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Best New Year's Eve Parties In Sacramento

Without a doubt, New Year's Eve is the night most notorious for parties of epic proportions. This year, Sacramento is offering an eclectic variety of options to fit everyone's needs. Whether your style is that of being under the stars in intimate settings or in a raging crowd with  strangers, Sacramento has you covered. Truly one of the most important components is being with those you care about on this night. Grab some loved ones and prepare to head out to one of the events on this list.
Picture taken on December 11, 2008 in Re
(credit: FRANCOIS NASCIMBENI/AFP/Getty Images)

Hornblower New Year's Eve Gala
Old Sacramento L Street Dock
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 446-1185
www.hornblower.com

Price: $133 per person

Hornblower cruises are fairly new to Sacramento. Not many years ago, you could go into Old Sacramento and hop on a dinner cruise on the Mathew McKinley or Spirit of Sacramento. When those two lines stopped running, the void was filled by Hornblower. On December 31st, the ship will board at 5:45 p.m. for a three-hour trip. Your admission gets you a pre-boarding photo, cocktails, champagne, party favors, a buffet dinner and dancing. While this party ends before the ball drops at 9 p.m., it is expected to fill up quickly. 

sacramentorivertrain
(credit: sacramentorivertrain.com)

New Year's Eve Express
341 Industrial Way
Woodland, CA 95776
(800) 866-1690
www.sacramentorivertrain.com

Price: $67-$92

If you really want to do something different this year, this is it. Take a ride on the Sacramento River Train starting in Woodland. This trip includes an initial mixer where appetizers will be served. Once the mixer wraps up, there will be a three-course dinner in the dining coaches. You can then finish off the evening in the club coaches for dancing with either the live band or DJ. Party favors will be handed out to all guests. This is a perfect night out for those who would prefer not to drive on New Year's Eve.

Related: Best Bars And Nightclubs With Retro Nights In Sacramento

firehouse new years
(credit: firehouseoldsac.com)

Firehouse
1112 2nd St.
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 442-4772
www.firehouseoldsac.com

One of Sacramento's most historic restaurants celebrates New Year's Eve a bit differently. Built in 1853, Firehouse restaurant was originally the home of Sacramento Firehouse Number 3. Now restored and declared an historical landmark, the building houses one of Sacramento's most iconic fine dining houses. On New Year's Eve, service will go from 5 p.m. until midnight. Guests can view the New Year's Eve fireworks show from the courtyard at both 9 p.m. and midnight. If you and your significant other are looking for something a little quieter but still a great night out, this is one you will want to look into. Reservations are highly recommended. 

professional guild
(credit: pguild.com)

Professionals Guild Annual Party at The Hilton
Hilton Sacramento Arden West Hotel
2200 Harvard St.
Sacramento, CA 95815
(916) 922-4700
www.pguild.com

Price: $65-$75

The Professionals Guild is a social organization that has dedicated itself to single, working professionals in both the Sacramento and Bay Areas. This party is a big one with lots going on. The price of admission gets you two free drink/food tickets and low-cost parking. There will be a big balloon drop at midnight and champagne with free refills after midnight. If you are looking to dance, there will be three ballrooms with music and dance floors. The first ballroom will feature a live band with a Latin theme and the second will be playing top 40 hits. The last ballroom will have an R&B band. There is an optional four-course dinner you can sign up for as well. Most guests spend the night at the hotel once this party is over, so plan accordingly.

Economic Downturn Causes Drop In Champagne Sales
(credit: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Hyatt Regency Sacramento
1209 L St.
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 443-1234
www.sacramento.hyatt.com

Price: $299-$499 per couple

This is a long-standing party every New Year's Eve in Sacramento. Not only does it go until 2 a.m., but there are package deals available for those staying in the hotel. Prices range from $299 to $499 per couple. On the lower tier, you get a room and admission to the party for yourself and your significant other along with two free drinks. As you move up the ladder, you can purchase packages which include parking, dinner and breakfast the next day. This event draws a tremendous crowd and is one of the more raging parties in town. This party also has the convenience factor of being located in downtown Sacramento and within stumbling distance from many of the local watering holes.

Related: Best Bars With Drinking Games In Sacramento

As a hospitality professional Andy Soto has worked every facet of the industry. He currently leads the team at Spectrum Restaurant Consulting. He started writing a hospitality blog in 2009 and restaurant writing for Sacramento Press in 2010. In 2011 Andy became a Sacramento Restaurant Examiner for Examiner.com. His work can be found on Examiner.com.

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