Fun — and reasonably priced — ways to say hello to 2003

By Richard P. Carpenter, Globe Staff, 12/22/02

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Fast away the old year passes. Soon we'll be celebrating the arrival of 2003 and the hopes that a new year always brings, fragile though they may be. Here are samples of reasonably priced ways to ring in the new:

Ocean Edge Resort and Golf Club in Brewster is offering a New Year's Eve Sparkle Package Dec. 30-Jan. 1 for $395 for a family of four or $355 for two people. You get two nights in a guest room in the Mansion building, a theme dinner on Dec. 30, followed by fireworks; and "First Night Chatham" buttons for New Year's Eve. In addition, participants can use the resort's indoor swimming pools, tennis courts, and 26-mile bike trail.

(The fine print: Taxes and tips aren't included. If the weather is inclement, it's bye-bye, fireworks.)

Call 800-343-6074 or visit www.oceanedge.com.

The Kendall, a new antique-firehouse-turned-boutique-hotel in Cambridge, has a $149 package that combines a night's stay with Boston's justifiably famous First Night celebration. The double rooms feature turn-of-the-century fire station memorabilia and views of the Charles River. In addition to First Night passes, there will be champagne, free overnight parking, and a full American style breakfast for two.

Call 617-577-1300 or visit www.kendallhotel.com.

Boston and Chatham may have their First Nights, but the Lincoln-Woodstock area of New Hampshire has a Last Night. On New Year's Eve, revelers can step off the trails and into downtown Lincoln for professional magic, storytelling, arts activities, sing-alongs, a bonfire, and fireworks. The centerpiece will be "The Magic of Fire, Flight and Phantasy," a show by magician and illusionist Jason Purdy.Shows are at 6 and 9 p.m., at the Lin-Wood High School Auditorium. Tickets are $10, and can be purchased through the Lincoln-Woodstock Chamber of Commerce (603-745-6621) or from many Lincoln-Woodstock area innkeepers.

Admission to the other activities requires a $5 Last Night button, available at the Chamber offices. A button is included in the magic show price.

Philadelphia's New Year's Eve Hotel Package includes a night's lodging, shuttle transportation to and from the New Year's Eve fireworks show with a vantage point from the Battleship New Jersey, VIP tickets to Mummers Fest, the New Year's Day Mummers Parade, and the Mummers Fancy Brigade Finale, and a gift upon hotel check-in. Rates range from $119 to $199.

For a list of participating hotels, visit www.gophila.com.

For those who live large, Las Vegas is one place to be on the magical evening. The leaders of Las Vegas's casino resort have relaunched www.lasvegas.com as a handy guide to all things Vegas, including deals, performance schedules, and insider tips. Not only are a variety of New Year's packages listed on the site, but you'll be able to bring in 2003 with Fabian's Sensational '60s and '70s Show at the Riviera Royale. Just think.