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New Year's Eve Celebrations

As the year comes to a close, many California destinations are preparing to ring in the New Year with celebratory events, festivals, dining experiences and chic parties you won’t want to miss. 

RING IN THE NEW YEAR IN WINE COUNTRY


JaM Cellars in Downtown Napa

Original rock bassist Les Claypool’s Bastard Jazz is coming to the JaM Cellars Ballroom in Downtown Napa for two New Year’s Eve parties on Dec. 30 and Dec. 31. Claypool will ring in the New Year with drummer Vinnie Colaiuta, saxophonist Skerik and percussionist Mike Dillon. 


Bardessono Hotel and Spa’s New Year's Eve Celebration Supper

Located in the heart of Napa Valley is Bardessono Hotel and Spa. The luxurious resort welcomes guests to enjoy a special New Year’s Eve dinner at Lucy Restaurant and Bar on Dec. 31. For those wanting an early dinner, the three-course meal begins seating at 5:30 p.m., while the Prix-Fixe Gala Seating menu, consisting of five courses, starts later at 9:00 p.m.


Sonoma County’s New Year’s Eve Dining Celebrations 

At Cyrus, start New Year’s Eve with a glass of champagne or a glittering martini followed by canapé service. Indulge in an enhanced tasting menu with visits from Chef Douglas Keane at the Kitchen Table. Toast to 2023 with a glass of Krug Grande Cuveé and house-made bonbons to go. The Matheson in Healdsburg will feature a special New Year’s Eve six-course Chef’s Tasting Menu in the main dining room, while Roof106 will be open late with food, special drinks, and a DJ. Reservations are required. At the Flamingo Resort in Santa Rosa, book the “Ring in the New Year” package for luxurious accommodations for two and tickets to the New Year’s prix fixe dinner at the Lazeaway Club. 


Napa Valley's Silverado Resort and Spa’s New Year's Eve Experiences

Napa jewel Silverado Resort and Spa, scenically located in the middle of iconic Napa Valley wine country, is offering two decadent and elegant New Year’s Eve experiences. With lovely golf course views, the hospitable Silverado signature restaurant, The Grill, will serve a five-course dinner. At the Mansion’s New Year’s Eve Party, revelers will toast 2023 with cocktails or champagne along with delicious hors d’oeuvres and sweets. Partying lasts until 1:00 a.m. after a balloon drop and entertainment by DJs. 


Temecula Valley's New Year's Eve Grape Drop

Celebrate New Year’s Eve Temecula Valley style with their infamous Grape Drop. Temecula’s Grape Drop will take place at the Civic Center in Old Town where visitors and guests can ring in 2023 twice – once with the east coast at 9:00 p.m. and again with the west coast at midnight. Enjoy live music and dancing, delicious food, and a kid's Fun Zone from 6:00-10:00 p.m. Wilson Creek Winery’s New Year’s Eve black-tie event will include a three-course handcrafted dinner, an open bar, desserts, and more. Or dance the night away at Fazeli Cellars New Year’s Eve party with live music, New Year activities, and great company. 


HIGH SIERRA CELEBRATIONS


Tenaya Royale’s Agent 007 New Year’s Eve Party 

Dance the night away at Tenaya at Yosemite’s “Tenaya Royale” New Year’s Eve Party. Revel in the spectacular Yosemite region in a scene right out of a spy film with casino games, food and drink, live entertainment from Mercy & The Heartbeats, and more. While the grown-ups are away, kids can countdown to the New Year at two special parties of their own – the Kids “Wild Safari” Party (ages 4-8) and the Kids “Camp Out” Party (ages 9-14). Tickets must be reserved to attend each party.  


New Year's Eve Party with Fireworks at Bass Lake

Usher in 2023 with The Pines Resort in Bass Lake for a family-friendly New Year’s Eve party. Enjoy a variety of music by DJ Hecktik, an all-new digital photo booth, party favors and snacks, and themed decor. At midnight, raise a toast to the new year with a complimentary glass of champagne. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. with music and entertainment starting at 8:30 pm. Full bar available (for purchase).


New Year’s Eve at Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort

Head to the snowcapped mountains in Tuolumne County for Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort’s Annual New Year’s Eve Party on Dec. 31 from 3:00-7:00 p.m. The fun continues after the lifts stop with live music, food and drink specials, raffles, and giveaways along with a torchlight parade, followed by a firework spectacular to ring in the New Year.


