New Year’s Eve. Regardless of where you are or go, as the midnight hour approaches TVs will be tuned in to Times Square, New York City to watch the ball drop and raise their champagne (or other beverage) glasses for a toast, followed by much hugging and kissing friends, and singing “Auld Lang Syne.”

The 2022 Waterford crystal geodesic ball will drop 70 feet in 60 seconds. According to the NYE Live (Times Square) it’s 12 feet in diameter and weighs – are you ready for this? 11,875 pounds! Those 2,688 crystal triangles pack a lot of weight, not to mention the 32,256 LED lights. That’s a far cry from the original, which was 700 pounds of wood and iron lit by 100 25-watt light bulbs. Still, the original would have been something to see!

Check out the details about the 2022 ball (taken from timesquarenyc.com): “192 triangles introduce the Gift of Happiness design represented by a sunburst of bright cuts radiating outward like a beautiful sunny day bringing warm smiles and happiness; 192 are the Gift of Goodwill design of three pineapples signifying the traditional symbol of hospitality and goodwill; 192 are the Gift of Harmony design of small rosette cuts flowing into each other in beautiful harmony; 192 are the Gift of Serenity design of butterflies flying peacefully above a crystal meadow capturing the spirit of serenity; 192 are the Gift of Kindness design of a circle of rosettes symbolizing unity with the fronds reaching out in an expression of kindness; 192 are the Gift Of Wonder design of a faceted starburst inspiring our sense of wonder; 192 are the Gift of Fortitude design of diamond cuts on either side of a crystal pillar to represent the inner attributes of resolve, courage and spirit necessary to triumph over adversity. The remaining 1,344 triangles are the Gift of Imagination design of a series of intricate wedge cuts that are mirrored reflections of each other inspiring our imagination.” For more fascinating facts about this year’s ball: https://bit.ly/3yw8tB0

But before that ball drops, here’s what’s happening for all the party revelers in our midst looking for New Year’s Eve entertainment and dinner: Water's Edge Restaurant & Bar (306 Eddy Road, Edgecomb): early dinner 4:30-5:30 with three courses and a New Year’s toast; dinner reservations for 7:30 include a four-course meal, reggae with Dani Tribesman, and champagne toast. Reservations required for either timeframe.

Brady’s, over on Union Street in the habah, is the site for “A Southport New Year’s” with music by the Murky Water Band and a Lighted Lobster Trap drop at 9 p.m. followed by one more music set before it’s time to head for home ... or wherever!

TAKA Mediterranean Bar & Grill at Pier 1 is holding a … are you ready for this? ... a Prom Night New Year. That’s right, dress in your best prom attire and you just might end up the king or queen for 2022. Dinner will be served between 4 and 9 p.m. Festivities: 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. The photos should be priceless!

Ports of Italy is open New Year’s Eve/Day and then that’s it til May. A three-course dinner is planned – reservations recommended! The Boat House Bistro (on the By-Way, Boothbay Harbor) – specials all night; Thistle Inn (55 Oak St., Boothbay Harbor) is offering four-course, prix fixe dinners, reservations required; Tugboat Inn – you can try to get one of the igloos, but if not, the dining room looking over the outer harbor always satisfies!

A walk on the footbridge is always a delight – and when you add a stop by Footbridge Brewery (25 Granary Way, Boothbay Harbor) between noon and 8 p.m. … the bridge is an awful lot longer than it appears. Over East Boothbay way, the Carriage House (Route 96) will be offering its Fish Fry special (it is Friday) and a three-course New Year’s Eve menu.

Early diners will have time to see “West Side Story” at the Harbor Theater. New Year’s Eve is opening night for the popular musical with a little updating by Steven Spielberg. Showtime is 7 p.m.

But there are so many people who just want to kick back at home all comfy-like with takeout, fave bevvie of choice, and a good movie – or two. For the full list of open restaurants/eateries: www.boothbayharbor.com/dine

Binge your favorite Netflix series – “Ozark” fans might want to re-watch seasons 1-3 before the final season begins Jan. 21. Anyone out there who enjoyed Deborah Harkness’ “The Old Souls Trilogy” might like “A Discovery of Witches,” a series based on the books. So far, I’m in Season 2 and it’s better than I thought it would be … same old story (in a matter of speaking!) – the book(s) is always better than the movie. It’s on the Sundance channel and can be accessed through Amazon Prime.

As the hands of the clock move closer to midnight, tune in to watch the ball drop. It’s tradition, after all! No cable? No worries! Livestream the event: https://www.timessquarenyc.org/times-square-new-years-eve/nye-live-webcast