Zoo Year’s Eve is just one of the many events planned for New Year’s Eve.

• Celebrate the arrival of 2005 at the Indianapolis Zoo’s third annual Zoo Year’s Eve, presented by Ryland Homes, Dec. 31. The family-oriented event offers a safe and fun place to ring in the new year. Ongoing activities and entertainment begin at 5 p.m. and end with an early countdown to the new year at 9 p.m. Guests receive a free party favor and enjoy activities and entertainment that include free train and carousel rides (weather permitting), festive DJ music, stilt walkers, carnival games, a bounce house and much more. Special holiday food treats will also be available to top off the evening of fun, including cotton candy, hot dogs, soft pretzels and more. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children (non-members). For info: 630-2000, www.indianapoliszoo.com.

• Also family-friendly is the New Year’s Eve Celebration at the Indiana State Museum. Live music will be performed by Dog Talk and the new year will be rung in at 8 p.m. with a balloon drop and other surprises. Events begin at 6:30 and last through 9 p.m. Tickets are $10 for non-members. Reservations are required; call 232-1637.

• ComedySportz Indianapolis will present an additional show on Dec. 31 that celebrates New Year’s Eve. The show will start at 10:30 p.m. and will feature a final game timed to end at midnight. The show, which includes special treats, surprises and noise-makers, is $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and students, and $10 for children 5-11. Reservations required. Call the ComedySportz Theatre at 951-8499.

• The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra will present a New Year’s Eve Celebration at Hilbert Circle Theatre with concerts at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. John Morris Russell, Cincinnati Pops associate conductor, will conduct both shows featuring sweet Viennese waltzes and tunes from Leroy Anderson and George Gershwin. Plus, enjoy a special appearance by the marvelous Manhattan Rhythm Kings. Complimentary champagne, noise makers, hats and party favors will be available. Tickets range from $30-$60; Champagne Box Seats are $140-$160 per couple. Go online, www.indyorch.org, or call 639-4300.

• And for a unique pre-celebration, stop by Unity Church of Indianapolis, 907 N. Delaware St., for their Burning Bowl Service Dec. 31 from 7-8 p.m. The Burning Bowl Service is devoted to allowing participants to set the stage for mental, physical and spiritual growth as they enter the new year. Participants may write down things they wish to release from their lives and toss them into the fire. The performance group Life in Balance (www.lifeinbalancemusic.com) will perform music for energy balance and meditation using quartz crystal singing bowls, electronically enhanced Japanese Shakuhachi and world flutes. Admission to the service is free. Info: 635-4066.