Time to clink to the New Year in South Fork style. (Photo courtesy of Baron's Cove)

Sure, you can curl up on the couch and watch the ball drop (again), or… you can get all fancied up, grab your nearest, dearest and most funnest and head on out for a night on the town. From bands and DJs spinning booty-shaking sounds to gorgeous multi-course dinners and nature walks, there’s plenty to do on our beautiful South Fork to say see-ya to last year and welcome in the new annum. However you ring it in, remember: Be safe, be smart and be kind — because starting on a good foot is the best dance step of all.

Almond Restaurant, 1 Ocean Road, Bridgehampton, 631-537-5665

Almond will serve a special locally sourced five-course prix fixe menu in celebration of New Year’s Eve on Wednesday, December 31 beginning at 9 p.m. Guests will receive party favors and a Champagne toast will be offered. Cost for the evening is $150 per person, plus tax and gratuity. The a la carte menu will be offered earlier in the evening alongside holiday specials. Call to reserve or click here.

Nick & Toni’s, 136 N. Main St., East Hampton, 631-324-3550

Nick & Toni’s will ring in 2026 with a special four-course prix fixe menu on Wednesday, December 31 . The four-course menu will cost $165 per person, plus tax and gratuity. A The evening will also feature hats, noise makers, balloons and all guests will receive a gift from the Nick & Toni’s pastry team. A special “Bambini Menu” will also be available for children ten-and-under and will cost $50 per child. Reservations are recommended and can be made by visiting their website or calling the restaurant directly.

 R.aire at the Hampton Maid, 259 E. Montauk Highway, Hampton Bays, 631-728-4166, ext. 3

R.aire will celebrate New Year’s Eve on Wednesday, December 31 from 6 to 10 p.m. The evening will feature a three-course prix fixe menu complete with a champagne toast, and there will be live music by Eleanor Dubinsky & Dario Acosta Teich from 7 to 10 p.m. Cost is $150 per person, plus tax and gratuity and a children’s menu is available for $45 per child under 12. For a preview of the menu, click here. For more details and to make a reservation, click here.

Tutto il Giorno, 16 Main St., Sag Harbor, 631-919-5353

Can’t decide if you want to make your own culinary adventure, have it laid out for you, or just skip the grazing and go straight to clinking and dancing? Sag Harbor’s Tutto il Giorno has you covered. They are currently accepting reservations for a la carte dining from the lovely regular menu (from 5 to 7 p.m.), a New Year’s Eve special prix fixe starting at 9:15, or straight-up boogie and imbibing starting at 10:15 p.m. Give ’em call for more details and menu options.

Bistro Été, 760 Montuak Highway, Water Mill, 631-500-9085

As chef Arie Pavlou says, New Year’s Eve at his elegant Water Mill hub is festive, not fussy. Get in the congenial, relaxed spirit here by making a reservation for an early or late seating and ring in 2026 with his special menu treats.

Pierre’s, 2468 Main St., Bridgehampton, 631-537-5110

Looking for epic endings and bodacious beginnings? Hit up Pierre’s for their annual New Year’s gallic gala, with a menu that’s, wow, one for the ages. For $160, kick off the night with cremate d’Alsace (but of course — it’s the requisite excellent sparkling from owner Pierre Weber’s home region) and caviar, shrimp beignets and scallops wrapped in crispy bacon. From there, it’s just even more of a decadent list of divine options: Coquilles Saint Jacques, truffles, Cognac-kissed Maine lobster, oysters, rack of lamb — a veritable hit parade of “Yes, please!” menu mania. Get in on the fun by making your res here.

Masonic Music Series, 200 Main St., Sag Harbor

Who better to dance your shoe leather off with at year’s end than the Hoodoo Loungers? No one, that’s who. Shake a tail feather (or many) at the Masonic Temple’s fantastic Music Series. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the bombastic musical fun starts at 8. Cash bar, light refreshments and a whole lot of fun is there to be had for the $40 entry free. Grab your tickets here.

Stephen Talkhouse, 161 Main St., Amagansett, 631-267-3117

Devotees of the Talkhouse won’t be left out in the cold New Year’s night. This local musical institution has Hello Brooklyn! in the house for a night of all your favorite tunes from this five-piece party band. Doors open at 9 p.m.; tickets are $75 and can be procured right here.

East Hampton Trails and Preservation Society

There really is nothing like taking in the first day of the New Year out in nature, with fresh air in your lungs and clear skies ahead. Join the East Hampton Trails and Preservation Society for their annual 7.5 mile hike that takes you by Split Rock, the Devil’s Cradle, Ram Level and the Lost Boulder, all the while taking in the heart-soothing views of our local coastline by the northern boundary of Hither Woods. It’ll do you good. Meet at 10 a.m. at the West Overlook section of Route 27 at Montauk’s Hither Hills State Park. Dress warm, wear comfortable, sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water and snacks to fuel your New Year’s morning hike. For more information, reach out to Rick Whalen at 631-275-8539, or [email protected].

Calissa, 1020 Montauk Highway, Water Mill, 631-500-9292

The Water Mill locale is hosting an all-night celebration on New Year’s Eve with a four-course prix fixe dinner, DJ-led lounge, and late-night dancing. An early seating from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. priced at $85 per person, while a later seating from 9 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. at $115 per person, featuring standout dishes such as mushroom risotto with black winter truffles, lobster pasta, Cretan-style prime rib, lamb chops, and optional caviar service. Beginning at 9 p.m., the Lounge comes alive with a DJ, cocktails, and dancing, with bottle service available by reservation, and an optional beverage package offered from 9 p.m. to midnight for $95 per person.