New Year’s in Park City

Photo credit: Park City Mountain

My father always referred to New Year’s Eve as “Amateur Night.” As I’ve gotten further away from my (sigh) 20s, I’ve come to appreciate a December 31st more on the mellow side.

Lucky for me, there are plenty of low-key dining and entertainment options for New Year’s  in Park City. But for the younger (and younger at heart) among us, there are also plenty of big city-worthy options for music and dancing before and after the clock strikes midnight.

Family-Friendly Fun for New Year’s in Park City

Family-friendly fun starts on December 30 at Deer Valley Resort, where their annual Torchlight Parade takes to Big Stick Run (behind Snow Park Lodge in Lower Deer Valley) at dusk, preceded by complimentary hot cider and cookies on the lodge’s plaza from 5:45 – 6 p.m.

On the afternoon of New Year’s Eve, après ski music starts at 2:30 with Lumberjack Fabulous at Park City Mountain’s Base Area, while Cade Mower will be performing acoustic music at the Park City Base Area’s Transit Center (by the ice rink). Kids get their own après time on the 2nd floor of the Legacy Lodge, where they’ll have complimentary games and crafts for the entire family.

Over at Canyons Village, complimentary s’mores will be served at 3 p.m. while DJ Velvet kicks things off, followed by Metro Music Club at 5:30, then fireworks at 7:30. Things get snazzy after the fireworks in the Kokopelli Ballroom at the Grand Summit Hotel, where the Masquerade Ball will feature dinner and dancing to help sweep revelers into the New Year. Tickets for the ball are $169 per person, and can be reserved by calling 844-243-2970.

Imagine – Remembering the Fab Four plays at the Egyptian Theatre at 8 p.m., while performer Alan Cumming will command the stage at the Eccles Center for the Performing Arts (also at 8 p.m.).

Dining Our for New Year’s in Park City

Dining options abound, starting in the area around Canyons Village, which includes Escala Provisions Company at Hyatt Centric Park City, offering a four-course prix fixe meal at $75 per person, while Waldorf Astoria Park City’s four-course prix fixe menu is $105, including a wine pairing. The annual New Year’s Eve dinner at the Cabin in the Grand Summit Hotel takes place from 5 – 7 p.m., featuring a diverse selection of menu items, such as Utah Trout and Crispy Pork Chops, at $69 for adults or $39 for children. Call 844-234-2970 to reserve a space.

The Grub Steak takes diners to the mellower side of town in Prospector Square, offering a three course prix fixe meal at $75.75 per person.

At the Silver Lake Lodge in Upper Deer Valley, The Mariposa’s four-course prix fix meal is $125 per guest, with a $50 option wine pairing available. In the Empire Canyon area of Deer Valley, Apex at Montage Deer Valley’s five-course, prix fixe meal is for $195 for adults, or $65 for children ages 5-12.

For those braving Main Street, Riverhorse on Main is offering a private dinner party for $385.68 per guest, and Tupelo’s five-course tasting menu is $125 per guest with a $65 optional wine pairing. Check out www.OpenTable.com to find reservations at a variety of other local eateries.

For the Night Owls

The Downstairs will ring in New Year’s Eve with DJ Soulman and Brisk, while Park City Live’s Annual Black & White Masquerade features DJ Ross One and O.P. Rockwell will feature Badfeather and Holy Water Buffalo.

Whether your style is to celebrate early and head home for a cozy night in, or going out on the town to ring in the New Year with the masses, the diverse opportunities are just one more reason why so many Choose Park City year after year.