Portland Metro Area New Year’s Events: 2018 Guide

PORTLAND, OR – 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 2018 in and around Portland if you’re one to want to go out — plus take a look at what television programming may make you want to stay in.

If you want to go out..

…in Portland:

• The 27th Annual Champagne Ball will be held at the downtown Portland Hilton, located at 921 S.W. Sixth Ave., beginning at 8 p.m. Dec. 31. Tickets for the ever-popular New Year's Eve bash run from $105 to $219, with a portion of the proceeds donated to Oregon Active. Event is for people 21 and older. Get your tickets here.

…in Gresham:

Mt. Hood Lanes will host two events Dec. 31: One kid-friendly party and another for adults at 2311 E. Powell Blvd. From 6:30 to 9 p.m. Dec. 31, rent a lane and shoes for up to six people for $75. Party favors for kids are also included, and the alley will offer an early New Year's countdown at 8 p.m. Beginning at 10 p.m. adults will take over the lanes for three games of Monte Carlo-style bowling. For $35 per bowler, or $175 per lanes (with a five person minimum), attendees will be treated to food, beverages, and a shot at a jackpot. Lanes must be reserved in advance for both events with a $25 deposit.

…in Beaverton:

• Get Loud in the Library on New Year's Eve beginning at 9 p.m. Dec. 31 at Beaverton City Library, 12375 S.W. Fifth St. All are welcome to join in games and fun at this fundraiser for the Beaverton Library Foundation. Tickets run from $45 to $80.
• The Tualatin Hills Parks & Recreation District aquatics department will host a "Swim in the New Year" event at the Beaverton Swim Center, 12850 S.W. Third St., from 11 p.m. Dec. 31 to 12:30 a.m. Offering a "moonlight style" swim, THPRD officials will include a ball drop and refreshments for general admission prices. This event is open to all ages.

…in Hillsboro:

• Top Golf is taking reservations for its New Year's Eve party, with tickets starting at $225. Reserve a general or VIP bay for six people to ring in the new year while smacking some golf balls, enjoying good food, and rocking out to live entertainment from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Jan. 1, 2018, at 5505 N.W. Huffman St. Click here to get your tickets from EventBrite.

…in Wilsonville:

Enjoy a "Noon Year's Eve" at the Wilsonville Family Fun Center from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 31. For $20 per person, take advantage of unlimited use of Go-Karts, Miniature Golf, the Rock Wall, Batting Cages, Sky Trail Ropes Course, Lazer Tag, Bumper Boats, Kidopolis Playland, the Frog Hopper, and $5 Arcade Credits and an all you can eat pizza and soda buffet (served from 12 to 2 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m.).

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 of 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.com