The Diet Starts *Next* Year
Hosting holiday gatherings can require a great deal of cooking — so the week after Christmas, take a break from spending time in the kitchen. Splurge on a “gourmet to go” meal from Chef Bruno Chemel’s Baumé in Palo Alto, which will offer four New Year’s week gourmet prix fixe dinner options for takeaway available to order online between the hours of 4-7 p.m.
For those who prefer a night out, Sonoma Valley’s Chef Ari Weiswasser of Glen Ellen Star in Sonoma Valley will prepare a fantastic four course New Year's Eve prix fixe meal to celebrate the end of a fruitful year. Diners can look forward to a sparkling wine toast and other tasty eats made from ingredients sourced directly from nearby Glentucky Farm.
Inspired by the glamor and grandeur of the Greek islands, West Hollywood’s Theia is hosting a quintessentially Los Angeles New Year’s Eve dinner complete with a 3-course meal, the classic (highly Instagrammable) cocktails the outpost is famous for, and a buzzy range of entertainment including belly dancers, fire dancers, acrobats and a DJ.
Sparks Will Fly at These Phenomenal Fireworks Displays
New Year’s Eve night will shine extra bright for those who embark on a New Year's Eve Premier Dinner Cruise departing from San Francisco with Hornblower Cruises — it’s the best vantage point in the city to watch the fireworks sparkle over the San Francisco Bay skyline.
In Madera County’s Bass Lake, The Pines Resort is kicking off the new year for locals and visitors alike with a fireworks display and festivities at the hotel. Guests can begin the evening with a lavish dinner at Ducey’s on the Lake, followed by a party in the Lakeview Room, DJ entertainment, and more.
Fabulous Festivals and Endless Entertainment
Big Bear Lake will host their 57th annual torchlight parade at Snow Summit at 7 p.m. on Dec. 31. Spectators can gather at the Snow Summit base area, and watch as 200-plus skiers and snowboarders make their lighted descent down the mountain to the ski resort at nightfall carrying flaming torches to add some extra “spark” into New Year’s night, all followed by a free live DJ show.
The Temecula Valley Grape Drop has been a wine country tradition for more than a decade. Grapes descend from Temecula’s City Hall Clock Tower at both 9 p.m. and 12 a.m., honoring the East Coast and West Coast countdowns with a fun and unique way to symbolize the viti(culture) of Temecula Valley. There will also be live bands performing throughout Old Town, family activities, outdoor ice skating and more.
On Jan. 31, Pacific Park in Santa Monica presents “New Year’s Eve Countdown 2022 On The Pacific Wheel” both virtually and in-person. Viewers can tune in to the Pacific Park festivities on the Santa Monica Pier starting at 11:30 p.m. to ooh and ahh at the brilliant patterns of color and light glowing on the 174,000 LED light solar powered Ferris wheel, featuring patterns including “Happy New Year” in 16 different languages and of course a countdown to midnight.
Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park will be open on New Year’s Eve from 4 p.m. - 12 a.m. for thrill seekers to enjoy the fun rides and gorgeous gardens all lit up in the dark before settling in to enjoy a bigger-and-better-than-ever-before fireworks show when the clock strikes midnight.
The fourth annual New Year’s Eve Night Dive at the Aquarium of the Pacific will host four open aquarium exhibits, live music and ritzy drinks at Café Scuba’s cash bar from 8 p.m. - 1 a.m. with a dedicated 2022 countdown at midnight.
The cost-free, 31st Annual Lighting of the Bay at Newport Dunes will take place from Nov. 26 – Jan. 1 at the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort. Each evening the bay will transform into a vibrantly bright winter wonderland, featuring more than 50 lighted Christmas trees and assorted holiday decorations.
The Fresno Fairgrounds will host a week-long New Years celebration from Dec. 30 – Jan. 2 – the largest Hmong-American community event in the United States, attracting more than 120,000 patrons each year. Traditionally, this annual event commemorates the conclusion of the harvest season and marks the end of a year’s hard work.
Ring in the New Year with Resort and Hotel Happenings
San Diego’s largest New Year’s Eve Gala, Big Night San Diego, will ring in 2022 with an all-inclusive night of festivities at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront. All-inclusive drinks, a buffet dinner and entertainment can be enjoyed throughout the multiple unique “party zones” on-site – such as the Retro Zone, the Silent Disco and more, as the hotel transforms into a real-life “Countdown City.”
