Ringing in the New Year

I think we all deserve to take a day and celebrate making it through another long year. There have been trials and tribulations, so I’d say a good time is exactly what we all need. Where can we go? What can we do? There are quite a few ways to enjoy your New Year’s Eve locally. Let’s start planning!

Of course, one of the best ways to welcome the next turn of the wheel is at the annual Holiday Valley NYE Celebration on December 31st. It starts off with a family-friendly party inside Holiday Valley’s Main Lodge at 8:00pm, then heads outdoors for the Groomer’s Parade at 11:15pm on Cindy’s Run, followed by the iconic Torchlight Parade (which is a spectacle to see!) at 11:30pm. Skiers and snowboarders are invited to come make their way down Cindy’s, traversing to the bottom with torches in-hand, provided by the resort. (For details on how to participate, go to holidayvalley.com.) The final countdown of 2024 will feature a fireworks show at 11:45pm and lasting until midnight.

Holiday Valley Marketing Director Dash Hegeman stated, “People visit Holiday Valley to make amazing memories, and New Year’s is a perfect way to make memories that you can talk about for years to come. Come to the Main Lodge on New Year’s Eve and say goodbye to 2024 with us. A live DJ will be spinning tunes and there will be some tasty food and drink specials for you to enjoy. We’re looking forward to ringing in the new year in style and hope that you can join us in the celebration!”

Ellicottville Distillery is bolting into the New Year by inviting everyone out to 5462 Robbins Road at 11:00am on Dec. 31st for their annual 5k and Liquor Mile. (Yeah, I said liquor.) The run begins at noon; opt for both the 5k and the liquor mile or one or the other - it’s totally up to you! For the liquor run portion, which is a mile long, you’ll receive a mini cocktail (made with the amazing spirits created at the Distillery) at each quarter-mile. There will be live music from 5:00-8:00pm and there may just be a food truck on site to feed your hunger pangs. The evening will end with a wonderful fireworks display at 8:00pm. For more information call 716-801-0086.

It seems like a lot of people are heading into the new year with health and adventure in mind. The Western New York Mountain Biking Association is inviting everyone to gather at Allegany State Park (Salamanca, NY) on Dec. 31st at 6:00pm for their “New Gear’s Eve” Bike Ride. The ride officially sets off at 6:30pm from Camp Allegany. Invite your friends and family to enjoy one last bike ride of 2024. (Don’t worry, this isn’t a timed ride and no one gets left behind.) Following the ride, a social will take place in the mess hall at Camp Allegany (BYOS - bring your own snacks). If you have any questions you can call the Environmental Education Department at 716-379-6939.

If ending your year in the woods or on the road isn’t your thing, that’s alright. There are plenty of great spots in Ellicottville to hit up for New Year’s Eve. Just a few prime examples: Villaggio, Madigan’s, Balloons Restaurant & Nightclub, Edna’s at the Tamarack Club, EBC, and Steelbound Brewery & Distillery are just a few of our local hot spots. Ellicottville is filled with great places to get your party on to shake off 2024.

If you’re feeling like a homebody, you could head down to the Winery of Ellicottville or E-Ville Spirits & Wines earlier in the day and grab some excellent flavors for your NYE toasting. There’s always the option of snagging a couple delicious pizza pies from Monroe Street Brick and Brew or Dina’s, so you can make sure any guests (and yourself, of course) are comfortably stuffed to start 2025.

So, whether at home, in town, or out hitting the trail, there is something local for everyone. And no matter how or where you choose to celebrate your New Year’s Eve, just make sure you have the greatest time!

Ringing in the New Year

New Year, New You

On Deck at Holiday Valley