Where does the time go? 2014 is nearly now a memory and 2015 looms large.
Whether you’re looking for a blow-out New Year’s Eve party or something a little more subdued, WhatcomTalk has you covered with our list of the goings-on around Bellingham and Whatcom County on the big night.
Dancing and dining options abound. Celebrate 2015 right!
A Manhattan New Year’s Eve Celebration at Lynden’s Jansen Art Center
Love New Year’s, but not staying up late? Then celebrate a Manhattan New Year’s Eve at the Jansen Art Center in Lynden (and still be in bed before midnight). The event will include a happy hour, live music with Telefon, Darla Bradshaw Lobb with guitarist Walt Burkett, and Cheryl Hodge, plus a four-course dinner, beer, wine, and champagne. It all leads up to the live streaming of the Times Square Ball Drop to ring in 2015. The event is December 31 from 5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Tickets are $80 and can be purchased at the Jansen Art Center Gallery Gift Shop or by phone: 360.354.3600. For more info about the Jansen Art Center, visit their website.
New Year’s Eve Party With Flannel: 90s Tribute at the Shakedown
Party like you’re in your 20s again with ’90s tribute band Flannel at the Shakedown. The band will play three sets of covers of your favorite songs from the ’90s, in the vein of Weezer, Blink 182, the Dave Matthews Band and many more. Flannel has come to be one of the most popular party bands in Bellingham, so it’s only natural that they’ll be the life of the party for New Year’s Eve. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 day of show, and include a complimentary glass of champagne. The Shakedown is at 1212 North State Street in Bellingham. The Shakedown will be dressed for a party – and word on the street is there may even be a confetti cannon.
New Year’s Eve Variety Show at Honey Moon
Bellingham’s Honey Moon presents its first ever New Year’s Eve Variety Show with aerialists (yes, aerialists!), dancers, musicians, storytelling, poetry, astrology readings, and more. The extraordinary show kicks off at 8:30 p.m. Cover is $10 and includes a special noshing buffet and complimentary cider toast at midnight. Advance tickets available by calling 360.734.0728, or stop by Honey Moon at 1053 North State Street Alley.
Yogoman Burning Band’s New Orleans Masquerade Ball at the Wild Buffalo
Yogoman celebrates its 10-year anniversary in style at the Wild Buffalo on New Year’s Eve with a New Orleans Masquerade Ball. They band will perform all four of its studio albums. Yogoman – aka Jordan Rain – is heading down to New Orleans in early 2015 for an ambitious musical project; this event hopes to help with a crowdfunding campaign for Yogoman to rehearse and live in New Orleans for three months.
Bellingham Country Dance Society
Bring in the New Year on your feet, with the Bellingham Country Dance Society’s New Year’s Eve Gala Dance and Party. Beginning at 8:00 p.m. at the Eagles Hall at 1125 North Forest Street in Bellingham, this alcohol-free celebration will include a finger food potluck, dancing, and party favors. Portland’s Wild Hair will play the tunes, with Marlin Prowell calling.
Uisce Irish Pub
Bellingham’s favorite Irish pub rings in 2015 in style with tunes by DJ KitchenSink all night long and their annual champagne toast at midnight. They’re claiming it will be there best New Year’s Eve party yet – and have you been to their St. Patrick’s Day bashes? Go find out if they’re right!
Semiahmoo Resort’s Pierside Kitchen
Would you rather enjoy a quiet meal over dancing on the ceiling? Pierside Kitchen at Blaine’s Semiahmoo Resort is celebrating the New Year with a seasonal five-course menu created especially for the holiday. Tickets are $85 per person ($125 with wine pairings, $55 for children 6-12; free for children 5 and under). Prepare your taste buds for something spectacular – read the entire menu here.
Hotel Bellwether’s Lighthouse Bar & Grill
Hotel Bellwether’s Lighthouse Bar and Grill will serve a special New Year’s Eve three-course menu from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 31. Choose from rack of lamb, scallops and prawns, duck breast, or beef tenderloin for the main course. Peruse the entire exceptional menu here.
Best Western Plus
You’re invited to Poppe’s 360 Lounge at the Best Western Lakeway Inn for a New Year’s Eve celebration to remember. For a $10 cover, guests can enjoy the music of DJ Ryan-I, a champagne toast, and a raffle for prizes. The party kicks off at 9:00 p.m. and reservations are not necessary.
Rhododendron Café
Celebrate the New Year in high culinary style at The Rhody with Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin Champagne and choice of prosciutto-wrapped sea scallop or duck breast appetizer, shaved beet salad, lobster tail or filet mignon, and chocolate torte or raspberry crème brûlée. Reservations are required, with seatings at 5:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. The cafe is located at 5521 Chuckanut Drive in Bow.
Nooksack River Casino
The Nooksack River Casino celebrates New Year’s Eve with free live entertainment, a photo booth, midnight balloon drop, and cash drawings from 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. – plus its delicious buffet featuring prime rib and seafood specialties for $24.95.
Skagit Valley Casino Resort
Skagit Valley Casino Resort ushers in 2015 with its New Year’s Eve Gala 2015 featuring the Beatniks, starting at 8:00 p.m. in the Pacific Showroom. Reserved seating is $90 and includes buffet dinner and entertainment. 5984 North Darrk Lane in Bow.
New Year’s Eve Party at the Elks Lodge
Bellingham’s Elk Lodge invites folks to join them for an exciting evening of dinner and dancing, ringing in the New Year in an old way. The theme is Titanic, and it’s guaranteed to be a blast from the past. Music will be provided by Cruise Brothers with Jan Akkryod. Please call the Lodge office at 360.733.3333 for reservations; space is limited, and reservations are a must. 710 Samish Way in Bellingham.
New Year’s Eve at the Fraternal Order of Eagles
Bellingham’s Fraternal Order of Eagles invites the community to ring in New Year’s Eve together, with a prime rib dinner. Cost is $12; please RSVP to Mrs. Luanne Peel at aux31secretary@gmail.com. Hats, horns, and champagne toast will be provided. 1125 North Forest Street in Bellingham.
Earlier Celebrations For The Younger Ones
And what about the small set? If you’d like to celebrate New Year’s Eve with your kiddos, but can’t keep them up too late, consider Perch & Play’s Countdown to Noon from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (1707 North State Street in Bellingham) or Lynden Skateway’s New Year’s Eve Skate Party from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
