Cheers to the New Year
Cheers to the New Year
Ellicottville’s Ready to Say Goodbye to 2023 with the Biggest Parties of the Year
Christmas 2023 is in the books and another new year is almost upon us. I think we all deserve a pat on the back for making it through yet another long (and for some very exhausting) year. We’ve had good times; we’ve had tough times. Let us reflect, then move forward with celebration. There’s no party in the 14731 quite like a New Year’s Eve party. Here are a few options to get you up and moving to the beat of a new drum. Welcome 2024!
“Ellicottville is always a perfect place to spend any holiday, especially the week leading up to the New Year,” said Brian McFadden, Executive Director of the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce. “From the fireworks at Holiday Valley to the excitement of over a dozen musical acts in the four-block village, there is something for everyone. And don’t forget our amazing restaurants for New Year’s Eve with that special someone.” (Dining, lodging and event info can be found at www.ellicottvilleny.com.)
Let’s kick the weekend off with a little pre-gaming. Glow party, anyone? Ellicottville Tap & Bottle Taqueria is bringing in DJ Ashley Walker this Saturday, December 30th. Starting at 9:00pm, enjoy specialty Christmas cocktails, live music, dancing and more
Of course, one of the best ways to welcome the next turn of the wheel is at Holiday Valley’s NYE Celebration on Dec. 31st. The Main Lodge will be buzzing with anticipation of the champagne toast at midnight. The Ullr Bar will air the NYC Ball Drop on all TVs, the T-Bar will be open, food and drink specials will be available at the Mountainside Cafe, DJ Dawson will be rocking the Main Lodge from 9:00pm-12:30am, and the grand finale fireworks will begin launch at 11:45pm and lasting through midnight! No entry fee is required, and everyone in the family is welcome to join in the fun!
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. Plan to join us at the Main Lodge on New Year’s Eve and say goodbye to 2023. 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. (Yes… a liquor mile! At each quarter-mile mark, you’ll receive a mini-cocktail made with spirits created by the Distillery, of course.) The run begins at noon; run one or the other, or challenge your endurance (and sanity) and do both! After you’ve beat your lungs up, enjoy live music and Fiammata Pizza from 5:00-8:00pm. The evening will end with fireworks. For more information call 716-801-0086.
For those of you 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 in Salamanca, NY on Dec. 31st at 6:00pm for their New “Gear’s” Eve Bike Ride. Take one last bike ride of 2023! (Don’t worry, this isn’t a timed ride and no one will be 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. Let’s talk dinner plans. Dina’s Restaurant, The Silver Fox Steakhouse, Villaggio, Katy’s Fly-In in Great Valley all offer NYE-worthy dishes. Look them up on social to see if any of them are running specials. (We know Katy’s Fly-In is featuring Dinner for Two for just $60… how does chipotle crab cakes, creamy shrimp risotto and strawberry shortcake sound?) Afterwards, put on your dancing shoes and head out on the town for a lively night of celebration - Madigan’s, Balloons Restaurant & Nightclub, 12 Gates of EVL, and FTR are just a few of our local hot spots. Ellicottville is filled with great places to get your party on to shake off 2023.
Last but not least, if you’re feeling like a homebody, you could come down to the Winery of EVL earlier in the day and grab some flavorful wines for your at-home NYE toasting. And there’s always the option of ordering up a couple of delicious pizza pies from Monroe Street Brick and Brew to-go. Make sure you and your guests 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. YOLO as the kids once said. You only get one life, you should enjoy it. Cheers!