Hotels, restaurants and nightclubs offer special entertainment programs on New Year’s Eve. Most places require early reservations. Some people go to city centers late on December 31 to watch the traditional fireworks. New Year’s Eve ends with a countdown to announce the arrival of a new year, and celebrations continue until the morning of January 1.

Step 1

Remove giblets and neck from turkey, and reserve for another use. Rinse turkey with cold water, and pat dry.

Step 2

Place turkey in a shallow dish. Stir together 2 tablespoons salt and next 4 ingredients; pour over turkey. Cover and chill at least 6 hours.

Step 3

Melt butter in a large skillet; add 1/2 cup onion, and saute until tender. Add veal and ham; cook over medium heat, stirring often, 5 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 4

Remove crusts from bread, and discard; crumble bread. Combine breadcrumbs, milk, and egg in a large bowl; stir in apple and next 6 ingredients. Stir in onion mixture.
Step 5

Remove turkey from refrigerator, and brush cavity with oil mixture. Spoon stuffing into cavity; truss turkey using string. Lift wingtips up and over back, and tuck them under bird. Place turkey, breast side up, into a large roasting pan.

Step 6

Cover turkey with aluminum foil, and bake at 400° for 30 minutes. Reduce heat to 350°, and bake 2 hours, basting occasionally with pan drippings.

Step 7

Process remaining 1 cup onion, vermouth, and honey in a blender until smooth. Pour mixture over turkey, and bake 1 more hour or until meat thermometer inserted into turkey thigh reaches 180° and stuffing reaches 165°.

Step 8

Boil (with electric oven door partially open) until golden. Garnish, if desired.