TOAST ON THE COAST


New Year's Eve Celebrations in San Luis Obispo

Famous for its exquisite pink interior and kitschy atmosphere, Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo will host its All-Inclusive New Year’s Eve Celebration on Dec. 31. Join the fun with live music, dancing, party favors, the world-famous Madonna Inn Pink Champagne cake, and a midnight balloon drop. Then head to Marisol at The Cliffs in Pismo Beach for their Fire + Ice all-inclusive NYE-themed dinner and celebration featuring hot and cold sensations from passed appetizers through each course. The City of Paso Robles will also host its New Year’s Eve Concert and Bonfire on Dec. 31 from 7:00-11:00 p.m. Don’t miss this free family-friendly event, featuring music from JC Smith Band, Chicago Blues, The Dancing Fire dance troupe, and DJ Chad Fortin of Speakeasy Entertainment. Be sure to stick around for the ball drop at 9:00 p.m.


Big Night San Diego New Year’s Eve All-Inclusive Celebration

Big Night San Diego New Year’s Eve is returning to the Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel for what is expected to be its biggest celebration yet. Conveniently located on the waterfront in downtown San Diego, right on the trolley line (no shuttles needed), guests can leave their wallets at home because an all-inclusive VIP ticket is the only thing needed to enjoy a night of drinks, food and entertainment throughout the eight party zones. Attendees must be 21 and above to attend with proof of ID. 


Hotel Del Coronado New Year’s Eve Masquerade Gala

Ring in the New Year at a Victorian-style Masquerade Gala in the Hotel Del Coronado’s new Southpointe Ballroom. The evening will include a live 9-piece band and DJ, an open bar, food stations and Victorian-style masquerade performances. Before the midnight champagne toast, guests can enjoy fireworks from the hotel beach. This is a reservation-only prepaid event. 


Lively New Year's Eve Celebrations at Vespera Resort on Pismo Beach

Vespera Resort in Pismo Beach will ring in 2023 with two special dining experiences. The three-course New Year’s Eve celebratory menu at Pequín Coastal Cocina by Chef Frank Barajas is the restaurant's first-ever New Year’s Eve dinner. Featuring Barajas’ creations, his Mexicali Chocolate Mousse topped with pop rocks will delight guests. New Year’s Eve bubbles and appetizers at the Pequín Bar will last from 9:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m., a DJ will entertain guests including a midnight balloon drop. Reservations are required for each experience. 


Ultimate New Year’s Oceanfront Celebration at Terranea Resort 

Terranea Resort invites guests to ring in the New Year with its annual seaside traditions, featuring family celebrations, gourmet meals and more. At the Mystical Garden Family Dinner, families are transported into a beautiful botanical realm, featuring a three-course meal, champagne toast and live entertainment. The Monte Carlo Casino Extravaganza offers an opulent adults-only celebration, including an open bar with optional VIP bottle service, a variety of food stations, a DJ and dancing – all within the gorgeous Palos Verdes Grand Ballroom. Terranea’s award-winning culinary team also creates specialty menus and experiences in each of the resort’s restaurants to celebrate 2023 including mar’sel, bashi, Nelson’s, Lobby Bar and catalina kitchen. 


EVENTS AND ATTRACTIONS


Proper NYE Two-Day House Music Festival

FNGRS CRSSD’s PROPER NYE festival will bring over 20 of electronic music’s biggest names to San Diego’s Gallagher Square and Petco Park for a dual New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day celebration. The lineup is stacked with house music heavyweights, led by Grammy-nominated UK hitmaker and Black Book Records label boss Chris Lake, larger-than-life personality and Australian hitmaker FISHER, and floor-filling tech house sensation John Summit. The event will take place on New Year’s Eve from 3:00 p.m. - 12:30 a.m. and 2:00-11:00 p.m. on New Year's Day. 


Tournament of Roses in Pasadena

Pasadena's Tournament of Roses is an iconic, all-American experience that attracts spectators from every corner of the world during New Year’s celebrations. Millions more tune in to watch the nationally televised New Year's Day parade and college football game at the Rose Bowl Stadium. Celebrate New Year’s Eve with Bandfest, a live music event featuring the bands selected to participate in the Rose Parade at Pasadena City College. On the days leading up to 2023, visitors can head to Decorating Places, where the upcoming parade entries are getting their finishing touches. 


Family-Friendly New Year’s Eve at Gilroy Gardens  

Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park is one of the best places for families to ring in the New Year with a dance party. The park will be open on Dec. 31 from 4:00 p.m. to midnight featuring a Charlie Brown & Snoopy Dance Party, a photo booth, fireworks, and specialty food and drink. 

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