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Best New Year's Eve Parties In Minnesota For 2012

New Year's marks a pivotal time for many, as it represents new beginnings. In preparation for the end of one year and in anticipation for another, many flock to New Year's parties to celebrate. Some may argue that celebrating the year to come is a bit premature, but why not start the new year off with a bang at some of the best bashes in Minnesota?

First Avenue
(credit: CBS)

First Avenue
701 1st Ave. N.
Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 332-1775
www.first-avenue.comIf there's one thing you can count on, it's that First Avenue knows how to throw a party. This iconic event center has been the site of epic bashes and wicked concerts for decades. Pay homage to the past while ringing in the future as this downtown danceteria prepares for its 43rd year of operation. This New Year's Eve, attend the New Year's Eve Danceteria featuring Get Cryphy, Peter Lansky, Roy Freedom and DJ Smitty. This will be the best way to say goodbye to 2012 and hello to 2013.

Barfly and the Loft
711 Hennepin Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 333-6100
www.barflyminneapolis.com

Barfly and the Loft go all out on New Year's Eve, offering attendees a multi-level entertainment destination. With several DJs spinning the hottest hits and club anthems, dubstep, house and more, you're guaranteed to dance the night away in style. Don your finest duds and toast to the new year with a party like none other.

Cocktails Phones Networking
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331 Club
331 13th Ave. N.E.
Minneapolis, MN 55413
(612) 331-1746
www.331.mnIf you want to welcome the new year in a more laid-back environment, head to 331 Club on New Year's Eve for a concert by The Roe Family Singers. This folky, bluegrass band will have you kickin' up those feet and boogying about through the night. This makes for a great alternative to the overly crowded and obnoxious bar scene usually unavoidable on the holiday.

Alcohol Generic
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Mill City Nights
111 5th St. N.
Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 333-3422
www.millcitynights.comA relative newcomer to the downtown Minneapolis scene, Mill City Nights is a concert destination that has plans to ring in 2013 with Big Head Todd & The Monsters. General admission tickets include a champagne toast at midnight. If you're looking to upgrade, VIP tickets are also available and include a meet and greet with Big Head Todd & The Monsters, one premium reserved seat, a signed poster print, wait staff service and complimentary champagne all evening long. Tickets are limited, so get yours today! This is an 18-plus show.

Park Tavern
3401 Louisiana Ave. S.
St Louis Park, MN 55426
(952) 929-6810
www.parktavern.net

Instead of entering the new year with a bang, why not with a strike? Be the first to bowl a strike in 2013 and win a fabulous prize. Check out Park Tavern on New Year's Eve for cosmic bowling specials, DJ'd music, fantastic drink specials and more. This is a 21-plus event with no cover.

Related: Best Bars And Nightclubs With Retro Nights In Minneapolis

Beer
(credit: Jupiter Images)

Aqua
400 1st Ave. N
Minneapolis, MN 55414
(612) 232-3232
www.aquampls.comIf you're looking for the VIP treatment on New Year's, head on over to Aqua nightclub. Throw down for VIP tickets or schedule bottle service reservations for an indulgent beginning to 2013. Party your way into 2013 with this exclusive 21-plus club event.

Dive Bar
3035 White Bear Ave.
Saint Paul, MN 55109
(651) 779-2265 ‎
www.divebarmn.com

A suburban venue with a downtown club feel, the ironically titled Dive Bar is an 18-plus party zone on New Year's Eve. Dance the night away to DJs spinning the hottest hits. Enjoy cheap drink specials all night long and give the dancing pole a whirl once the liquid courage has kicked in.

Related: Best Bars With A College Night In Minnesota

A Minnesota native that was born and raised Up North, Minneapolis is where Christina Kalinowski currently calls home. Christina appreciates irony, loves bacon, enjoys a hearty libation (drink responsibly, folks), and is an avid proponent of the Swanson Pyramid of Greatness. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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