To borrow a phrase from the R&B group Jagged Edge, however grammatically incorrect: “Where the party at?” You’ll probably be pointed to Famously Hot New Year, the free event featuring The Wallflowers, Biz Markie and Atlantic Starr on Main Street. But what if rubbing elbows with several thousand people and standing up for hours to tick off minutes until it’s time to give someone a New Year’s kiss isn’t your thing?

Here’s a select listing of what else is happening in and around town on New Year’s Eve.

WOW! New Year’s Eve Carnival: From 5-9 p.m. in Finlay Park, the family-friendly carnival will feature amusement rides, carnival games, vendors, entertainment and fireworks. 930 Laurel St. Free; www.columbiasc.net

5 Points Pub: Weaving the Fate, arguably the hypest band in the city, will be joined in concert by Finding Solace and Necessary Evil. 8 p.m. 2020 Devine St. $10 in advance, $12 at the door; www.the5pointspub.com

NBT’s New Year’s Eve Cover Show: Cover bands on NYE has become something of a tradition at New Brookland Tavern. This year Mommy’s Little Monster will perform as Social Distortion; Danny & Joe as Against Me!; Shades of Soul as Prince; and the bands on the Favorite Gentlemen Label, a roster that includes Manchester Orchestra, O’ Brother, Kevin Devine, as well as local favorites All Get Out and Junior Astronomers, will be covered. 8 p.m. 122 State St., West Columbia. $5 for over 21, $8 for under; www.newbrooklandtavern.com

Unitarian Universalist Coffeehouse: Another local NYE tradition is a performance by Jack Williams, a native South Carolinian who is a longtime player on the folk-music trails. He will be joined, per usual, by Susan Taylor, Cary Taylor and Danny Harlow. Coffee, tea and sodas will be provided, but guests are encouraged to bring additional beverages that they want to drink. 8 p.m. 2701 Heyward St. $25; (803) 200-2824 or www.uucoffeehouse.org

Newberry Opera House: The Dick Goodwin Big Band, along with guest performers, will play a variety of swinging music to get folks dancing. The party includes hor d’oeuvres and desserts, wine, champagne and fireworks at midnight. Hotel and dinner packages are available. Black-tie attire is suggested. 8 p.m. The opera house is at 1201 McKibben St., Newberry. $60; www.newberryoperahouse.com or (803) 276-6264

Jillian’s: There will be a champagne fountain, a ballon drop with “thousands in cash and prizes,” according to an ad, and music by Ten Toes Up. 9 p.m. 800 Gervais St.; (803) 779-7789

Clarion Hotel Downtown Columbia: Ross Holmes Band, the self-proclaimed “Band of a thousand Tunes,” will perform. It’s probably true. For $150 per couple, the package includes dinner, cocktails, champagne at midnight and party favors. There’s a special hotel rate so you don’t have to worry about how to get home. 8 p.m. 1615 Gervais St.; (803) 771-8711

World of Beer: The year-old beer establishment is hosting a New Year’s Blowout Party. If it’s cold and rainy, hang out with craft beers. 902 Gervais St. F; (803) 509-6020

New Year’s Eve at Le Cafe Jazz: If you want a chill evening, go here for an intimate night of jazz led by saxophonist Skipp Pearson. The evening includes wine, a French breakfast buffet and a hospitality bag. 6 p.m.-1 a.m. 930 Laurel St., at the top of Finlay Park. $62.50 and $125; skpfoundation.org

TLC Sports Bar & Grill: The Casual Kings, Concrete Jumpsuit, Funky Junk and Come Original, the latter being a 311 tribute band, will play. There will be a champagne toast, party favors and a “massive” midnight buffet, according to a Facebook event post. 9 p.m. 936 South Stadium Road. $13 and $20; www.facebook.com/TheLooseCockaboose

New Year’s Countdown at Comedy House: DJ Prince Ice will be hosting this party, parts of which will be broadcast live on WWDM-FM The Big DM 101.3. Prince Ice will start rocking the club at 11 p.m. That’s after comedians Shuler King and Marvin Hunter perform at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. 2768 Decker Boulevard. $20; (803) 798-9898