Ringing in 2010 on a budget

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Now that Christmas has passed, it's time to make those last minute plans for New Year's Eve. But between the recession and the usual post-holidays pinch on the wallet, many people don't want to spend $100 on a Georgetown waterfront event or fancy black tie affair.

Luckily, there are plenty of budget options in Washington and its suburbs that provide music, drinks and a festive atmosphere at a fraction of the cost.

For the best funk, soul and hip-hop, DJ I AM will be spinning at BreadSoda's no-cover New Year's Eve bash. The event kicks off at 8 p.m. and includes a free champagne toast at midnight.

A fun family event is First Night Alexandria in Old Town, with 19 indoor stages, more than 100 performers and a firework show at midnight, all for $20. Virginia Coalition plays from 7 - 10:30 p.m. at the George Washington Masonic Memorial for an additional cost.

To dance 2009 away, Fur Nightclub features four dance floors, one each for hip-hop, top 40 and mash-up, house and Latin. Join more than 3,000 Washingtonians happy about the $25 cover charge. If you're feeling really extravagant, $600 gets you a VIP table with personal security, complimentary mixers and cocktail service -- but no open bar.

Swing dancers will want to be at Glen Echo Park on New Year's Eve as the evening features music from Lady Luck and the Suicide Kings. Beginners can take lessons from 8 - 9 p.m. and the dancing continues through midnight in the Spanish Ballroom.

Laughter is a great way to welcome in the new year so spend the evening at the DC Improv. Shows at 8:30 and 10:15 p.m. feature Eddie Gossling and Megan Mooney, and the later performance includes a midnight champagne and party favors.

The young at heart will love 2010: A Space Fantasy from Brightest Young Things at the Capitol Skyline Hotel. $30 (non-drinking) or $45 (open bar) gives you access to moon bounces, stilt walkers, laser tag and DJs. Book on-line in advance because the ticket price goes up to $80 at the door.

Grab a coat and head to the rooftop deck at Nellie's Sports Bar, which will have drink specials until midnight and a champagne toast, all at no cover charge. Get there early to watch a few BCS bowl games.

Union Jack's invites you to its annual British Invasion Ball for just $20, which gets you party favors, a DJ, dancing, pool and darts, and a complimentary continental breakfast after midnight. With locations at Ballston Common Mall and in Bethesda, this party covers both sides of the Potomac.

For an even more authentic British experience, CommonWealth is hosting its annual Vicars and Tarts fancy dress party, with prizes for the best costume and the choice between a $45 prix fixe menu or standard pub menu.

Of course, the tried-and-true budget solution is to invite a few friends over, buy some bottles of cheap sparkling wine and watch the ball drop on television.

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