Should old acquaintances be forgotthis New Year's Eve?
Certainly not.
But acquaintances do need to be socially distanced, and that means a New Year's unlike any other.
There's a handful of socially distanced live events going on this New Year's Eve, and more events online, too.
Here's a sampling of how to safely ring in 2021:
Times Square goes virtual
No crowds, but plenty of stars – including one from New Jersey.
Newark native Gloria Gaynor is the featured star of the Times Square New Year’s Eve on Thursday, Dec. 31. She'll sing her hits “I Will Survive,”“Joy Comes In The Morning” and “Never Can Say Goodbye.”
It will be livestreamed on TimesSquareNYC.org, NewYearsEve.nyc, Livestream.com/2021 and TimesSquareBall.net.
While the big crowds will be absent, there's still going to be plenty of New Year's Eve broadcasts:Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest on ABC (Jennifer Lopez is the headliner); New Year’s Eve Live with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen on CNN (where Jon Bon Jovi is scheduled to perform); New Year’s Eve Toast and Roast of 2021 on FOX; New Year’s Eve with Carson Daly on NBC; and Feliz 2021! on Univision.
What gives?:Why Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi albums weren't nominated for 2021 Grammys
Biebs’ New Year's Eve show
Who's ready for Biebernye?
The Justin Bieber New Year's Eve livestream will feature Biebs with a five-piece band, a dance crew, a new stage anda state-of-the-art light show. It takes place at an “iconic location” that has yet to be disclosed.
He's looking to give “everyone a safe way to kick 2020 out the door, together.”
The action starts at 10:15 via JustinBieberNYE.com. Tickets are $25 and the show will be repeated at 5 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 1.
NYE Live Justin Bieber, 10:15 p.m., $25. JustinBieberNYE.com.
Celebrity contribution:Bieber gives Stockton student from Monmouth County $100,000 donation
Dark Philly tour
Take a walk on the wild side in Philly.
The Dark Philly History Tour will embark on several New Year's Eve tours.Dig up the “surprising dirt of espionage, murderand sexual license” the Colonials indulged in around the grounds and alleys of Independence Hall.The late Anthony Bourdain was a fan. Purchase tickets at grimphilly.com and meet up on Market Street near the Liberty Bell.
Dark Philly History Tour, 6, 7, 8, 8:30 and 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 31, Market Street, Philadelphia. $30. www.grimphilly.com.
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Brazilian New Years in Atlantic City
If it's 10 p.m. our time, it's midnight in Rio.
As last call in Jersey COVID times is 10 p.m., the folks at Bourre in Atlantic City will hosta Brazilian New Year's where the big moment will be at 10 instead of midnight.
Keeping in the spirit, they will participate in a few Brazilian traditions, such as wearing an article of white clothing and jumping the seven waves for good luck. They'll also have Brazilian drink and food, and watch the festivities from Rio.
Reservations are encouraged at info@bourreatlanticcity.com.
Brazilian New Year's, 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 31, Bourre Atlantic City, 201 New York Avenue, Atlantic City. bourreatlanticcity.com.
Drinks included from Broadway
Cheers, from Broadway.
Speakeasy on Demand, the “first-of-its-kind at-home virtual theatrical party experience” from Broadway on Demand, will present shows at 7 and 9 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 31. Viewers can watch notedburlesque, cirqueand stage stars, and havea custom New Year’s Eve co*cktail kit (including fresh-pressed co*cktail mixes, fresh garnishes, Absolut Vodka, Bourbon) sent to their homes.
co*cktail recipes will be featured throughout the show. Tickets, $125, must be purchased by Dec. 23 to ensure co*cktails arrive in time.
Speakeasy on Demand, 7 and 9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 31, www.speakeasyondemand.com.
A funky New Year
Make 2021 a funky year.
Start with the Everybody’s Happy Funkin’ New Year's Eve livestream show featuring an all-star roster of contemporary funksters coming together, including Norwood Fisher of Fishbone, Chuck Boogie of The Pharcyde, John Asher of the Expanders, John Butcher of the Expanders, Jay O'Keefe of Trulio Disgracias and more.
Look for some local flavor as when Garrett Shider of Plainfield joins in on the fun. He's a guitarist for Parliament Funkadelic.
Everybody’s Happy Funkin’ New Year's Eve, 9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 31. Pay what you can. www.stageit.com.
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Songs on the boardwalk
Jersey Shore piano man Tim McLoone is going to play a New Year's Eve show at, where else, Tim McLoone's Supper Club on the boardwalk in Asbury Park.
He's bringing along a few talented friends and a glass of champagne awaits you as you arrive. Dine on a four course chef selection prix-fixe dinner as McLoone plays the favorites.
Enjoy songs ofyesterday and today and quite a view of the Atlantic Ocean.
New Year's Eve with Tim McLoone and Friends, 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 31, Tim McLoone's Supper Club, boardwalk, Asbury Park. $25 for show, $75 for dinner. www.timmcloonessupperclub.com.
Music:There's no stopping the holiday concerts in Asbury Park
Yuks in New Brunswick
Dave Attell, the star of Comedy Central's “Insomniac With Dave Attell,” will star live-and-in person at the Stress Factory in New Brunswick this New Year's Eve.
It's two shows, 7 and 9:45 p.m. under the Stress Factory's heated tent. There's a two-item minimum, and you can purchase show only tickets or unlimited dinner and show tickets which includes roast beef, roast turkey, eggplant rollatine and all the fixins.
In the words of Attell ... well, never mind, we'd probably get in trouble if we use words of Attell.
You'll have to see it for yourself.
Dave Attell, 7 and 9:45 p.m., Stress Factory Comedy Club, 90 Church St., New Brunswick. $70 to $390. newbrunswick.stressfactory.com.
Chris Jordan, a Jersey Shore native, covers entertainment and features for the USA Today Network New Jersey. Contact him at @chrisfhjordan; cjordan@app.com.
