New Year’s Eve Plans?!
New Year’s Eve Plans?!
There are Plenty of Indoor (and Outdoor) Options to Choose From
The holidays are upon us and that means that 2024 is knocking on the front door, waiting to evict 2023 like a ferociously aggressive landlord. It’s been a time, but we aren’t looking back today. (Pick up next week’s paper for the full reflection of 2023.) Today we are thinking about partying.
I think we all deserve to take a day and celebrate making it through another long year. There have been trials and tribulations, so I’d say a good time is just what the doctor ordered. Where can we go? What can we do? There are quite a few ways to enjoy your New Year’s Eve locally. Let’s start planning!
Get your pre-game started by hitting up Ellicottville Tap & Bottle Taqueria on December 30th at 9:00pm when they host a Glow Party featuring DJ Ashely Walker. There will be specialty Christmas cocktails, live music, dancing and more. It’s the perfect start to the NYE weekend fun.
Of course, one of the best ways to welcome the next turn of the wheel is at the annual Holiday Valley NYE Celebration on Dec. 31st. It starts off with a family-friendly party inside Holiday Valley’s Main Lodge, then heads outdoors for the Groomer’s Parade at 11:15pm on Cindy’s Run, followed by the iconic Torchlight Parade (which is a spectacle to see!) at 11:30pm. Skiers and snowboarders are invited to come make their way down Cindy’s, traversing to the bottom with torches in-hand, provided by the resort. (For details on how to participate, go to holidayvalley.com.) The final countdown of 2023 will feature a fireworks show at 11:45pm and lasting until midnight.
Holiday Valley Marketing Director Dash Hegeman stated, “People visit Holiday Valley to make amazing memories, and New Year’s is a perfect way to make memories that you can talk about for years to come. Come to the Main Lodge on New Year’s Eve and say goodbye to 2023 with us. DJ Campbell Dawson will be spinning tunes and there will be some tasty food and drink specials for you to enjoy. We’re looking forward to ringing in the new year in style and hope that you can join us in the celebration!”
Ellicottville Distillery is bolting into the New Year by inviting everyone out to 5462 Robbins Road at 11:00am on Dec. 31st for their annual 5k and Liquor Mile. (Yeah, I said liquor.) The run begins at noon; opt for both the 5k and the liquor mile or one or the other… it’s totally up to you! For the liquor run portion, which is a mile long, you’ll receive a mini cocktail (made with the amazing spirits created at the Distillery) at each quarter-mile. There will be live music from 5:00-8:00pm and Fiammata Pizza will be slinging pies at the same time. The evening will end with a wonderful fireworks display at 8:00pm. For more information call 716-801-0086.
It seems like a lot of people are heading into the new year with health and adventure in mind. The Western New York Mountain Biking Association is inviting everyone to gather at Allegany State Park (Salamanca, NY) on Dec. 31st at 6:00pm for their New “Gear’s” Eve Bike Ride. The ride officially sets off at 6:30pm from Camp Allegany. Invite your friends and family to enjoy one last bike ride of 2023. (Don’t worry, this isn’t a timed ride and no one gets left behind.) Following the ride, a social will take place in the mess hall at Camp Allegany. (Bring you own snacks.) If you have any questions you can call the Environmental Education Department at 716-379-6939.
If ending your year in the woods or on the road isn’t your thing, that’s alright. There are plenty of great spots in Ellicottville to hit up for New Year’s Eve. Just a few prime examples: Madigan’s aka The Green Bar, Balloons Restaurant & Nightclub, 12 Gates of EVL, and Steelbound Brewery & Distillery are just a few of our local hot spots. Ellicottville is filled with great places to get your party on to shake off 2023.
If you’re feeling like a homebody, you could come down to the Winery of EVL earlier in the day and grab some excellent wines for your NYE toasting, and even take some charcuterie to go. There’s always the option of snagging a couple delicious pizza pies from Monroe Street Brick and Brew or Dina’s, so you can make sure any guests (and yourself of course) are comfortably stuffed to start 2024.
So, whether at home, in town, or out hitting the trail, there is something local for everyone. And no matter how or where you choose to celebrate your New Year’s Eve, just make sure you have the greatest time. You only “circle this globe” once, so be happy as often as you can.