This year, revelers can ring in 2022 by attending the iconic Hotel del Coronado’s roaring 20s New Year's Eve gala. On Dec. 31, the Crown Room will transform into a Great Gatsby themed speakeasy with dinner and dancing courtesy of a live DJ and The Mighty Untouchables. Guests can enjoy a midnight champagne toast and an all-night open bar, oceanside.
In Lake Tahoe, New Year’s at Northstar will welcome 2022 in The Village at Northstar with live music, fireworks and a variety of dining options on Dec. 31 starting at 7 p.m.
In Santa Barbara, Belmond El Encanto will salute the start of 2022 with an awe-inspiring firework display on the lawn and an exquisitely prepared dinner menu, curated by the talented Executive Chef Bruno Lopez.
Terranea Resort in Ranchos Palos Verdes will celebrate the arrival of 2022 with two fabulous New Year's Eve events. At the Winter Wonderland Family Dinner, guests will be transported into a magical winter wonderland countdown consisting of a three-course meal, champagne toast and live entertainment. There’s also the New Year’s Eve Neon Extravaganza, which is a dazzling adult-only celebration featuring an open bar with optional VIP bottle service, a variety of food stations, live entertainment and a DJ.
The Pendry San Diego will be fully decking out the halls, and ushering in the New Year with multiple holiday happenings – including the New Year’s Eve at Fifth & Rose and New Year’s Eve at Provisional Kitchen Cafe & Mercantile. Guests and locals can celebrate by booking the special “More, The Merrier Package,” which offers a complimentary second guest room upon booking (perfect for NYE gatherings) and is valid through Jan. 3.
In Los Angeles, The Garland will pull out all the stops to celebrate an extra sparkly, iconic New Year's Eve soirée. First, there will be a specially curated a la carte menu at The Front Yard, featuring favorites by Executive Chef Larry Greenwood, with a DJ spinning from 9 p.m. - 1 a.m. The next morning, guests can dance off any hangover (and keep the party going) at the annual Disco Pajama Brunch at The Front Yard from 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
The Meritage Resort and Spa in Napa will celebrate New Year’s Eve with a memorable masquerade themed evening on Dec. 31. On-site restaurant Olive & Hay will even offer special late-night seating with a New Year’s Eve menu, complete with authentic party favors and a champagne toast at midnight.
In Sonoma County, Surf Air has partnered with Wine Country’s MacArthur Place to host New Year’s Eve with a luxurious flair, curating an extravagant package designed for groups of eight. Surf Air will fly guests off to wine country on a private plane chartered to Sonoma from the group’s home airport, and offer 25% off a two-night stay in luxe accommodations, a $100 resort credit per couple, and VIP access to an array of local Sonoma New Year’s events.
Starting at 8 p.m. on Dec. 31, Tommie Hollywood’s Desert 5 Spot (the hottest new rooftop bar in LA) is hosting the unforgettable adults-only “Rockin Rodeo New Year’s Eve” event. There will be a full premium open bar, passed hors d’oeuvres, a live honky tonk band from 8-10 p.m., as well as international DJ Wade Crescent performing from 10 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Bar Lis at the top of the newly opened Thompson Hollywood is hosting a “Midnight in The French Riviera,” soiree high above the heart of Los Angeles, in its retro chic rooftop lounge space. From 8 p.m. - 2 a.m., guests can enjoy four hours of full, premium open bar service, passed hors d’oeuvres, and performances from a live jazz band and international DJ Greg Cerrone.
The brand new, art-centric design hotel The Godfrey Hotel Hollywood invites Angelenos and visitors to ring in 2022 at its expansive I|O ROOFTOP (which is currently the largest rooftop in Hollywood) and at its signature indoor and outdoor restaurant ALK. There will be a DJ spinning at both venues from 9 p.m. - 2 a.m. and a countdown displayed across the building’s 70-Foot projector screen, alongside a champagne toast, signature menu items and special room packages.
California's Rocking New Year's Eve
The ball might technically drop later on the West Coast than in Times Square, but California sure knows how to throw a great New Year’s celebration. From gourmet chef dinners and impressive hotel packages, to fireworks, parades and lively community events – here are the best ways to ring in 2022 from San Diego to San Francisco and beyond. Attendees should check event and destination websites for safety and reservation requirements.
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