2012 is upon us! And what better place to ring in the New Year and get a fresh start than in Sun Valley! Sure New York knows how to throw a street party, beach parties in Thailand are hard to beat and I heard that the fireworks in Sydney over the Opera House can be pretty spectacular.
But really, there is nothing better than celebrating a fresh start, the New Year and new beginnings here in the mountains of Idaho. And with a fresh blanketing of snow and plenty of options to celebrate in style, I’m pretty sure once that clock strikes midnight, you’ll be glad you’re here.
We have broken down the events by location in Sun Valley and Ketchum, as well as a listing just for kids and families. So read on to check out our roundup of New Year’s options around the Sun Valley area, then grab your loved ones and go celebrate Sun Valley style. We will see you in the New Year!
>> Events in Sun Valley
1. New Year’s Bubbly Bash at River Run Lodge: NOW SOLD OUT
Hopefully you got your ticket early because this event, put on by Sun Valley Resort and the Sun Valley Center for the Arts Junior Patrons Circle, will be hopping! Eighties cover band, Notorious, will be providing tunes and with a free champagne toast and photo booth, revelers will be partying the night away!
>>Where: River Run Lodge
>>When: New Year’s Eve, 9:00 PM to 1:00 AM.
>>Info: Tickets are now SOLD OUT!
2. Joe Fos Trio at the Sun Valley Duchin Room
Ring in the New Year in the classic Sun Valley Lodge bar–the Duchin Room. The Joe Fos Trio will be providing music and it is sure to be a special Sun Valley New Year’s Eve.
>>Where: Sun Valley Lodge, Duchin Room.
>>When: New Year’s Eve, Saturday, January 31.
>>Info:sunvalley.com, Call 208.622.4111 for more info.
3. Trail Creek Sleigh Ride: Celebrate Idaho-style!
Try an old, Idaho tradition to celebrate the start of 2012 with a classic horse-drawn sleigh. Starting and ending at the Sun Valley Inn, this ride takes you and your family out to the Trail Creek Cabin for dinner and brings you back under a canopy of stars. Dress warmly and get ready to celebrate!
>>Where: Sun Valley Inn and Trail Creek Cabin
>>When: New Year’s Eve, Saturday, January 31.
>>Info: Call for reservations 208-622-2135.
4. New Year’s Even Dinner at the Roundhouse
With one of the best views in town and some of the best dinner in the Valley, the only on-mountain lodge that offers dinner service is the Roundhouse–and it offers a picturesque and romantic setting for your New Year’s Eve dinner. The ride up and down the gondola also provides a little more romance for the evening.
>>Where: The Roundhouse, Bald Mountain. Park at River Run and ride the River Run Gondola.
>>When: New Year’s Eve, Saturday, January 31st.
>>Info: Call 208.622.4111 for details! Dinner reservations are currently booked but they are taking names for the wait list.
5. The Ram: New Year’s Dinner in the Sun Valley Village
Head to the cute and quaint Sun Valley Village for a New Year’s Eve dinner you won’t soon forget. The Ram is offering a five-course gourmet meal for $79 per person. Head to the nearby Inn Lobby Lounge to ring in the New Year after dinner!
>>Where: Sun Valley Village, the Ram Restaurant.
>>When: New Year’s Eve, Saturday, January 31.
>>Info: Call 208.622.4111 to inquire about availability.
>> Events in Ketchum
1. Reckless Kelly at Whiskey Jacques: The wildest party in town!
Nationally successful country-rock band, and native Idahoans, Reckless Kelly, headlines the main event in downtown Ketchum. Get ready for a wild night of dancing and fun at Ketchum’s favorite bar, Whiskey Jacques!
>>When: New Year’s Eve, Saturday, January 31. Doors open at 9:00 PM.
>>Info: Advance ticket sales are now over. Tickets will be available at the door for $75/person. Contact Whiskey Jacques for more info, 208.726.5297.
2. Ring in the New Year at the Roosevelt Grille!
DJ Lenny Joseph will be spinning tunes and there will be plenty of dancing to be had at Ketchum’s Roosevelt Grille. Come in for dinner before the party gets rocking at 10:00 PM! Tickets are available starting today and include a complimentary Champagne toast and party favors!
>>When: New Year’s Eve, Saturday, January 31. Party starts at 10:00 PM.
>>Info: Call 208.720.0051 for dinner reservations or to get your wristbands for the party!
