If your New Year's resolution is to laugh more, why not get a head-start by ringing in 2008 at one of the many comedy shows around town? You're shelling out all that dough for a cheap glass of champagne and party favours (whatever they are) anyway; you may as well get a chuckle out of it.

Yuk Yuk's
Canada's only nationwide standup-comedy chain brings you everybody's favourite, Peter Kelamis, and his collection of oddball characters. The always-hilarious, much-travelled Pete Johansson emcees, with guests Ivan Decker, Paul Bae, and Charlie Demers. Tickets ($85) include a buffet dinner, champagne, and those fun party favours.

Lafflines
New West's comedy mecca offers not only headliner and CBC Radio favourite Erica Sigurdson, but also host J.P. Mass and middle Patrick Maliha. Plus there's dancing after the show, with the Tamer Young Band. Hot and cold appetizers, champagne, and those special favours for the party are included with the $60 tickets.

Vancouver TheatreSports League
Year in Review is an annual VTSL tradition, with the city's best-known improv company skewering local, national, and international headlines from the past 12 months. One night only, but they generously offer four chances to catch it: three 60-minute versions at 6:30 p.m. ($12), 8 p.m., and 9:30 p.m. ($25), then the big 75-minute hootenanny at 11 p.m., featuring champagne and the obligatory party favours ($37).

Urban Improv
Fresh off their 10th-anniversary show, the Canadian Comedy Award–nominated Urban Improv troupe gets in on the New Year's Eve act with a special show at Chivana Resto Lounge, hosted by CTV's Comedy Inc. star Roman Danylo. The three-course gourmet dinner starts at 8 p.m., and the performance runs from 9:30 to 11:30 p.m., leaving a good half-hour for pre-midnight groping. Champagne and the requisite party favours follow. Tickets $75.

Dan Joffre's New Year's Eve Dinner & Laughs Show
That Improv Guy is back for another go-round at the Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co. in Kits. You can expect a 90-minute extravaganza from the powerhouse entertainer, who's the best singing improviser in town. For $99 you get a five-course gourmet dinner. Dancing and other forms of frivolity follow until 1:30 a.m.

Giggle Dam Dinner Theatre
The ribald PoCo sketch troupe puts on a show like no other in the Lower Mainland. Highbrow it ain't. Laugh With the DAM Stars features a six-piece band backing up comics impersonating Celine Dion, Neil Diamond, Cher, and Elvis Presley. There are always drinking games, and New Year's Eve is obviously no exception. The evening includes a four-course meal, champagne, and–not that you need any for this shindig–party favours. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $88.