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New Year’s celebrations are ready to burst upon the scene across Northern California, and this year’s message looks to be “go big and celebrate.” Start with great music, throw in some Sierra snow, fabulous fireworks and plenty of activities for the whole family. Here are five options for your big night.
1 Snowglobe Music Festival
From Dec. 29 to 31, South Lake Tahoe hosts the ultimate holiday party for music lovers, snowboarders and skiers of all ages. It’s a one-of-a-kind celebration. Three stages ring in the new year with a diverse lineup of musicians and DJs, including Skrillex, Fisher, Gigantic Nghtmre, Griz, Louis the Child, Tchami x Malaa, Zhu, Vince Staples, E-40, Lil Tecca and Earthgang. Along the main stage, SnowGlobe’s Big Air activation will feature professional ski and snowboard demos. Make a multi-day event out of it or just get a ticket for New Year’s Eve.
Details: 2-10 p.m. Dec. 29-30, 3 p.m.-1 a.m. Dec 31 at Lake Tahoe Community College Field, 1 College Drive, South Lake Tahoe. Tickets $99 to $239; http://snowglobemusicfestival.com.
2 Heavenly Holidays New Year’s Eve Celebration
Heavenly Ski Resort will see in the New Year with a free festival that combines fireworks, music and plenty of razzle-dazzle. The festival lineup includes DJ CashMaster, The Austin Mo Experience, The Garage Boys, CJ Solar and more. Country star Jerrod Niemann, known for his word play and grab-you lyrics, will take the stage to perform for the New Year’s Eve — Eastern Time — countdown. Plus: a gondola ball drop and streamer blast, a live aerial drone show and spectacular fireworks.
Details: 2 to 9:30 p.m. Dec. 31, Heavenly Ski Resort, 4080 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe. Free admission; www.skiheavenly.com.
3 Winterfest New Year’s Eve Celebration
Winterfest, the monthlong holiday celebration at California’s Great America in Santa Clara, culminates in a family-friendly New Year’s Eve party that features a fireworks show, live bands and DJs throughout the park, Snoopy’s Rockin’ NYE Party and a midnight countdown. Start early so you can enjoy the illuminated winter wonderland, ice skating, horse and carriage rides, live shows and holiday treats. Check out the kids rides in Charlie Brown’s Christmas Town — and don’t miss the thrill rides, like RailBlazer, Drop Tower and the Grizzly.
Details: 5 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Dec. 31, California Great America, 4701 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara. Admission starts at $27; www.cagreatamerica.com.
4 First Night Monterey
Historic Downtown Monterey comes alive on New Year’s Eve with its 27th annual community celebration of the arts. More than 20 indoor and outdoor venues will feature performances by dancers, singer, poets and musicians performing classical, folk, jazz, hip-hop, salsa, reggae, rock and world music for all ages. Browse the artwork — created at year-round outreach programs — as well as displays and food. The Kids’ Night Out, which starts at 3 p.m., will feature kid-friendly music, art and activities, culminating with a twilight procession to ring in the new year.
Details: 3 p.m. to midnight Dec. 31, Historic Downtown Monterey. Admission buttons are $10 to $25; www.firstnightmonterey.org.
5 New Year’s Eve Sky Spectacular
The Old Sacramento Waterfront is the place to be on New Year’s Eve as the skies light up with bright splashes of light. The free festivities include live music, colorful street entertainment and children’s activities, with restaurant specials and food vendors on hand to keep guests fueled. You’ll be awed by the fireworks display at 9 p.m.
Details: 6 to 10 p.m., Dec. 31, Old Sacramento Waterfront, Front Street, Sacramento. Free admission; www.nyesacramento.com.