It starts in October, when retailers start sneaking Christmas displays into the background, when tinsel and ghoulish masks mix in the shopping aisles.
The holiday season seems to begin earlier each year, with shopping and family and food preparation rolling like a boulder down a hill toward Thanksgiving, holding our collective breath through Black Friday, and speed skating through December toward Christmas and Hanukkah.
By the time we reach New Year’s Eve, it’s no wonder we’re all ready to make new resolutions, to shake off the last few months of frenzy and start fresh. New Year’s Day offers the chance to start 2016 with intention, and New Year’s Eve gives the opportunity to salute our triumphs and trials of 2015.
So, as Ella Fitzgerald crooned so beautifully in 1960, it’s time to ask: “What are you doing New Year’s Eve?”
Here’s a breakdown of some of the major events happening throughout the valley on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1; be sure to check www.FlatheadEvents.net for day-to-day schedule updates.
Whitefish
New Year’s in Whitefish usually starts with a bang, in the form of fireworks lighting up the night sky above the ski slopes at Whitefish Mountain Resort. The resort has made Big Mountain one of the places to be to ring in a new year, with the New Year’s Eve Rail Jam, Torchlight Parade, and fireworks show to cap it all off.
Skiers and snowboarders can sign up for the rail jam from 5:15 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., and starting immediately thereafter is the Dash for Cash, from 5:30-5:45, during which anyone looking to make a quick buck can run a wacky obstacle course for a chance to win $100.
The snowboard jam runs from 5:45 p.m. to 6 p.m., with another Dash for Cash from 6 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. Then, from 6:15 to 6:30, the top skiers and boarders in each division from each division will throw their best tricks to take the top prize, followed by the torchlight parade and fireworks.
Awards will follow, and then live music runs late into the night, with Brent Jameson and the Sordid Seeds rocking Ed and Mully’s until 10 p.m., and music at the Bierstube until midnight. WMR suggests pre-purchasing your tickets to the ‘Stube party, because it sells out every year. Call 406-862-1993 for more information, or visit www.skiwhitefish.com.
Downtown Whitefish will be sparkling and alive on New Year’s Eve, with many of the bars and restaurants hosting special events. Check out www.FlatheadEvents.net for a listing of live music, dinner specials, cover charges, and more.
Kalispell
For more than a decade and a half, the folks at First Night Flathead have provided a family friendly, non-alcoholic way to really party in the New Year while enjoying the musical stylings from local talent.
The celebration begins with free family events at Kalispell Center Mall and the Red Lion Fireside Lounge, running from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Included in these events are party-hat decorating, face painting, jewelry making, arts and crafts, hula hooping, and the FNF Commencement Parade.
As the evening continues, so does the fun: at least 20 entertainers will be at venues throughout downtown, playing music ranging from the wild guitar of Dan Dubuque to the fast feet and smooth moves of North End Swing.
A button gets you access to everything, and they cost $12 in advance or $15 at the door. Children 12 and under are free when accompanied by a buttoned adult. FNF buttons are available at many Kalispell, Bigfork, and Evergreen retailers, with a full list available at www.FirstNightFlathead.org.
Bigfork
The Village by the Bay specializes in the pre- and post-party of New Year’s Eve this year, with The Perfect Pre-Party at Whistling Andy Distillery running from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., during which revelers will be treated to live music, catered hors d’oeuvres, and craft cocktails.
Then, on New Year’s Day, the biggest party is in Woods Bay, just five miles south of Bigfork, for the 22nd annual Polar Bear Plunge at The Raven. It’s a refreshing if not frigid way to start 2016; registration starts at 10 a.m., followed by the annual parade of the brave (or foolish, depending on the weather) at 1:45 p.m., and then the Plunge at 2 p.m. Costumes are encouraged, and onlookers are appreciated as well. Parking is at a premium in tiny Woods Bay, so carpooling is suggested. For more information, call 406-837-2836 or visit www.sleepeatdrink.com.