windsor

Spend New Year’s eve at any of ITC Windsor’s speciality restaurants from Dakshin to Royal Afghan to Dum Pukth. They also have a dance floor for those who would like to be bust a move closer to midnight. 

Hyatt Centric

Hyatt Centric on MG Road is going retro with their New Year party this year. It’s the genre that will bring kids and parents closer together to ring in the new year. They also have a stag party for singles as well as a New Year’s day brunch. 

Welcomhotel Richmond Road

Welcomhotel has special menus and premium liquor packages at Mahjong Room and Jacaranda. Their bar, Swizzle, will also have a DJ spinning tunes. 

The Oberoi

The Oberoi has a special menu at Lapis, Wabi Sabi and The Oberoi Lawns. There will be an oyster shucking bar, charcuterie counters and a sushi bar. Lapis and Wabi Sabi will also have a New Year’s day brunch. 

ITC Gardenia

ITC Gardenia will have a DJ at their bar Highland Nectar. All the speciality restaurants will have special menus for the new year. End the year at Highland Nectar with friends, family and other diners. 

Leela Bharatiya City

The Leela in Bharatiya City invites you to a New Year under the stars. Their restaurants Quattro, The Lotus Oriental and Falak have special menus. Falak offers views of Nandi Hills while enjoying the Indian food menu. 

The celebration of New Year's Day has a rich history that dates back to ancient civilisations. It is a time for people to come together, exchange gifts and well wishes, and set goals for the coming year. Whether it is through parades, parties, or simply spending time with loved ones, New Year's Day is a time for celebration and renewal.

Remember, wherever you go this year end, please don’t drink and drive. Stay safe, stay merry and a happy 2023.

And just to help you with your bellowing of Auld Lang Syne this year, here are the lyrics:

Should old acquaintance be forgot
And never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot
And days of auld lang syne?

Chorus:

For auld lang syne, my dear
For auld lang syne
We'll take a cup of kindness yet
For auld lang syne

Verse 2:

We two have run about the slopes
And picked the daisies fine
But we've wandered many a weary foot
Since auld lang syne

Chorus:

For auld lang syne, my dear
For auld lang syne
We'll take a cup of kindness yet
For auld lang syne

Verse 3:

We two have paddled in the stream
From morning sun till dine
But seas between us broad have roared
Since auld lang syne

Chorus:

For auld lang syne, my dear
For auld lang syne
We'll take a cup of kindness yet
For auld lang syne

Verse 4:

And surely you'll buy your pint cup
And surely I'll buy mine
And we'll take a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne

Chorus:

For auld lang syne, my dear
For auld lang syne
We'll take a cup of kindness yet
For auld lang syne.