The top New Year's Eve parties in Charlotte 

• Annual Black Tie Ball at Mez/Kazba — Two hot spots for the price of one; enjoy an evening of swankiness, topped off with a balloon drop, confetti cannon, aerial artists, go-go dancers and more. $40-$400 (prices go up after Dec. 27). Mez/Kazba, 210 E. Trade St. 704-971-2400. www.mezcharlotte.com.

• Roll in the New Year at Strike City — To bring in the new year sans uncomfortable high heels, head to Strike City for All U Can Bowl for only $20.11 per person, which includes shoe rental. Champagne toast at midnight for all patrons with an open tab. 9 p.m. Strike City, 210 E. Trade St. 704-716-9300. www.strikecitycharlotte.com.

• Casino Royale at Whisky River — For the poker connoisseur, or maybe just those who like their odds, this red carpet event offers games, a food buffet at 6 p.m. and a champagne toast at midnight. For more info, text 980-333-3923. $30 advance tickets. 5 p.m. Whisky River, 210 E. Trade St. www.whiskyrivercharlotte.com.

• Illuminati at Marriott Executive Park — If you're looking to get away from the Uptown crowd, this semi-formal affair warrants your attendance. All of the promoters behind this party are at the top of their game, and throwing Common's exclusive mixmaster DJ Dummy into the mix makes it all the better. $25 and up. 9 p.m. Marriott Executive Park, 5700 Westpark Drive. For more info, visit www.thesolkitchen.com.

• Rich and Bennett's NYE Bash 2011 at The Alley Cat — From the folks who bring you one of the biggest annual St. Patrick's Day bar crawls around, Rockhouse Events' New Year's Eve bash features an all-inclusive menu of beer, wine, liquor and champagne, and food provided by Cosmos. For more info, visit www.rockhouseevents.com. Ladies $55-$75, gentlemen $75-$100. Alley Cat, 314 N. College St.

• SocialFlockers New Year's Eve Extravaganza at Tilt — In 2010, a new group of partiers emerged. The SocialFlockers have taken nightlife to another level — top shelf, that is. Enjoy top-shelf open bar and $2 shots, including Patron, at the group's New Year's party. $50 advanced tickets, which can be purchased at any SocialFlockers event prior to New Year's Eve. For more info, visit www.facebook.com/socialflockers.

• Edwin McCain Live at The Saloon at the N.C. Music Factory — If a wall-to-wall sea of people isn't your thing, you can indulge in the intimate setting (only a few hundred tickets will be sold) of The Saloon. Bonus: free food. $75. The Saloon at NC Music Factory, 935 Seaboard St. 704-716-2327. www.ncmusicfactory.com.

• New Year's Eve at Growlers Pourhouse — For a good craft beer, some tasty sausages and easy access parking, Growlers is sure to draw a good crowd. $25. Growlers Pourhouse, 3120 N. Davidson St. 704-910-6566. www.growlerspourhouse.com.

• New Year's Eve at Kennedy's — The holidays are stressful enough, so for New Year's Eve, let's just keep it simple: Top-shelf open bar for everyone! Ladies, $60, guys $70 (before Dec. 25). 8 p.m. Kennedy's Premium Bar & Grill, 336 N. Caswell St. 704-375-0218. www.kennedyscharlotte.com.

• New Year's Eve at Butter — If atmosphere is key in how you bring in the new year, Butter at the N.C. Music Factory is the place you want to be. (FYI: It's absolutely gorgeous in there.) Enjoy a champagne toast, party favors, live feed of the ball drop and big-name DJs on both levels. $40 and up (for a limited time). 8 p.m. Butter, 950 Seaboard St. 704-295-1565. www.buttercharlotte.com.

• 2nd Annual "Suite 2011" at Grand Central — If you've ever been to a party hosted by the Digital Divas, you know this NYE event is going to be popping. Brought to you in association with The Grays, enjoy complimentary valet, cigar room, hors d'oeuvres, balloon drop and complimentary toast at midnight. $30. 9:30 p.m. Grand Central, 1000 Central Ave. For more info, visit www.digitaldivasevents.com. To purchase tickets, visit suite2011.eventbrite.com.

• New Year's Eve 2011 Celebration at Theatre Charlotte — Club scene isn't your thing? Theatre Charlotte offers a night of dancing, live entertainment from some of the city's top performers, a buffet, open bar, silent auction, raffles and more. $45; tables for $250. 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Theatre Charlotte, 501 Queens Road. www.theatrecharlotte.org. To purchase tickets, visit www.carolinatix.org.

• Majestueux at Ballantyne Village Theatre — Ballantyners, this one's for you. Brought to you by Six Figure Entertainment, music will be provided by DJ Freedom and DJ Justice. $30 general admission. VIP packages available for $75-$590, including heavy hors d'oeuvres and more. 14835 John J Delaney Drive. Call 704-615-8214 or visit www.sixfigureentertainment.com for more information.

• Annual Ragin' Rudder New Year's Eve Yacht Cruise and Party — A cruise on the lake is the perfect opportunity to make the night special, don't you think? Who cares if it's, like, 10 degrees outside? The DJ spinning on the boat will keep it hot for sure. After the cruise, enjoy the tunes of Split Finger (Southern Steel) back at Rusty Rudder. $40 by Dec. 21/$50 at the door. Pre-party starts at Rusty Rudder at 6 p.m., boarding begins at 7:30 p.m., cruise until 11 p.m. and party the rest of the night back at the Rudder. 20210 Henderson Road, Cornelius. 704-892-9195. Contact Jennifer for tickets at 917-579-0177 or e-mail raginuptown@gmail.com.

• Back to the Future New Year's Eve Bash at Breakfast Club — As owner Jody Sullivan says, this is the club for people who don't like clubs. And if you're an '80s baby, the mixes will be right up your alley for sure. $15 (before Dec. 27) to $20. Breakfast Club, 225 N. Caldwell St. 704-374-1892. www.that80sclub.com.

• Champagne Lyfe at Extravaganza Depot — A red carpet event for the grown and sophisticated LGBT crowd, folks in attendance will enjoy complimentary hot buffet, heavy hors d'oeuvres and succulent desserts. Bonus: champagne fountain. $30 per person, $55 per couple. VIP ranges from $220-$320. 10 p.m. Extravaganza Depot, 1610 N. Tryon St. For more information, call 704-492-0069.

• Midnight Morphosis at BofA's Founders Hall — Want to feel like a celebrity? With red carpet interviews and photography and multiple VIP options at this MAZ Entertainment event, how could you not? $20 and up. For more information, visit www.mazentertainment.net. 10 p.m. Founders Hall, 100 N. Tryon St.

For a full list of New Year's Eve parties in Charlotte, visit At Large.