NEW YEAR'S EVE CELEBRATIONS
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Sunday (December 31), various times and networks
A night in front of the telly with festive snacks and beverages might not be the traditional way to herald the incoming year. But if you find the thought of elbowing through the madding crowd to glimpse a firework, or standing politely at a backyard party listening to other people's champagne-tinged regrets off-putting, it's a decent alternative. There is plenty of New Year's entertainment on the national broadcasters to get you through the night in a considerably safer - and potentially more enjoyable - fashion. So make like a Goggleboxer, grab the remote, and prepare for a wild night in.
The Early Night Show
8.35pm, ABC ME
Littlies will be giddy with the excitement of staying up past their bedtime to join in the fun with their friend Hoot the owl and comedian Kitty Flanagan, who is stepping in while Hoot's regular sidekick Jimmy Giggle hosts the 9pm fireworks at Sydney Harbour. Expect a few winks and asides for the adults from The Weekly's wry funny lady. The Play School Band, jugglers, acrobats and a marching band will liven up proceedings, as will a peek at some Play School audition tapes.
Family Fireworks Spectacular
9pm, ABC ME
Yes, kids, these are the real fireworks! The fun ends here so lap it up. Jimmy Giggle will be joined live at the Bridge for the family-friendly pyrotechnics display, along with ABC ME presenter Grace Koh and singer Casey Donovan. The winner of ABC ME's Design Your Own Firework Competition will be announced, with their creation lighting up the sky. Now, everyone under 10, nighty night!
New Year's Eve with Charlie Pickering
9.10pm, ABC
The Weekly host introduces the Countdown concert at the Sydney Opera House, throws in a few sardonic takes on the year's entertainment headlines and goes backstage with some of the acts.
Countdown Live
9.30pm, ABC
Molly Meldrum will make an appearance at the Sydney Opera House as the Australian music spectacular lights up the stage. Performers include national legends such as Kate Ceberano, Jimmy Barnes, Phil Jamieson and Marcia Hines belting out hits until the world famous fireworks light up the sky at midnight. At 12.15pm, the party kicks on with Rage's New Year's Eve special.
Pop Asia: New Year's Eve Special
Midnight, SBS Viceland
Hosts Andy Trieu and Kevin Kim have collated the biggest Asian pop hits of 2016, along with what is described as "the greatest Asian pop music videos of all time". If the evening has left you in need of something light, fluffy and candy coloured, this is the perfect way to slip into a sugary daze.
Yothu Yindi Tribute
8.30pm, NITV
Seeing in the New Year by looking back on the past is this screening of the 2013 tribute concert in Darwin honouring the Indigenous rock band's late frontman, Dr G. Yunupingu.
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
Monday (January 1), 8.30pm, ABC
After all that excitement, this sombre British tradition is just the ticket for winding down. Narrated by Bill Paterson, this year's highlights include Tattoo rookies the Japan Ground Self-Defence Force Band, the Shetland Fiddlers and, of course, the Massed Pipes and Drums and the lone piper on the battlements.
