New Year's Eve Best Bets: parties, live music and celebrations

New Year's Eve is quickly approaching, and as we bid goodbye to 2012, say "hey" to 2013 with parties, live music and drink specials. You can look through all the event listings on Out & About, but here are our picks for the best NYE events in the Triangle.

Many restaurants are remaining open and offering special prix fixe NYE menus. In downtown Raleigh Zinda is hosting a four-course NYE dinner featuring their delicious and modern Asian cuisine. Earlier seating times, starting at 5:30 p.m., are cheaper, and prices range from $45 to $75 per person. Call 919-825-0995 for reservations.

Other restaurants are having cocktail parties and hors d'oeuvres instead of sit-down dinner options. The Oxford's Cocktail Party starts early at 7 p.m. and will have a buffet, heavy hors d'oeuvres, specialty drinks and live music. The late-night party continues at 10 p.m. with a complimentary champagne toast at midnight.

ORO's all-inclusive NYE Celebration is "black-tie optional" with heavy hors d'oeuvres, unlimited drinks and a live DJ. Tickets are required for both of these events and can be purchased online.

For the wild and crazy party animals, The Pinhook is planning an event with the word "illegal" right in the name. The Illegal Launch Party NYE will have live DJs, dancing and general madness, all for just $7.

You can also hang out downtown during First Night Raleigh and watch the world-famous Acorn Drop at midnight. The children's celebration is from 2 to 6 p.m. with plenty of fun activities, and the rest of the night will be filled with live music (especially from headliners Delta Rae), comedy, fashion shows, performances and fireworks.

Another unique NYE tradition in North Carolina is the Mount Olive Pickle Drop Ceremony, which takes place at midnight Greenwhich Mean Time (or 7 p.m. here). Perfect for kids, early birds and pickle lovers alike, the Pickle Drop is sure to bring a smile to everyone's face.