Go Aces
The über hip ACE HOTEL & SWIM CLUB in Palm Springs kicks off New Year’s festivities Saturday, Dec. 29, with its “world-famous” party. Then Howie Pyro deejays on Dec. 30. On New Year’s Eve, Ace offers bingo in King’s Highway dining area beginning at 7 p.m., with trivia following in the Amigo Room. Deejay Michael Antonia — a.k.a the Human Jukebox — will spin tunes from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. 760-325-9900; www.acehotel.com/palmsprings
Boogie at Agua and The Spa
Both casinos offer nonstop action for New Year’s Eve. The Cascade Lounge at the SPA RESORT CASINO in downtown Palm Springs celebrates 10 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. with party favors, deejays, and dancers. At AGUA CALIENTE CASINO • RESORT • SPA in Rancho Mirage, disco faves Boogie Machine take The Show stage at 9 p.m. The Reall Deall party band performs at The Lounge from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Partiers can also nosh on a buffet at the Grand Palms from 4 to 11 p.m. 888-999-1995; www.sparesortcasino.com, www.hotwatercasino.com
Dance and Dine with the Sisters
ACQUA PAZZA at The River at Rancho Mirage and sister restaurant LULU CALIFORNIA BISTRO in downtown Palm Springs will feature all-inclusive, multi-course feasts with two seatings (5 to 8 p.m. and 9 to 11 p.m.) with hats, party favors, and a champagne toast. Lulu will also offer dancing and entertainment. Diners at both hot spots can choose from dishes ranging from salads to seafood linguini and duck, all followed by decadent desserts, including triple chocolate cake and crème brûlée. Lulu: 760-327-5858; www.lulupalmsprings.com • Acqua Pazza: 760-862-9800; www.acquapazzabistro.com
Go Retro At The Riv
The annual party at RIVIERA PALM SPRINGS celebrates chic again with live entertainment and celebrity deejays. VIP seating with bottle service will be available at the Sidebar and Starlite Lounge & Arcade. Circa 59 offers two dinner seatings with a champagne toast included. 760-327-8311; www.psriviera.com
Be a Slave to Your Senses
MORONGO CASINO RESORT & SPA in Cabazon offers New Year’s Eve revelers a variety of live shows. Slave and Friends performs at Vibe; doors open at 9 p.m. and the show starts at 10:30 p.m., with dancing before and after. The Jay Birds headline at Club 360; doors open at 8 p.m. for the 9 p.m. show. The Bomb plays Mystique starting at 9 p.m. 951-849-3080; www.morongocasinoresort.com
See Something Spectacular
THE FABULOUS PALM SPRINGS FOLLIES presents two New Year’s Eve performances starring Lorna Luft, at 3:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. Both shows begin with a champagne reception and partygoers receive goody bags, hats and noisemakers. At the stroke of midnight (“Rio de Janeiro midnight” for matinee-goers) the audience joins the Follies cast for a resounding chorus of “Auld Lang Syne.” 760-327-0225; www.psfollies.com
Enjoy A Family Affair
Wildlights Holiday Festival — with a new “Holidays Around the World” theme — wraps Dec. 31 at THE LIVING DESERT ZOO & BOTANICAL GARDEN. Partiers can savor international food and drinks, including beer, wine, and hot liqueur mixes, while surrounded by more than 750,000 twinkling lights. Enjoy music, games, and the chance to welcome the New Year with hands-on wildlife encounters featuring feathered and furry friends at the zoo. The event runs 6 to 9 p.m. 760-346-5694; www.livingdesert.org
Big Band At A Big Resort
John Tesh and His Big Band Orchestra return to LA QUINTA RESORT & CLUB this year for their popular New Year’s weekend show in the Flores Ballroom on Dec. 29. Dinner is followed by the live show. On Dec. 31, the resort will offer the family-friendly New Year’s Eve Kids’ Camp and Sleepover at Capra Villa, with a New Year’s Day Family Pajama Breakfast the next morning in the ballroom. 760-564-4111; www.laquintaresort.com
All Hail To The King
Local favorite John Stanley King performs live at HYATT REGENCY INDIAN WELLS RESORT & SPA from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., with party favors and a complimentary champagne toast. Entrance to Agave Sunset is free for hotel guests and diners at Lantana. 760-341-1000; www.indianwells.hyatt.com
A Lasting Impression
VICKY’S OF SANTA FE in Indian Wells celebrates New Year’s Eve with entertainer Lizann Warner, whose vocal impressions include singers such as Judy Garland, Ann Wilson, Stevie Nicks, Barbra Streisand, and Céline Dion. Dinner reservations begin at 5 p.m., with the regular menu on offer (party favors included). Warner performs from 6:30 p.m. to midnight. 760-345-9770; www.vickysofsantafe.com
Tear It Up Uptown
TRIO RESTAURANT in downtown Palm Springs promises a fun house-party vibe, with three dinner seatings at 5:30, 7:30, and 9:30 p.m. and a midnight balloon drop/champagne toast. Late-night drink specials from 10 p.m. to close will keep the party going for night-owlish revelers. 760-864-8746; www.triopalmsprings.com