The festivities are about to get underway tonight with all of the New Year's Eve parties.

The choice is extremely wide and depending on your tastes there should be something out there for you.

Below is a roundup of some of the events.

Firstly there is the Masquerade Ball and Vegas Casino Lounge, which is set to take place at the Fairmont Southampton Princess.

You can place your bets from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Vegas-style casino tables for raffle prizes. There will be tapas, Cuban cigars, Vegas photo shoot, Barcardi Mask-tini and DJ Ob1.

Then from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. there will be a Venetian Ball with Venetian masks, Vegas showgirls, surprise live performance and guest entertainment, VIP table and bottle service, midnight Champagne toast under the stars and DJ Kaos.

This event has been organised by Unit?, the same people who put on the very successful White and Pink Parties earlier this year.

For VIP tables and bottle service reservations ( 747-1677. Tickets are $125 and are available from www.boxoffice.bm or at Sasch and Stephanel. Attire smart elegant and black is optional. Part proceeds from this event will be donated to the Bermuda Autism Support and Education Society.

Salsa enthusiasts are invited to attend the above event, as there will be performances and a DJ.

If your aim is to stay central and have a ball then the Volcanic's New Year's Eve 2005 at B.A.A. (Bermuda Athletic Association) would be a good choice.

The emcees include international DJs Kid Koal, MC Pimp Zilla, The Butcha, and the Chewstick Band. Also NYC guest video artist, The Washingmachine, will provide visuals for the evening and break dancers will stir the vibes.

There is no dress code. Tickets are $50 in advance and $60 at the gate and includes two complimentary drinks.

Part proceeds go to The Committee of 25 for Handicapped Children and The Bermuda Music and Dramatic Society Charitable Trust.

Tickets are available at The Edge, Jackson School of Performing Arts and Frameworks Gallery. Online at www.boxoffice.bm.

The Complex: Three Levels, Two Parties, One Lounge, is sold out.

The event is presented by Blu Promotions in conjunction with Unit?. It starts at 8 p.m. - 3 a.m. The dress code is smart elegant, no jeans and no sneakers.

The Complex is in Tuscany Restaurant, Square One and in Tuscany The Gallery. Tickets were $70 and $60 with a group of ten and were available at Sasch, Music World, The Bookmart and www.boxoffice.bm.

The Splash Night Club will be hosting A Special Over 30's New Year's Eve Veuve Clicqout Party. They are featuring the best of the 70s, 80s, and 90s tunes with DJ Bitsy and every guest gets a bottle of Veuve Clicqout when they enter. Purchase tickets early as they are limited.

Ozone Night Club is having a huge bash and they are expecting 350 patrons to attend.

Star Entertainment Presents “Just A Lil Bit” New Year's Eve Bashment. The organisers are promising a night of two unpredictable levels of entertainment: On the first level there is pure R&B Hip Hop, Soca and slow jams and on the second level there will be pure Dancehall Vibes featuring Twin Starr, Vybez Alliance, King Starr, China & Bussie, D Nice, Prophecy, King Jyrus.

It's all happening at the Devonshire Recreation Club. Tickets are $25 in advance and are available at New Life or $40 at the door. Doors open at 9 p.m. The first 100 ladies get a complimentary glass of champagne and party favours. Dress to impress. Security By Deep Dale Bouncers.

The Fairmont Hamilton Princess is having three events one is at Harley's Restaurant for a New Year's Eve Dinner $95 plus grats. For reservations ( 295-3000 ext. 7806.

In the Heritage Court, Deletta Gillespie will be entertaining guests from 9 p.m.

If your aim is to be out of town then Henry VIII Restaurant and Bar is hosting its New Year's Eve Gala Buffet.

All party favours are included with live entertainment vocalist and humorist Dave Bootle from 9.45 p.m. to 2 a.m. $92 per person plus grats. ( 238-1977 or e-mail henrysibl.bm.

In St. George's at the White Horse Pub & Restaurant the is a Country Rock ‘n' Roll New Year's Eve Bash, which will feature DJ Razzle Dazzle from 10 p.m. onwards.

( 297-1838 for a choice of early or late seating. Doors open after 10 p.m. to the general public.

Also in St. George's there is the Dropping of the Onion from 8 p.m. onwards. This is great for families with children or for those that want the experience.

The Deep Night Club has two packages: For dinner at one of the MEF restaurants and dancing at the Deep is $165. Dinner alone $125 and entrance to The Deep is $65. For more information ( 236-9884.

New Year's Day/Night

Fairmont Hamilton Princess is hosting a delectable brunch in the Harbourview Ballroom from 11.30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Live entertainment with Hind Sight $55 plus grats. Children under 12 half price. 295-3000 ext. 7852.

The open-mic jam session Chewstick Neo-Griot Lounge is celebrating its third anniversary tomorrow night.

The anniversary celebration will include the open-mic night, with a few surprise guests, big band tunes, and ending with DJs playing into the wee hours all for just $10, or free before 8 p.m.

Chewstick Neo-Griot Lounge is held every other Sunday at Champions on Reid Street 8 p.m. - 12 a.m. Free before 8 p.m. and $5 cover charge from 8 p.m. - 11 p.m.