It's almost expected that come New Year's Eve, you'll be out on the town, singing Auld Lang Syne with a stranger who has become your best mate and welcoming in the new year with an epic hangover. However, it doesn't always have to be like this. This year, why not break with tradition and try something a little different. Here are a few ideas...

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Stay home We know this may seem a little radical but bear with us. NYE is one of the busiest nights of the year, which usually means entering a warzone at the bar, people stepping on your toes and a enduring an hour-long queue for the nightclub. Why not have a few mates around, get a few bottles in and enjoy a stress-free night with your nearest and dearest? Get dolled up or stay in your pyjamas... it's all up to you! Wine and dine If you fancy going out but would prefer somewhere you can sit down, why not leave the heavy session to another time and opt for a late dinner instead. Tapas, vino, chats... sounds good, no? Get thee to a gig A good gig guarantees a great night and luckily, there are tons of great ones taking place on NYE. The Coronas, Fatboy Slim, Little Hours, Kila and Ryan Sheridan play the 3Arena and there's major celebrations expected across the country as well so check your local venues for details. Family time Escape the madness and go back to basics. Head home to the family and spend the last moments of 2015 beside the fire with the last of the Christmas Quality Street. Better still, babysit for a sibling and reap the rewards of those brownie points well into the new year! Break away Squeeze every last minute out of those Christmas holidays by heading away for NYE. Celebrate Hogmanay in Edinburgh, enjoy a few steins of beer in Munich or party hard in London to create some great memories for the year ahead. Cuddle up Christmas can be a whirlwind of nights out and social engagements so if you're loved up, why not just shut the door, stick on a movie and enjoy some quality time!