If “make New Year’s Eve plans” is on your holiday To Do list, the time to act is now. There are a few venues hosting events in Lake Oswego but they fill up so you want to put the shopping and wrapping aside for a moment and make your reservations. Consider these three options.
LAKE OSWEGO
Tavern on Kruse. If you want to get all gussied up with someplace local to go, this is your spot. Enjoy a club-like atmosphere while rocking out on the dance floor to the tunes of the two-time Oregon Music Hall of Famer Andy Stokes and band. Purchase your libations of choice at two bars, order from the light menu, enjoy complimentary appetizers and toast with champagne on the house at midnight. Doors open at 8:00 p.m. and seating is first come-first served. Tickets are limited at $100 per person and available by calling 503.303.5280. 4835 Meadows Road.
Gemini Bar and Grill. If you want to get things started a little earlier, make plans at the Gemini Bar and Grill. This popular Lake Oswego hangout will open its doors at 6:00 p.m. on New Year’s Eve and later in the night you’ll find yourself dancing to the sounds of Stump City Soul (show starts at 8:30 p.m.) Order from a special New Year’s Eve menu then toast in the New Year with free champagne and enjoy free snacks before you head home. Advance tickets are $60 and include a $20 dining credit with reserved table seating which you can select online. Tickets at the door are only $30 but do not guarantee a seat. 456 N. State Street, 503.636.9445.
Domaine Serene Wine Lounge. Book a spot at Lake Oswego’s culinary newcomer. There will be two prix-fixe menus with the later one including access to the after party complete with live music, DJ and sparking midnight toast. Earlier reservations are at the half hour beginning at 5:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. for a four-course meal at $75/person; $35 more for wine pairings. The second shift begins at 7:30 p.m. through 9:00 p.m. and features a six-course menu for $120 with wine pairings an additional $50. Book online through Open Table or by calling 503.664.7030. 300 1st Street.
FAMILY FUN
Wilsonville Family Fun Center. Head down to Wilsonville especially if you plan on celebrating with your kids. Attractions include Go-Karts, Miniature Golf, the Rock Wall, Batting Cages, Sky Trail Ropes Course, Lazer Tag, Bumper Boats, Kidopolis Playland, the Frog Hopper, and arcade games. You can select the ticket package that suits you best. Hours: 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. 29111 SW Town Center Loop, Wilsonville, 503.685.5000.
Oregon Garden. Another family-friendly way to ring in the New Year is a visit to the Oregon Christmas Garden in Silverton on its last day of the season. Activities include live music, artisan vendors, ice skating, snowless tubing, a 100 foot long candy cane tunnel, a Biergarten and one million lights. Activities and pricing vary. Night skating and tubing opens at 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.
Sign up for the late shift and you can ring in the New Year to the big band sound of Blue Skies dance band. The party starts at 7:00 p.m. with swing lessons from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. followed by the band taking the stage from 9:00 p.m. to 12 midnight. $75/person or $130/couple. Special overnight packages are available that include a room at the Oregon Garden resort. 879 W. Main Street, Silverton.
PORTLAND
The Governor’s Ball. Think swank and high-end and you’ll get the idea of what’s in store for you at The Sentinel Hotel on New Year’s Eve. Choose your experience from 7:00 p.m. reserved seating and a three-course dinner catered by Jake’s at $225/person or come later at 10:00 p.m. and enjoy the party scene and dancing for $125. 614 SW 11th Avenue.
Pink Martini New Year’s Eve Celebration. If you’re a Pink Martini fan, this is your ticket featuring the popular Portland group along with the Portland Youth Philharmonic and special guest Ari Shapiro. Two performances: 7:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Tickets range from $34 to $115. Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 SW Broadway.
Champagne Ball. This event rises to the occasion with four party rooms, three dance floors and 18 bars. If that sounds like your kind of party scene then buy your tickets now. Prices range from $89 (for admission after 10:00 p.m.) to $179, with several price points in between. Admission before 10:00 p.m. includes an hors d’oeuvres buffet from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., desserts and midnight pizza as well as live music provided by the Hit Machine and three DJ’s. Make it a night and book a room at the hotel. Hilton Portland Hotel, 921 SW 6th Avenue.
New Year’s Eve Midnight Chocolate Buffet. If a chocolate hangover sounds like a great way to start the New Year, then head over to Pix Patisserie starting at 10:00 p.m. The $10 admission comes with a glass of Cava and everything chocolate from mousse, cake and meringue to ice cream, truffles and beer. First come, first served until the chocolate runs out. 2225 E. Burnside.
If you are looking for a more non-traditional way to ring in the New Year, take a look at one of my earlier posts here.
And if buying or selling your home is on your New Year’s To Do list, be sure to give me a call. I’ve been helping people buy and sell their homes in Lake Oswego for over 30 years and would love to put my experience to work for you. I’d be happy to provide you with a free market analysis of your current home and/or give you a tour of some homes currently on the market in your price range. Give me a call at 503.939.9801 and/or check out my website.
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