Ring in the new year with comedy: Dane Cook, Louie Anderson, Lizz Winstead or Scott Hansen

Certain comedy traditions are practiced on New Year's Eve in the Twin Cities, including homecomings for "Baskets" case Louie Anderson (6:30 & 9:30 p.m. Sun., Ames Center, Burnsville, $32.95-$102.95) and "Daily Show" co-creator Lizz Winstead (2 p.m. Sat., 7:30 p.m. Sat.-Sun., Cedar Cultural Center, Mpls., $45-$65.), as well as local pioneer Scott Hansen's semiannual parties with Jeff Gerbino and Pete Borchers (8 & 9:30 p.m. Sat., Turtles Bar and Grill, Shakopee, $20-$25, 1-800-838-3006; 8:30 & 10:30 p.m. Sun., Maple Tavern Bar and Grill, Maple Grove, 763-425-2700). But don't forget to offer a warm Minnesota welcome to Dane Cook, who just 10 years ago was one of the hottest comics in the land, selling out Madison Square Garden and hosting awards shows. Cook once performed seven hours straight, a feat he's not likely to repeat to bring in the new year. But you never know. (9:30 p.m. Sun., Mystic Lake, $69-$149. mysticlake.com)

NEAL JUSTIN