It seems New Year’s Eve is either one’s favorite—the sparkly dresses, the planning, the sense of anticipation that anything (or anyone!) might be possible in the new year, or least favorite holiday—”Amateur night,” it’s often called. Either way, I’ve put together a list that’s sure to elevate the evening from naughty to nice (or the other way around, if you like). Whether this is your first New Year’s Eve in Palm Springs, or your sixth, sixteen, or sixtieth, there’s something in Greater Palm Springs for everyone. Here are a few of my favorites.
And, if you happen to snap some sparkly selfies or groupies (is that a thing?) of your Palm Springs New Year’s Eve, feel free to share them with us on Facebook, we’d love to share in the fun! Happy New Year’s Eve, Palm Springs! Wishing you all a peaceful, prosperous, and joyous 2017. XO Kate
Dine: Melvyn’s Restaurant at the Ingleside Inn
A Palm Springs institution for good reason, this charming steakhouse is offering a special four-course prix fixe dinner for both early birds (5pm – 7pm) and night owls (9pm – closing). The later gala features endless champagne, dancing and party favors. And bring your dancing shoes—there’s a DJ in the main dining room plus the musical stylings of Ron Greenip in Lounge. Come prepared to channel your inner starlet and soak up all the vintage Hollywood ambience.
If you go: Melvyn’s Restaurant and Lounge, 200 W. Ramon Road, Palm Springs, 760-325-2323 www.inglesideinn.com
Huey Lewis and the News at the Agua Caliente Resort Casino
The Agua Client Resort has tapped legendary rocker Huey Lewis and the News to headline their New Year’s Eve Celebration. In addition to the concert, you’ll enjoy a live countdown and party favors. And the chance to groove, once again, to Back in Time. I love it when a concert becomes my own personal time machine.
If you go: Agua Caliente Resort Casino, 32-250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage, 760-321-2000
www.hotwatercasino.com
New Year’s Eve Block Party at Spa Resort Casino
Bring the kids and head to downtown Palm Springs for the Spa Resort Casino’s New Year’s Eve Block Party, featuring a Kids Zone, music (DJ Dense spins from 8pm – 10:30pm), bar garden, local restaurant and merchandise booths, and midnight fireworks. There will be a multi-media countdown beginning at 11:55pm (ball drop, schmall drop), and best of all…The Village People perform at 10:30pm! I think one of those fabulous hats will go perfectly with my sparkly stilettos. Right?
If you go: Spa Resort Casino, 401 E. Amado, Road, Palm Springs, 888-999-1995 www.sparesortcasino.com
BB’s 33rd Annual New Year’s Eve Masquerade Party
The Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs provides the stage for famed party planner BB’s 33rd annual bash. Enjoy DJs, live performances, multiple bars and bands on three floors and six stages. The party starts at 8:30pm and doesn’t stop rockin’ till 1am.
If you go: Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs, 150 S. Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
http://partywithbb.com/
The Living Desert’s Mildly Wild New Year’s Eve Celebration
Start 2017 with a roar and celebrate at your Mildly Wild New Year’s Eve Party! Attendees can experience all the fun and excitement earlier with an East coast countdown to midnight (the party roars to a close at 10pm). Wear your best cheetah print party outfit and bring in the New Year knowing you helped to save the cheetahs!
If you go: The Living Desert, 47900 Portola Ave., Palm Desert, 760-346-5694
www.livingdesert.org/event/mildly-wild-new-years-eve/