Visiting the mountains any time of year is cause for celebration, but New Year’s brings it up a notch. Bubbly celebrations, eye-catching fireworks displays and record-setting parades welcome any that make the journey. Here’s three New Year’s celebrations in the High Sierra to consider when planning your 2024-25 festivities.

Surf & Turf Your Way Into The New Year

Lobby of Tenaya Lodge
Image appears courtesy: Tenaya Lodge

The world famous Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite is hosting an unforgettable New Year’s Eve dinner. Ring in 2025 with an evening of sparkling décor, delicious food, festive cocktails, and live entertainment — all set within the beautiful landscape of the Sierra National Forest and minutes from Yosemite National Park. Featuring live music from the Valley Cats, boogie and groove your way into the new year with a champagne toast.

Check out more about this event and others happening in and around Yosemite.

World’s Largest Torchlight Parade

New Year's In The High Sierra World's Largest Torchlight Parade Squaw Valley
Image appears courtesy: Palisades Tahoe

As part of the Merry Days & Holly Nights festivities during the holidays, the team at Palisades Tahoe hosts a New Year’s celebration like no other. Each year, skiers and snowboarders can sign up to join the annual torchlight parade, where they glide down the mountain illuminated by colorful LED torches. The parade is then followed by an incredible fireworks display!

Family Friendly Fireworks Spectacular

New Years Eve Fireworks Mammoth Lakes California High Sierra
Image appears courtesy: Mammoth Mountain

Make New Year’s a night for your entire family to remember at Mammoth Mountain. This free, kid-friendly event features live music and a fireworks spectacular starting at 9 pm over the Village. For those looking for something even more special, gain access to the Village gondola deck and experience the “best view in the house”. Kids will love the visit from Woolly, face painting, party favors, hot cocoa and holiday snacks. Plus, parents will love the cash bar. Tickets are available on the Mammoth Mountain website.

Check out more about this event & others happening in and around Mammoth Lakes.

Sure, you can head to a big city for New Year’s but why? It’ll be expensive, over-crowded and the pressure of having the greatest night ever will be too much. Instead, head to the High Sierra where the living is easy and the attitude is relaxed. Combine it with a full vacation of fun & talk about a WIN-WIN!

Author: Alex Silgalis

Alex founded Local Freshies® in 2014 to be the #1 website providing the “local scoop” on where to eat, drink & play in mountain towns throughout North America. When he’s not writing and executing marketing strategies for small businesses & agencies, he’s in search of the deepest snow in the winter and tackiest dirt in the summer.





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