Celebrate New Year’s Eve Orange County-style

Here comes 2020! A special new year worthy of a special celebration.

Exciting events are happening right here in the Hudson Valley. Get your Gatsby on at a fun Roaring 20’s-themed gala or join in the excitement at a national treasure, as West Point’s historic Thayer Hotel elegantly rings in the New Year. Whether you’re looking for a festive night out with friends, a romantic evening with your significant other, or a gathering with the whole family, Orange County has a party for you. (Look out, Big Apple!)

“New Year’s Eve is a special night to reflect on the past and celebrate our hopes for the future, and it’s important to find just the right place to share the magic with the ones you love,” said Amanda Dana, Orange County Tourism Director. “Some of our most popular event spaces are outdoing themselves to usher in the new decade in style. No matter which you choose, you’re sure to have a memorable good time.”

Where's the party?

● New Year’s Eve Gala at Anthony’s Pier 9, 2975 Route 9W, New Windsor: Ring in the New Year at one of the biggest and most popular parties in the Hudson Valley. The New Year’s Eve Gala kicks off at 7:00 p.m. on December 31. Dress to impress in 1920’s garb – or today’s cocktail attire – for this soiree that includes a signature prohibition martini bar and ice luge, along with fine dining and dancing. The banquet-seating event also includes a deluxe cocktail hour, chilled and passed hors d’oeuvres, fine dining dinner and decadent desserts. Admission also includes a champagne toast, with party favors and noise makers at midnight. Cost is $120. For details, inquiries and reservations, call (845) 565-3390 or visit piernine.com/events.

● New Year’s Eve at Cedar Lakes, 1 Team USA Way, Port Jervis: Cedar Lakes Estate offers an polished New Year’s Eve celebration, complete with cocktail hour, full open bar until 1 a.m., and a midnight toast. A six-course chef’s tasting menu will highlight classic New Year’s Eve luxuries, all made from locally sourced ingredients. Dress for the evening’s theme, The Roaring 20’s, or choose contemporary cocktail attire. The evening begins at 7 p.m. on Dec. 31. Reservations are now being accepted, and will remain available until one week prior to the event or until it sells out. Cost is $225. For details, inquiries or reservations, call 845-533-3328 or visit exploretock.com/cedarlakesestate.

● New Year’s Eve at Villa Venezia, 2257 Goshen Turnpike, Middletown: Villa Venezia transports you back in time to the 1920s, so that you can dance the Charleston and bring 2020 in with style. The evening will begin at 7 p.m. and continue until 1 a.m., including an open bar throughout all six hours. The chefs will prepare a four-course dinner with appetizers and desserts. Dance to the music of international party-starter DJ Victor Vargas and his crew, including MC Jay Vegas, musicians, and the popular Vargas Production DJs. Cost is $120. For details or reservations, call 845-692-3300 or visit villaveneziany.com/upcoming-events.

● New Year’s Eve Midnight Gala at The Thayer Hotel, 674 Thayer Road, West Point: Celebrate the excitement of the New Year on the historic grounds of West Point, inside the handsome MacArthur's Riverview Restaurant. The Thayer Hotel’s midnight gala treats revelers to six hours of open bar, a sumptuous cocktail hour, a four-course meal highlighted by the duet of petit filet mignon and pan-seared salmon, plus a midnight toast with champagne and party favors. The gala costs $375 per couple. Overnight packages, including your stay at The Thayer Hotel and brunch the next morning, are $575 per couple. Forinquiries or reservations, call 845-446-4731, ext. 7929 or visit thethayerhotel.com/events-at-the-thayer.html.

Stay safe and stay the night. Wake up on the first day of 2020 in one of Orange County’s B&Bs or select hotels. From rustic to contemporary, there are great places to book your overnight accommodations early, so that you can celebrate responsibly.

Check out all of the New Year’s Eve listings at OrangeTourism.org/events and make your reservations now.

For a free copy of the Orange County Travel Guide, e-mail tourism@orangecountygov.com or call 845-615-3860.