TUESDAY, DEC. 31

There are certain phrases we use in American culture to make what is socially unacceptable, acceptable. “It’s five o’clock somewhere,” is the best hall pass for drinking before noon. “It’s 2020 somewhere,” is for everyone who prefers to be in bed by 9 p.m. on the day most used for partying late into the night.

Enter, the good people at the Billie Jean King Main Library who will ring in 2020 synced up with London—we’re assuming for the kids and anyone who would much rather enjoy a casual board game over a loud party full of inebriated millennials shouting about spending less time on Instagram. And we think it sounds like good, mild fun. Drop in for crafts and board games between noon and 3:30 p.m., then stay for the New Year’s Eve dance party, “Jolly Old England” count down—Happy New Year is at 4 p.m.—and hang around until 4:30 p.m.

Another great thing: Less than a mile away is another establishment ringing in the New Year early. Go to the Elinor, where a live screening of the Times Square Ball Drop will set off a complementary champagne toast at… 9 p.m. to celebrate 2020 alongside those on the East Coast.

Giving us a moment’s pause: We can’t think of a better place to throw a bangin’ New Year’s Eve dance party than a library.

London New Year’s Eve takes place from 12 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the main library; 200 W. Broadway. For parking info, click here. Doors open at the Elinor, 250 N. Tribune Ct., at 4 p.m., the party ends at 11:30 p.m.