There are some amazing alcohol-free events throughout the Adirondacks, such as First Night Saranac Lake and Lake Placid’s Skate into the New Year.

If part of your New Year’s routine includes that champagne toast, please do us all a favor and reserve a place on one of these free New Year’s Eve shuttles. If a designated driver isn’t already part of the schedule, one thing my husband and I stress to our adult children is the need to plan ahead. By the time we are at a party or toasting to 2019, we don’t want to have to think about our return ride. We want to relax and enjoy the evening and not put anyone else at risk.

In Tupper Lake Mac’s Safe Ride Continued provides free rides year-round, not just during the holidays. Call (518) 304-3282 to make a reservation.  In Long Lake, the Little Bus provides rides around town. There is an evening full of activities throughout the town utilizing the free shuttle service. The phone, (518) 323-5001, is only on when the bus is on duty so please call and reserve a space.

First Night Saranac Lake’s revelers have the opportunity to take a free shuttle between downtown, Pendragon Theatre, and Will Rogers Saranac Village. The free shuttle begins on Main Street and leaves 10 minutes before the hour.

Lake Placid’s Placid Xpress Trolley Service is a free option for any New Year’s Eve early birds as the service is available between 7 am – 8:23 pm daily.

Beyond the Blue Line, the Capital District Transit Authority (CDTA) and Martin, Harding and Mazzotti, LLP are offering free rides around the region.  CDTA is once again supporting the Capital Region Stop DWI with free bus service at all regular bus stops from 8 pm on Monday, December 31 to 2 am on January 1, 2019. A free shuttle service is also offered to anyone wearing a First Night Saratoga button. All attendees ride for free on all regular Saratoga bus routes and special shuttles. The Holiday Free Cab Ride Program offers free cab rides on a “no questions asked” basis. Available in Albany, Schenectady, Troy, Saratoga Springs, Amsterdam, Fulton and Montgomery counties, Utica, Plattsburgh as well as Burlington, VT and Springfield, MA.

Of course there are always paid options like local taxis, Uber, and Lyft drivers that are often just a phone call away. How ever you want to celebrate, please be safe. Happy New Year!