New Years marks a new beginning. It’s out with the old and in with the new and New Year’s Eve is the time honored send off of the past and welcome for what lies ahead. If a New Years Eve vacation is on your list of resolutions this is the place to find it. For quality time at a great resort in the snow or in the sun we have some exceptional values that fill the bill. For New Years 2012 New York City welcomes the New Year with the Ball Drop in Times Square, an annual blow out that is over the top. LEGOLAND in Carlsbad, CA with its just for kids New Year’s Eve Party is end of the year and start of the new fun that the little ones will always cherish. South Lake Tahoe’s New Year’s Eve Party at the Great Basin Brewing Company is a rite of passage from the old year to the new that leaves everyone changed on the other side!
New Year Destination Events
Nutcracker Holiday at Center Street Promenade- Saturday, December 3
This annual Nutcracker event is a tradition of family fun with music, costumes and awe-inspiring fantasy.
Newport Beach Annual Holiday Boat Parade –Wednesday, December 14 & Sunday December 18
A Christmas flotilla of yachts, tugboats, fire boats, canoes, kayaks and even Santa Clause in Newport Beach harbor.
Disneyland New Years Eve- Saturday, December 31
The Fireworks & Fountains display is an amazing spectacular that your family will remember all year long.
New Years Eve at Buffalo Rose - (303) 278-6800
The King Stan Band with Young Austin and No Difference will ring in the new year. Two of Denver's most exciting blues bands. This will be a party to remember!
New Year’s Eve Fireworks
Honolulu’s Aloha Tower Marketplace will ring in 2010 with New Year’s Eve celebration featuring waterfront dining, live entertainment throughout the marketplace and a spectacular fireworks display over Honolulu Harbor at midnight. Several Aloha Tower restaurants will host special menus and packages for the evening. (This fireworks show is usually the biggest on the island.) If you’re looking for an extra special place to dine here, check out multi-award winning Chai Island Bistro. (See my review of Chai Island Bistro.) Visit AlohaTower.com or call (808) 566-2377 for more information.
BROADWAY AT THE BEACH - 1325 Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach, 843-444-8032
Broadway at the Beach is known for its fabulous parties, so why would New Year’s Eve be any different? Join Celebrity Square for a night full of confetti cannons, champagne and club hopping. Party the night away with live DJs and bands and catch a special fireworks show at 8:00pm. $35 gets you into eight different clubs, plus a DJ will be on the square all night with the hottest songs of the year. There will also be a simultaneous broadcast with Times Square and Balloon Drops! Clubs are open to ages 21 and up.
Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade – Saturday, December 3, 5:45p – 7p
Running along Palm Canyon Drive the Festival of Lights Parade lets Palm Springs strut its stuff in holiday fashion. Celebrities, big shots and don’t forget Santa, will be there.
Annual Streetbar Holiday Wreath Auction – Monday December 5 8p
Benefit for AIDS Assistance Program, this auction features holiday wreaths of all shapes, sizes, and colors and materials. A good cause, that is good for all.
New Years Swing Dance Classic & Swing’n New Years Eve Dance Camp – Saturday December 31
Blow out the old year and blow in the new! Dance away with specialty steps and showcases like you are on Dancing with the Stars! Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel & Convention Center (805-405-2946)
New Years Eve at Cliff Castle Casino
Dec 31 The Party’s at The Castle (CAMP VERDE) Celebrate New Years Eve at Cliff Castle Casino! Enjoy dancing, food, champagne toast, casino gift and live entertainment. Get your tickets for $25 per person by December 30 and get 5 free entries into the drawing for a chance to win $100,000. Hurry, space is limited! Tickets will be $35 the day of the party. Visit the Castle Club or call 928-567-7999 for more information or to purchase tickets.
Dec 31 New Year's Eve Boot Drop (PRESCOTT) Whiskey Row in downtown Prescott will be the site for the first ever "Boot Drop." A 6-foot illuminated cowboy boot will be slowly lowered down The Palace Saloon's 40-foot flagpole to ring in the New Year. Two drops will take place: one at 10:00 pm for the early birds and the second at 12:00 midnight (complete with fireworks) for the traditionalists. Starts at 8pm, free, 800-266-7534.
Fright Dome at Circus Circus - Nightly from 7pm to midnight the entire month of Oct. Hurry some dates are already sold out.
