Palm Desert, Coachella Valley New Year's Events: 2018 Guide

PALM DESERT, 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 local listings below of New Year's celebrations and events for 2017 in and near Palm Desert 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..

• For the third year in a row, a free block party will happen in downtown Palm Springs, near Spa Resort Casino. Attendees can head out starting at 8 p.m. and check out fireworks, listen to the sounds of a D.J. Dense and sample from food vendors. There's even a kids zone. For those who'd like to take it up a notch, an outdoor concert with the Plain White T's will happen at 10:30 p.m., with tickets starting at just $21.
• Over in Rancho Mirage, you can head to a KC and The Sunshine Band concert at 10:30 p.m. That's happening at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa. Tickets start at $75.
• GAPX – the Band will be performing at Spotlight 29 casino in Indio. The resort says you can "get your groove on New Year’s Eve" with the band for just $35 and up.
• At nearby Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa several events are planned including free party favors and a midnight toast. "Get ready to countdown and pop the champagne at Morongo because our plans for a thrilling New Year’s Eve run the gamut with an exciting mix of gaming action, live music and a myriad of dining and drink specials," said Morongo Executive Director of Marketing Simon Farmer. "At Morongo, we are planning an unforgettable night of music, champagne and fun for our guests." Here's their lineup:
  • The Drum Room – Perched on the 26th floor of the Morongo tower, the Drum Room’s exclusive New Year’s Eve Party has become the talk of the town. The party runs from 8 PM to 1:30 AM and will include performances by The Calphonics, amazing cocktail specials, an exclusive keepsake and party favors. Space is limited. Tickets are available from Ticketmaster or the Morongo Box Office for $35 each. Guests must be 21 or over to attend.
  • Vibe: The Nightclub at Morongo – The music and drink specials will be pounding at the annual NYE bash at Vibe: The Nightclub at Morongo. DJ Icy Ice will be spinning tunes as the confetti falls and champagne flows. Tickets are available from the Morongo Box Office or at the door for $45 each. Special VIP areas are available for purchase through the Morongo Box Office. Guests must be 21 or over to attend. ·
  • Cielo: The Steakhouse at Morongo – An exquisite evening of fine dining and a bottle of bubbly await on New Year’s Eve in Morongo’s award-winning four-diamond rooftop restaurant. Reservations are required for the six-course prix fixe dinner, available on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1 for $250 per couple. The carefully composed menu will includes caviar, lump crab, black trumpet mushroom pâté, a choice of broiled Filet Mignon or Swordfish & Scallops, and a delicious Pink Champagne Delight dessert – all served with a bottle of champagne. ·
  • Café Serrano – Enjoy the country sounds of the band HayRide featuring Carmel Heline as they play just outside Café Serrano on New Year’s Eve. Inside, diners will savor a three-course prix fixe menu for $24.95 from 11 AM to 11 PM. The prix fixe menu including New York Steak and Shrimp and rich Chocolate Flourless Cake will be available New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. ·
  • Potrero Canyon Buffet – Guests will enjoy a multitude of holiday specials on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1, from rack of lamb to duck and prime rib offerings. New Year’s Eve Dinner (Dec. 31 11 am to 11 pm) $29.16; New Year’s Eve Late Night (Dec. 31, 11 pm to 3 am) $20.16; New Year’s Day Brunch (Jan. 1 from 10 am) $24.95 ·
  • Tacos & Tequila – High-energy pop band Treja Vu will provide the music at the T&T party. Admission is free with purchase of food and beverage. Open 8 PM to 1:30 AM.

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