Lower-cost, low-key New Year's Eve options in Seattle and on the Eastside

Even in recession times, plenty of Seattleites are willing to plunk down $100 or even $200 for a ticket to one of the city's high-end New Year's Eve celebrations. Some sample price tags:

• At Benaroya Hall, a Seattle Symphony concert plus salsa dancing and a preconcert dinner: $134 and up (www.seattlesymphony.org).

• A fireworks-viewing "Party in the Sky" at the Columbia Tower: $125-$225 (www.columbia-tower.com).

• Seattle's signature New Year's at the Needle, featuring a six-course Sky City dinner and dancing on the Space Needle's observation deck: $250 (www.spaceneedle.com).

Nightclubs can be a low-cost alternative — if you're brave enough to face the crowds and lucky enough to score a designated driver. (For a list of club highlights, printed in The Seattle Times last Friday, go to www.seattletimes.com and type the words "Seattle clubs" into the search field.)

But this article is for the rest of you: Those who might be looking for something a little lower key, closer to home, less expensive — or maybe just unusual. One note: Call first if you're planning on bringing the kids — some events are 21-and-over only.

Mountaineers

New Year's Eve Dance

DJ music mix, swing, rock 'n' roll, Latin and waltz dance music, snacks, raffle, BYOB, 9 p.m., Magnuson Community Center, 7110 62nd Ave. N.E., Seattle; $15-$20, 21-and-over (206-484-9187 or www.mountaineers.org).

New Year's Eve Gala

on the Eastside

Music from jazz to opera performed by leading Northwest musicians, followed by a dessert and champagne reception, 7:30 p.m., St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 8398 N.E. 12th St., Medina; $15 (425-454-9541 or www.stthomasmedina.org).

New Year's Eve Tango Ball

Dessert bar, champagne toast, raffle prizes, beginner's lesson and tango performance. With DJ Tony Fan. 9 p.m., Ballard Odd Fellows Lodge, 1706 N.W. Market St., Seattle; $35-$40 (206-781-9553 or www.seattletango.com).

St. James Cathedral

New Year's Eve Gala

Roman choral works by Handel in a spectacular setting, 11 p.m., 804 Ninth Ave., Seattle; $25 (206-382-4874 or www.stjames-cathedral.org).

New Year's Eve

at the Swedish Cultural Center

Pea soup and meatball dinner, dancing, entertainment, champagne and Swedish pancake breakfast, 8 p.m., Swedish Cultural Center, 1920 Dexter Ave. N., Seattle; $45, 21-and-over (206-283-1090 or swedishculturalcenter.org).

Jet City Improv's New Year's Eve

Comedy show, with party following. 8 p.m., Historic University Theater, 5510 University Way N.E., Seattle; $50 single, $80 couple, all ages (800-838-3006 or www.jetcityimprov.com).

Lynn Jacobson: ljacobson@seattletimes.com