3. Romantic Italian New Year’s Dinner at Il Naso
Romance your loved ones with an intimate and delicious dinner at Ketchum’s Il Naso. Dine by candlelight with this five-course, prix fixe meal with a complimentary glass of prosecco.
>>Where: Il Naso, 480 North Washington Ave, Ketchum.
>>When: New Year’s Eve, Saturday, January 31.
>>Info: Call 208.726.7776 for reservations.
4. Dance the night away at the Casino with Old Death Whisper
Ketchum’s famous dive bar, the Casino on Main Street in Ketchum, is hosting local folk/country/rock band, Old Death Whisper for their New Year’s Eve party. Come get into a little trouble and party down with the locals!
>>Where: The Casino, Main Street, Ketchum.
>>When: New Year’s Eve, Saturday, January 31. Party starts at 10:00 PM.
>>Info: $15/person at the door.
>> For the Young Ones – Families & Kids!
1. Sun Valley New Year’s Eve Party for the Kids!
The kids have their own party this year! Kids of all ages are welcome for food, beverages and fun in the Sun Valley Inn’s Continental Room. Come check it out!
>>Where: Sun Valley Inn, Continental Room.
>>When: New Year’s Eve, Saturday, January 31st. 7:30 PM to 1:00 AM.
>>Info: Call 208.622.4111 for reservations. $75/person.
Experience the thrills and excitement of Micro-Reality Stock Car Racing
Thursday, December 29 & Saturday December 31
6p – 10p
$25 per person at the door
Youth and those young at heart are welcome to join in the fun! Video Games, Fast Track Auto Racing, Guitar Hero, Hose Hockey, Giant Twister, Speed Pitch, Calf Roping Lessons, Electronic Putting Challenge, Music & Prizes!
New Year’s Eve Party
Kids of all ages are invited to celebrate New Year’s Eve with us in the Inn Continental Room
Celebrate New Year’s Eve Sun Valley style in the Limelight Ballroom from 9pm-1am.
This year, dance the night away to the Rock n’Soul sounds of the The Freddy Pink Band!
There will also be hors d’oeuvres, cash bars and a champagne toast at midnight!
Tickets are $75 per adult (no children please) at the Sun Valley Recreation Center (208) 622-2135. Also available at the door.
For New Year’s Eve dinner reservations at one of our fine restaurants please call (208) 622-2800 Limelight Party tickets only $35 for those who dine at Trail Creek Cabin, The Ram, The Lodge Dining Room or Gretchen’s Restaurant for New Year’s Eve.
Evening Child Care is available-
For kids age 6 and up call (208) 622-2135 for more information.
For kids age 6 and under please call the Sun Valley Playschool at (208) 622-2288
Before you hit the town on New Year’s Eve, enjoy and elegant dinner in the Lodge Dining Room. Dinner will be served from 6-9:30pm and reservations are now being accepted. Please call (208) 622-2800.
After dinner head over to the Sun Valley Inn Limelight Ballroom to party and dance with the Freddy Pink Band from 9-midnight!
Celebrate a special New Year’s Eve dinner with your loved one in the Lodge Dining Room on December 31
featuring a Cocktail Reception and Gourmet 4-Course Dinner. Cost is $145 per person and $85 per child (under age 12). Please call (208) 622-2800 for reservations.
This year there will be 8:30-9:30pm Cocktail Reception in the Lodge Sun Room from 8:30-9:30pm
with the talented Aaron Baker performing on piano. At 9:30pm, move into the Lodge Dining Room for an exquisite four-course dinner featuring live music & dancing with the Brooks Hartell Trio.
Celebrate New Year’s Eve Sun Valley style in the Limelight Ballroom from 9pm-1am.
This year, dance the night away with the High Street Band!
There will also be hors d’oeuvres, cash bars and a champagne toast at midnight!
o Tickets are $75 per adult (no children please) at the Sun Valley Recreation Center (208) 622-2135
Sun Valley Playschool evening activities for children ages 18 months to 5 years.
Games, crafts, movies, includes a visit to the Sun Valley Continental Room Youth Party.
Snacks provided. Sleeping facilities available.
Time: 6pm – 1am
New Year’s Eve Cost: $18 per hour/per child. Dinner is option for an additional $8
Advanced Playschool Reservations required: (208) 622-2288.
Please call for day-time rates and hours.