4. Downtown Countdown

The Buzz -- Thousands of people welcome in the new year at this lively downtown festival. Beginning at 8pm, revelers gather to eat, socialize, listen to bands and win prizes that are regularly given away. At the height of the action, around midnight, a confetti drop adds an extra note of festivity. Food vendors keep folks placated with lots of tasty offerings, and radio stations provide live coverage of all the action for people who can't be there in person.