The ball may drop every year in New York City’s Times Square, but here in Santa Fe, we have our own way of ringing in the new year in The City Different. Here are five of our favorite parties, concerts, hang-outs, and get-togethers to explore come December 31, 2017.
New Year’s Eve At the Plaza
The Santa Fe Plaza is the centerpiece for every holiday. If you ever show up in Santa Fe without a plan, just head for the Plaza and enjoy the show. The Plaza celebrates the new year countdown with bonfires, food trucks, local music, and hot chocolate for all ages starting at 9 PM. Every year the city starts the celebration with a different surprise at midnight, so you’ll just have to show up to find out what it is.
Sublunar NYE Party at Meow Wolf
For most of the year, Meow Wolf is an all-ages attraction. An interactive mix of nightclub, museum, and amusement park, it’s an awesome place to take the kids. But their New Year’s Eve party is a 21+ only affair. This year’s event will be headlined by DJ Worthy. He’s still kind of underground right now, and this may be your last chance to say that you were a fan before it was cool. Tickets are from $35 to $40. Get moving on this one because the $30 early bird tickets are already sold out.
Santa Fe Orchestra New Year’s Eve Concert at the Lensic
If you’re less of a dance partier and more of a classical music fan, then the annual NYE concert at the Lensic Performing Arts Center may be the new year’s celebration you’re looking for. This year, Grammy -winning violinist Augustin Hadelich will be performing Mendelssohn and Beethoven with an orchestra led by Joe Illick. The acoustics in the Lensic Center are simply stunning, attracting some of the world’s best musical talent. The NYE concert starts at 5 PM.
The New Year’s Eve Gala At Vanessie’s
This upscale lounge and cafe hosts a New Year’s Eve gala starting at 6 PM with Doug Montgomery setting the mood at the piano. A tasteful, intimate affair, NYE at Vanessie’s is just the thing for couples looking for a romantic way to ring in the new year. With a beautiful atmosphere and excellent food, Vanessie’s is one of the best lounges in the city and the state.
GLOW New Year’s Eve at Santa Fe Botanical Garden
The GLOW NYE party at the Santa Fe Botanical Garden is an all-ages party for anyone looking for a celebration that welcomes families. If you’re looking for a fun place to take the kids or grandkids, GLOW features neon lighting and live music to ring in the New Year. Think of it like a NYE rave, but kid-friendly. GLOW is open through December 31 from 5 PM to 8 PM with the last entry at 7:30 PM. Kids under age 12 are admitted free. Head here for tickets and directions.
Santa Fe New Year’s Eve celebrations may not be world-famous, but once you’ve experienced New Year’s Eve at Meow Wolf or the Santa Fe Botanical Garden, you might never want to spend another December 31 out of town.
