It is almost hard to believe that the end of the year is upon us already. While we are wrapped up in prepping for the December holidays, some of us may momentarily forget that New Year's Eve is right around the corner. It seems as though we were anxiously waiting for spring and then summer to arrive. Before we knew it, the leaves began to turn colors and now the snow has fallen for the first time this season. The kids are anxious for the holidays but are even more excited about their impending winter breaks. While they will be kept busy with plenty of fun, family adventures, don't forget to plan something fun for them to enjoy on New Year's Eve. Here are just some of the local events happening around the area.

Noon Year's Eve Party

Get decked out in your best Hawaiian shirts and come on down to the Hands On Children's Museum for their annual New Year's Eve bash. During the Blizzard Beach Bash, kids can make their own leis, meet with warm- and cold-blooded animals, set ice on fire, and have fun freezing tropical fruits and then smashing them with Dr. Science. The New Year's Eve ball will drop every hour!

Hands on Children's Museum, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 414 Jefferson St. NE, Olympia, 360.956.0818, hocm.org

Polar Bear Plunge

Many people in the community love ringing in the New Year by taking the plunge ... literally! Join the city of Lacey as they host their annual Polar Bear Plunge. Participants will enjoy keeping warm by the campfire, listening to music while sipping on hot cocoa and coffee. Then it will be off to take the chilling plunge into Long Lake at 1 p.m. All ages are welcome to come take a dip. Even if you choose to not take the plunge, feel free to come on down and cheer on the daring swimmers.

Long Lake Park, 12 p.m. with plunge at 1 p.m., 2790 Carpenter Rd. SE, Lacey, 360.491.0857, ci.lacey.wa.us

Noon Year's Eve Family Celebration

The Markee Cafe and Wine Bar is hosting a very family-friendly New Year's Eve Dance Party! Beginning at 11 a.m., the whole family can come down to enjoy tasty snacks while participating in fun activities. There will be an engaging family face party and everyone will love taking a turn in the photo booth. It wouldn't be a New Year's Eve party without the noisemakers! Tickets are $25 per family.

Markee Cafe and Wine Bar, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., 5275 Olympic Dr. NW, Gig Harbor, 253.649.4122, drinkmarkee.com

Family New Year's Eve

Families can come down to Sounders Lanes at Joint Base Lewis-McChord to ring in the New Year on East Coast time. This will give families the opportunity to have fun, ring in the New Year, and get home before midnight on the west coast. Families will enjoy great food and toast the New Year with sparkling cider. There will also be opportunities to win great prizes. Tickets tend to sell out quickly, so be sure to reserve your spot.

Sounders Lanes, 737 Jackson Blvd., JBLM, 253.982.5954

Happy Noon Year Concert and Party

Children don't need to stay up until midnight to have fun ringing in the New Year. Instead, visit the Timberland Regional Library for their gala party. The party will feature the musical talents of Cowboy Buck and Elizabeth. Kids will enjoy making a festive holiday craft and light snacks will be provided courtesy of the Friends of the Centralia Timberland Library.

Centralia Timberland Library, 10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., 110 S. Silver St., Centralia, 360.736.0183, trl.org