Have a Ball
A starry desert sky and the silhouette of the San Jacinto Mountains is an unforgettable setting for the last night of the year at the newly named Avalon Hotel Palm Springs. Eat, drink, and be merry with a DJ, hors d’oeuvres, and a Champagne toast, all set in the property’s private Presidio Courtyard. A balloon drop ushers in the New Year. 415 S. Belardo Road, Palm Springs. 760-320-4117; www.avalonpalmsprings.com
One of Palm Springs’ most anticipated holiday bashes, BB’s New Year’s Eve Masquerade Party, is set to take place at the Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs for a second year. Grab your masks and ring in 2016 with three floors of live music and DJs, capped off with balloon drops, video screens, and party favors. Special room rates available. 150 S. Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs. 760-880-1059; www.partywithbb.com
Make Musical Memories
Let the music sweep you into 2016 at Vicky’s of Santa Fe, where John Stanley King and A Band of Four fill the lounge with rhythm-and-blues classics, and favorites made famous by everyone from Frank Sinatra to Pink Floyd. Reservations required. 45100 Club Drive, Indian Wells. 760-345-9770; www.vickysofsantafe.com
The best place to proclaim your bi-coastal-ality on New Year’s Eve is at Woody’s Burgers, as the popular burger joint and music venue hosts both East Coast and West Coast countdowns. Enjoy high-energy blues throughout the evening, courtesy of the Laurie Morvan Band, as well as unlimited Champagne and appetizers. $30. 317 N. Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs. 760-230-0188; www.woodysburgersps.com
Get Lucky
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts lead the midnight countdown at The Show during Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa’s Ring in the New Year celebration. Meanwhile, a lucky winner gets $500 or $1,000 cash every half-hour from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., with a $10,000 grand prize drawing at 2 a.m. Throughout the casino, guests can enjoy DJs and complimentary party favors. Dining and room specials available. 32250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage. 760-321-2000; www.hotwatercasino.com
All the magic of New Year’s Eve in Times Square comes to the Spa Resort Casino for an indoor-outdoor celebration from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Outdoors, enjoy live music, video screens, a “ball drop” area, and midnight fireworks. Inside the Cascade Lounge, the entertainment includes a split of Champagne, a commemorative photo booth, and party favors as the DJ keeps the party going from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. 401 E. Amado Road, Palm Springs. 760-883-1000; www.sparesortcasino.com
Supper Clubbin’
Celebrate 2016 in true Palm Springs style with supper club entertainment at the Purple Room Restaurant & Lounge. On offer are a three-course prix fixe menu and live entertainment by Rose Mallett, Martin Ross, and Kal David & Lauri Bono Band with three dinner seatings, followed by a late-night “Party at the Bar” to carry you into 2016. 1900 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs. 760-322-4422; www.purpleroompalmsprings.com
After a special New Year’s Eve dinner at Pinzimini, dance the night away at Westin Mission Hills’ New Year’s party. A live band, cash bar, and hors d’oeuvres keep you grooving until the Champagne toast at midnight. $35. Free admission with dinner reservations. 71333 Dinah Shore Drive, Rancho Mirage. 760-328-5955; www.westinmissionhills.com
Make a Toast
In Uptown Palm Springs, Bootlegger Tiki sets the mood for a festive new year with an evening of DJs spinning upbeat tiki, surf rock, and dance beats. Imbibe tiki cocktail specials and complimentary Champagne at midnight. 1101 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs. 760-318-4154; www.bootleggertiki.com
Make it an early date or a late night to remember at Trio, where a three-course prix fixe menu is offered at 5:30 p.m. ($55), 7:30 p.m. ($75), and 9:30 p.m. ($95; includes unlimited wine and Champagne). After dinner, guests can “Party at the Bar” and welcome 2016 with unlimited wine and Champagne from 10 p.m. until the midnight balloon drops. 707 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs. 760-864-8746; www.triopalmsprings.com