KALAMAZOO, MI --

If you haven't decided how to greet 2013, here are a list of five of the biggest New Year's Eve parties in downtown Kalamazoo.

Enjoy and be safe.

What:

Downtown Kalamazoo restaurants The Wine Loft and The Union Cabaret & Grille will be holding parties with food and drink specials, midnight champagne toast, party favors balloon drop and live entertainment.

When:

5 p.m. Dec. 31 (Dinner seating at 5, 7 and 9:30 p.m. at The Union; dinner seating at The Wine Loft until 7 p.m.; both venues will require tickets for 9 p.m. or later).

Where:

The Union, 125 S. Kalamazoo Mall; Wine Loft,161 E. Michigan Ave.

Cost:

$10

Contact:

269-384-6756 (The Union) and 269-343-9227 (Wine Loft), or

4. Biggest name in comedy at Shakespeare's Pub

What:

Comedian Costaki Economopoulos, best known for his weekly segment, "The Economonologue" on nationally-syndicated radio program "Bob & Tom Radio Show," will perform twice.

When:

7 and 10 p.m. Dec. 31

Where:

Shakespeare's Pub Lower Level, 241 E. Kalamazoo Ave.

Cost:

$20 in advance, $25 at the door

Contact:

269-488-7782,

What:

The multi-venue hotspot in downtown Kalamazoo will crank things up with a series of dinner options, entertainment happenings, including live music and standup comedy, champagne toasts and more.

When:

5 p.m. Dec. 31

Where:

Entertainment District, corner of East Michigan Avenue and South Edwards Street

Cost:

Packages start at $31 per person (there are nightlife and nightlife/dinner options)

Contact:

What:

Live music, magic, comedy, children's activities and much more will take place all over downtown Kalamazoo at this family-friendly event. Fireworks will be held at midnight.

When:

5:30 p.m.-midnight Dec. 31

Where:

Various locations downtown Kalamazoo

Cost:

Buttons are $5 in advance or at participating retailers, or $8 on the day of at Bronson Park

Contact:

269-388-2830,

What:

Kalamazoo bands The Red Sea Pedestrians and The Corn Fed Girls will perform original material and the iconic The Beatles' albums, "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" and "Abbey Road."

When:

9 p.m. Dec. 31

Where:

Kalamazoo State Theatre, 404 S. Burdick St.

Cost:

$23 in advance, $25 day of the show; children 12 and younger are $13

Contact:

269-345-6500,

John Liberty can be reached at 269-370-7372 or jlibert1@mlive.com. Follow me on Twitter @JohnTLiberty