Ring in the New Year: 5 Must-Visit Getaways for an Unforgettable Celebration

Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, city festivities, or glitzy parties, these destinations offer something special to make your New Year’s unforgettable. Here’s a guide to the top events and activities in Big Bear, San Diego, Lake Tahoe, San Francisco, and Las Vegas.

1.  Snow-Filled Fun

Big Bear is a winter wonderland during New Year’s, offering skiing, snowboarding, and tubing activities at Snow Summit and Bear Mountain. Whether you’re a pro or a beginner, there’s a slope for everyone.

It’s always fun to ski or snowboard on the snow with friends and family during a winter wonderland, especially during the holidays. 

2.  Torchlight Parade

Ring in the New Year with the annual Torchlight Parade at Snow Summit. This magical event features skiers descending the mountain with torches, creating a glowing spectacle.

3.  Cozy Cabin Retreats

Book a cabin and enjoy a quiet New Year’s Eve by the fire. Many accommodations include hot tubs and stunning views of the snowy landscape. The best part of Big Bear is booking a cabin to stay in with your friends and family and eat some smores or drink hot chocolate by the fire on a snowy day. 

4. New Year’s Dining

Local restaurants like The Pines Lakefront and Peppercorn Grille offer festive menus perfect for a celebratory dinner. 

The Pines Lakefront offers a variety of choices from its menu, starting with dinner. You can feast on:

Prime Rib: slow-roasted, garlic-infused, served with horseradish and special Au Jus.

New York Steak: 10 oz with Brandy Peppercorn Sauce.

Ribeye Steak: 12 oz cut.

Filet Mignon: accompanied by Peppercorn Crème Sauce.

New Zealand Rack of Lamb: baked with mint pesto.

St. Louis Smoked Ribs: half or full rack, authentically slow-smoked.

Pasta:

Fettuccine, Linguine, or Angel Hair with sauces like Alfredo, Classic Marinara, or Garlic Olive Oil.

Ravioli with ricotta and mozzarella.

Linguine with clams.

Shrimp or Chicken Pasta.

Seafood and Fish:

Alaskan Halibut: Grilled with pesto sauce.

Brook Trout Fillet: Lightly breaded with house seasoning.

Pacific Salmon: Grilled with special house sauce.

Black Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna.

Crab Cakes (three pieces).

Alaskan King Crab Legs.

Breakfast:

Served from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Saturdays and Sundays.

Options include eggs of any style, omelets, scrambles, pancakes, French toast, and specialty items like Eggs Benedict and Florentine.

Operating Hours:

Monday & Tuesday: Closed.

Wednesday & Thursday: Dinner: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM.

Friday & Saturday: Luncheon: From noon | Dinner: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM.

Sunday: Luncheon: From noon | Dinner: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM.

1. Big Bay Balloon Parade

Kick off the New Year with this vibrant San Diego waterfront parade featuring giant balloons, marching bands, and floats.

2. New Year’s Eve Cruises

Celebrate on the water with a luxury harbor cruise. Companies like Flagship and Hornblower offer dinner, dancing, and front-row views of fireworks.

3. Gaslamp Quarter Parties

The Gaslamp Quarter transforms into a nightlife hub with rooftop celebrations, live DJs, and themed events at clubs like OMNIA and Parq.

4. Beach Bonfires

For a more relaxed celebration, gather friends for a bonfire at Coronado Beach or Mission Bay. Toast marshmallows and enjoy the ocean breeze. Many people enjoy going to San Diego for the beaches to spend time with friends and family on a beautiful night, especially watching the sunset go down. 

Like Big Bear, Lake Tahoe snows, making it fun for family and friends to go skiing and have a snow fight together. The only difference is that if you don’t want to drive long, Big Bear is for you: It's a 2-hour 30-minute drive from Los Angeles, while Lake Tahoe is a 7-hour drive. 

But whether you choose Big Bear because of its distance or because of the snow, both are great places to experience snow. 

1. Skiing and Snowboarding

Lake Tahoe’s world-class resorts, such as Heavenly and Northstar, offer pristine slopes and breathtaking views. Many resorts host special New Year’s Eve events, including night skiing.

2. Heavenly Holidays Festival

Heavenly Village turns into a winter carnival with live music, ice sculpting, and a gondola ball drop at midnight.

3. Fireworks Over the Lake

Celebrate with a dazzling fireworks display reflecting off Lake Tahoe’s serene waters. Find the best views at Commons Beach or Zephyr Cove.

4. Snowshoeing Adventures

For something unique, join a guided snowshoeing tour to explore Tahoe’s stunning backcountry under the stars.

1. The Strip’s Fireworks Extravaganza

Las Vegas Boulevard shuts down for a massive street party featuring fireworks launched from the rooftops of iconic casinos.

2. Star-Studded Concerts

Catch performances by world-renowned artists at venues like T-Mobile Arena and Caesars Palace. Acts vary annually but always impress.

3. Club Parties

From XS at Wynn to Hakkasan at MGM Grand, the city’s clubs host some of the most extravagant New Year’s Eve celebrations with celebrity DJs and premium drinks.

4. Fremont Street Experience

Downtown Vegas offers a vibrant alternative to the Strip with live bands, light shows, and a midnight countdown under the Viva Vision canopy.

1. Fireworks Over the Bay

San Francisco’s fireworks display lights up the sky at midnight, best viewed from the Embarcadero, Treasure Island, or aboard a New Year’s Eve cruise.

2. New Year’s Eve Parties

The city’s nightlife shines with events like the San Francisco Symphony’s Black and White Ball and parties at upscale venues like The Palace Hotel.

3. Scenic Dinner Cruises

Ring in the New Year on a yacht with stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Enjoy gourmet dining, live music, and champagne toasts.

4. Explore Golden Gate Park

For a daytime activity, visit Golden Gate Park to enjoy its peaceful beauty and attractions like the Japanese Tea Garden.

No matter where you celebrate, these destinations promise unforgettable New Year’s experiences. Plan to secure reservations and tickets for popular events, and prepare to welcome the new year in style!