This October, the Adventuredome at Circus Circus has been transformed to feature attractions and rides including seven Haunted Houses two of which have a “SAW” theme. It’s cutting edge. For more information call 800-634-3450
Monster Mayhem - October 9th
On October 9th, at the Boca Park Shopping complex, Monster Mayhem is back! This is the best Halloween party to attend, so be ready to be scared, and entertained. For more information call (702) 676-FEAR
Family Winter Welcome Party – Toys For Tots at River Ranch – Tuesday – December 6 – 6p
Bring the whole family and do a good deed! Holiday food and a free concert by the NTHS Jazz Ensemble plus s’mores, coco, and cookies for the kids make for a festive night. Be sure to bring a new toy for a tot so other little ones can share in the Christmas spirit. River Ranch Lodge & Restaurant, Highway 89 & Alpine Meadows Road, Tahoe City, CA 96145 (530-583-4264).
Full Moon Snowshoe Adventure – Saturday-December 10 – 4:30p
This vigorous trek on snowshoes through Lake Tahoe’s winter wonderland of forests is magical. Under the light of the silvery full moon it is an evening of snow and song led by seasoned guides. North Tahoe Regional Park, Tahoe Vista, CA (530-913-9212).
Black & White Superball – Saturday – December 31 – 9p
Welcome the New Year with the Black & White Superball. With three areas of music you can dine, dance, and imbibe the night away. Door open at 9p and the show starts thirty minutes later. Cal-Neva Resort, 2 Stateline Road, Crystal Bay, NV 89402 (775-832-4000).
New Years Eve Extravaganza – Saturday – December 31 – 8p
Pop Fiction entertains in a nonstop night of music and dancing. The “party band extraordinaire” plays all your favorite hits and delivers an explosive musical sendoff to the old year and welcome to the new! Montbleu Resort Casino & Spa, 701 US 50, South Lake Tahoe, CA 89149 (800-648-3353).
Waimea Town Christmas Parade- December 17. 6p
The festively decorated town of Waimea serves as the backdrop for this wondrous parade filled with light displays and Hawaiian carols. Festivities will be held after the parade at Hofgaard Park.
Festival of Lights 2011- December 2 – 31
This historic annual event displays handmade decorations and creations, and thousands of mini lights that line ht Royal Palm and Monkeypad trees. A tropical way to ring in the holidays. The Historic County Building in Lihue.
2011 Christmas Craft Faire at Hilo High School- December 3. 9a-3p.
This PTSA held event features several holiday themed crafts. Event is free, and held in the Hilo High Cafeteria. 556 Waianuenue Avenue, Hilo, HI 96720.(808-974-4058)
Holualoa Music and Light Festival- December 3. 5:30p-8:30p
Various local musicians perform festive holiday music at the annual lighting if the town Christmas tree, with a special appearance from Santa. (808-322-8484)
New Year’s Eve in Kailua- December 31
Enjoy a beautiful ocean view of the celebratory fireworks that bring in the New Year at midnight.
Tree Lighting Ceremony- December 5
The beautiful Fremont Street Tree is lit up celebrating the holidays, and putting the entire family in the Christmas spirit. Fremont St., Las Vegas.
Magical Forest at Opportunity Village- November 23- December 30. 5:30p-10p
Take a magical walk through a holiday forest lined with festive displays, decorated trees, and rides for the kids. Get into the holiday spirit with live holiday music, hot apple cider, and a visit from Santa Claus, that is sure to bring smiles to children and parents alike. Opportunity Village, 6300 W. Oakey, Las Vegas, NV.
Tryst New Years Eve- December 31
No one does New Years like Las Vegas. Tryst is one of the many clubs in Las Vegas holding a wild New Year’s celebration equipped with premier DJ’s, a huge dance floor, and a festive Champagne toast as the clock strikes midnight. 3131 Las Vegas Blvd S.
Las Vegas, NV 89109. (702-770-3375)
Christmas Town: A Busch Gardens Celebration- November 25- December 31, select days
Busch Gardens is transformed into a winter wonderland with twinkling light displays, a Christmas Town experience, and festive shows. One Busch Gardens Blvd.
Williamsburg, VA 23187. (800-343-7946)
Yorktown Christmas Tree Lighting- December 2. 7p
This historically traditional event begins with musical performances at the Victory Monument and Riverwalk Landing, followed by the procession of lights that goes through the historic Yorktown. The event concludes with a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Clause. (757-890-3500)
First Night Alexandria- December 31. 7p
A family oriented New Year’s event , starting in Old Town and finishing at the George Washington Masonic Memorial, showcasing children’s entertainment, 100 live performances, and a fantastic firework and laser show finale. 101 Callahan Drive, Alexandria, VA 22301-2751 (703) 683-2007
