The Catskills might not be exactly Times Square -- but that's a plus, right? If you're looking to go out on New Year's Eve, we've got local options, from sit-down dinners to DJ-fueled dance-offs.
DELAWARE COUNTY
Fleischmanns retreat center Spillian is opting for full-on old-fashioned whimsy this year, hosting a New Year’s Revel with a treasure hunt, a toast contest, a chance to be crowned King or Queen of Twelfth Night, and chestnuts roasting on an open fire. $50 includes dinner and champagne. 7 p.m. - 1 a.m.
Local faves Blues Maneuver are playing the annual New Year’s bash at the Andes Hotel. Three-course dinner included — and the menu looks outrageous. Call for reservations: 845-676-3980. $75 per adult, half price for children. 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Wayside Cider, a recently-opened cidery in Andes with a beautiful tasting room, is ringing in the New Year with a dance party and local pulled pork buns. Party starts at 5 p.m.
Karaoke all night long. No cover charge. Need we say more? Karaoke Bash feat. DJ Bangkok at the Shire Pub in Delhi; party starts at 9:30 p.m.
Watch the Times Square ball drop on the big screen at the Hanah Mountain Resort in Margaretville. Surprise giveaways and raffles, free champagne toast and more. No cover charge; endless buffet tickets for $55 per adult, $10-20 per child. 6 p.m. - 1 a.m.
GREENE COUNTY
Make a night of it at the Blackthorne Resort in East Durham. There’s a five-course dinner with live music in the dining room ($55), followed by dancing with the Little Creek Band in the pub, a jumbo-screen ball drop and fireworks at midnight, and — if you’re disinclined to drive home — stay the night for another $75.
Hunter Mountain celebrates both outdoors and in, with a torchlight parade, fireworks, a DJ and live music in the main bar. 3 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Not to be outdone, Windham Mountain hosts a grand buffet, live music and fireworks. Dinner tickets $99 per adult, $39 per child; no cover charge for music.
SCHOHARIE COUNTY
Green Wolf Brewing Co. in Middleburgh hosts live music and local brews, with Becca and Brian of Becca and the Tall Boys. No cover. Music from 7 p.m. - 10 p.m., brewery open til 1 a.m.
SULLIVAN COUNTY
Pre-game at the Roscoe Beer Co., where the friendly brewmasters are hosting live music starting at 5 p.m. with Sam Haiman, followed by Albi Beluli at 7 p.m. Snacks, local beer, cider and wine on tap. 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
The Dancing Cat Saloon in Bethel lives up to its name this year, with a rollicking dance party featuring the Somerville Brothers band. Early menu for $45 from 5 to 8 p.m.; after that, it’s the late menu with music, champagne toasts and midnight snacks for $80. Jazz brunch on New Year’s Day from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Outdoor types, try not to imbibe too much on Saturday: you’ll want to be fresh as a daisy for the annual New Year’s Day Snowshoe at Walnut Mountain, sponsored by Livingston Manor’s Morgan Outdoors and the Renegades Mountain Bike Club. Call to register, 845-439-5507; you can also rent snowshoes in advance. Sunday, Jan. 1, 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
ULSTER COUNTY
If it’s not already sold out, the Peekamoose’s annual New Year’s party in Big Indian is reliably a rager: dancing, photo booth shenanigans, champagne, and of course terrific local food. Call for reservations: 845-254-6500. $45; 9 p.m. - 1 a.m.
Local soul rock legends Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds, fronted by Halcottsville’s own Arleigh Kincheloe, are playing the Bearsville Theater in Woodstock on New Year’s Eve. Tickets $40; VIP packages available. Showtime at 9:30 p.m.
The Emerson Resort’s Woodnotes Grille in Mount Tremper is a classy place to dance the night away to the funky sounds of the D-Squared Band. $35/person includes dinner and champagne toast. Call for reservations: 845-688-2828. 5 p.m. - 1 a.m.
The newly-reincarnated Smokin Boars BBQ, now open in Lake Katrine almost a year after a devastating fire put them out of business, is celebrating their first big event with a barbecue buffet and the Ben Rounds Band. $55 in advance, $65 at the door. 8 p.m. - midnight.
Know of a great New Year's event happening in the Catskills this year? Let us know with a comment below.
