Napa Valley New Year's Events: 2018 Guide

NAPA VALLEY, CA — Love it or hate it, New Year’s Eve is happening again this year. Whether you plan to ring in 2018 at your favorite restaurant, a buzzing party with your friends, or all cozied up in front of the TV, we’ve got you covered.

So pop the bubbly, come up with some resolutions you can actually stick to and get ready to celebrate the New Year. Check out town-by-town listings below of New Year’s celebrations and events for 2017 in and near Napa Valley if you’re one to want to go out, plus a look at what television programming may make you want to stay in.

If you want to go out ...

West Coast Blues Society's New Year's Eve Gala 2017: The eighth annual "New Year's Eve Gala Fundraiser for The Music They Played on 7th Street Oakland Walk of Fame Project and Blues in the Schools Program" is an evening of music, dinner and dancing at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Spa Napa Valley in American Canyon. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for dinner and at 9 p.m. for the dance. Tickets for the event are for sale online.

New Year’s Eve at The Meritage Resort and Spa: Welcome in 2018 Napa-style at The Meritage Resort and Spa, which is offering multiple options for dinner, including dinners in the Estate Cave with Trinitas Cellars, and a “Taste of the World” dinner and buffet in the Meritage Ballroom. Both dinners conclude with the annual ballroom celebration, which kicks off at 9 p.m. and includes a midnight sparkling toast and balloon drop. Tickets for the events are for sale online

New Year's Eve at The Westin Verasa Napa: Arrive early for the La Toque Dinner & Party or show up at 9 .m. for the Red Tie Affair New Year's Eve Party at BANK Cafe and Bar. More information and tickets are posted online.

New Year's Eve on the Square: The largest New Year’s Eve celebration in Sonoma County kicks off at 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31 on the newly renovated Courthouse Square in downtown Santa Rosa. The event includes live entertainment, activities for all ages, a designated area for children, and plenty of vendors serving food and alcohol. New Year's Eve on the Square is free to attend. For those looking for an extra special experience, VIP tickets are available for purchase.

New Year's Eve Dinner + Party at Charlie Palmer Steak and Archer Hotel: Ring in the new year at this downtown Napa hotspot located at 1260 First St. A New Year's Eve dinner is planned at 7 p.m. followed by a party from 9 p.m. to 1 p.m. Reservations are being taken for both at Charliepalmersteak.com.

New Year's Eve Carnaval at Fortress: Fortress Restaurant and Lounge, 547 Main St. in Vallejo, is hosting NYE Carnaval 2018 from from 9:30 p.m. until 2 a.m. Ticket info here.

*We’ll be adding new events to this post as they pop up, so be sure to check back as the big day nears!*

If you want to stay in ...

If your idea of the perfect New Year’s Eve is curling up on the couch with a hot toddy and watching the countdown in your pajamas, you’re in luck. These are the top two live TV specials people are already talking about. Here’s a peek so you can you can plan accordingly:

“New Year’s Eve Live” With Anderson Cooper And Andy Cohen
Where to catch it: CNN
Why you should watch: For the first time ever, Anderson Cooper will host CNN’s annual New Year’s Eve Live special with none other than “Watch What Happens Live” host Andy Cohen. As these two are best friends in real life, you can expect tons witty banter and hilarious moments from the pair. The Bravo mogul will replace Cooper’s former co-host Kathy Griffin, whom CNN fired after her controversial Donald Trump photoshoot.

“Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve 2018” Hosted by Ryan Seacrest
Where to catch it: ABC
Why you should watch: Remember last year’s infamous Mariah Carey mic incident? Yes, it happened on Seacrest’s watch. So if that’s any indication, this could be a good one to tune-in to. And even if there aren’t any crazy celebrity snafus, you can count on crazy views of Time Square packed with people, as well as awesome musical performances.

Image via Pixabay