New Year’s Eve can generally go one of two ways: You sit around at home in your pajamas and fall asleep by 10:30, or you go out and go hard. I’m always a fan of the pajamaed option, but if you prefer to have a more memorable end to the year, here are a few suggestions.
Sacramento River Cruise: This one’s for the local history geeks. Take a one-hour cruise that takes you past riverside historical sights like the Tower Bridge and the Air Force docks. You’ll get a narration for much of the trip—expect to learn about John Sutter and the Gold Rush—but feel free to tune it out and enjoy the soft rocking of the boat, the sound of water lapping around you, and the beautiful sights of Sacramento at night.
Hyatt Regency Sacramento: If you’re looking for a pumped-up party atmosphere, the Hyatt’s got what you’re looking for. You can go the classy route and enjoy a cocktail in their bar, but that’s not the main event. This year, the Hyatt is teaming up with NOW 100.5 FM to put on the biggest dance party in town. DJ Rated R and headliner Pop Fiction are turning the Regency Ballroom into a pop-up nightclub, complete with complimentary champagne at midnight.
New Year’s Eve Express: Transport yourself into an earlier time on the Sacramento RiverTrain. As you roll from West Sacramento to Woodland along the river, you’ll be served appetizers followed by a three-course dinner in your beautiful train car. The night concludes with a dance party in the Club Car as the clock strikes midnight. Get tickets now before they sell out.
New Year’s Eve on the Delta King: Boat option number two promises a rollicking good time on a casino-themed Delta King. Put on your Vegas best and your poker face for a few rounds of blackjack, roulette and craps on the historical riverboat. The Delta King is offering prizes, dancing, a champagne toast, party favors and, of course, the perfect vista to watch the fireworks.
What: New Year’s Eve River Cruise
When: Dec. 31, 8:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. (boarding is 15 minutes prior to cruise time)
Where: Capital Hornblower, 1206 Front St., Old Sacramento
Cost: $30
What: Hyatt Regency Sacramento
When: Dec. 31, 9 p.m.-2 a.m.
Where: Hyatt Regency Sacramento, 1209 L St., Sacramento
Cost: $65
What: New Year’s Eve Express
When: Dec. 31, 8:30 pm.-12:30 a.m.
Where: Sacramento RiverTrain, 400 N Harbor Blvd., West Sacramento
Cost: $40-$92
What: New Year’s Eve on the Delta King
When: Dec. 31, 5 p.m.-12 a.m.
Where: Delta King riverboat, 1000 Front St., Old Sacramento
Cost: $55-$109
