It’s the night where you feel guilty about not going out – rather than the reverse. 

So what lies in store for revellers in Ballarat this New Year’s Eve?

Traditionally, Ballarat is seen as a reasonably quiet place as the clock strikes midnight, with many locals flocking to coastal towns to see in the new year.

But some venues are bucking the trend.

At The George Hotel in Lydiard Street, partygoers can experience the new year in all sorts of ways with their “around the world” theme.

For $35 revelers can enjoy complimentary drinks in each room – or “country”.

Country rock singer Don Costa will headline at the Victoria Bowling Club, the Bluestone are hosting a Masquerade Ball , Irish Murphy’s will have free live music and there will be karaoke at the Peter Lalor Hotel.

Ballarat’s Shae Wilson said her year would end partying the night away at a friend’s place in Ballarat.

Having moved to Ballarat just two days ago, Sam Carlin said he was planning to let the night take him wherever it wants to, but says he’d like to catch a band somewhere.

It seems some have plans and others don’t – but spare a thought for the police officers, paramedics, firefighters, nurses and others who will be swapping the Champagne flutes for coffee mugs at work tonight.

In Ballarat last new Year’s Eve, police arrested five people for drunkenness, there was one assault and six liquor licence offences were detected.

They also confirmed there were a number of illegal fireworks being set off throughout the city.

They hope this year will be quieter.

Fire crews will be on alert for illegal fireworks again, but are thankful the temperature is forecast to only reach a top of 27 degrees today.

It was 32 degrees this time last year.

Tonight the bells will ring at Town Hall, midnight kisses will be stolen and resolutions will be made all over Ballarat.

Grab The Courier tomorrow for a full wrap-up of the New Year’s Eve celebrations.

WHAT'S ON TONIGHT

The Bluestone

Masquerade Ball. First 100 guests receive a free mask. From 7pm.

Irish Murphy's

Live music from 9.30pm.

The George

Round the World Party - Mexico, Ireland and New York. $35 ($30 members).

Town Hall

Traditional bell ringing from 9.30pm to 12.30am.

Lake Wendouree

Popular family picnic spot.

Curry Star

Bollywood Banquet. $40.

The Palais, Hepburn Springs

Masquerade Ball. Food, champagne and games from 8pm. $40.

Daylesford NYE Gala Parade

Swing band in Vincent St from 6pm. Parade starts from Duke Street at 8.15pm.

Theatre Royal, Castlemaine

Wig Out and Welcome 2013 party. Live soul and dance music from 8pm. $35.