Countdown to 2017
Casinos offer entertainment, parties to ring in the new year
Whether 2016 was one of your best or one to forget, several casinos are making sure that you have a good time ringing in 2017 with entertainment and more.
The Downs Racetrack & Casino starts off New Year’s Eve with a plan to help fill your stomach with some delightful offerings from The Crown Room. The four-course menu will be available from 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31. It begins with canoe-cut roasted bone marrow with cilantro lime vinaigrette, bacon marmalade and a grilled baguette. A pairing of Benvolio Pino Grigio ($12 per glass ) is suggested. Next is the Kentucky creamy tomato soup, served with a grilled baguette. Chateau St. Jean Chardonnay ($9 per glass) is recommended for this course. The third course consists of a tender veal chop served with a rosemary sage ragout mashed potato and vegetable medley. A pairing of Ponzi Pinot Noir ($13 per glass) is suggested. The experience ends with a roasted pistachio mascarpone cake. A paring of Chateau St. Michelle Riesling is suggested for this dessert for $7 per glass. The four-course menu is $39.95 per person. Reserve your spot by calling 7677180 or visit opentable.com.
The New Year’s Eve fun does not end at The Crown Room. The party continues into the night at the First Turn Lounge and its “Party Like It’s 1999!” celebration beginning at 9 p.m. There is no cover for this event, which features DJ Chil playing the best of the ’70s, ’80s, ’90s and 2000s. The lives of David Bowie and Prince also will be honored with many of their great songs and a costume contest for cash. The best Bowie and Prince costumes win $150. At midnight, enjoy a champagne toast to cheer in the new year.
For more information on The Downs, call 767-7171 or visit abqdowns.com.
SANDIA RESORT & CASINO: Ring in 2017 with not one but several New Year’s Eve celebrations at Sandia Resort & Casino. Sandia is going big with its “NYE Glitz & Glam Dance Party” from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Saturday inside the Sandia Ballroom. The event will feature entertainment by DJ Shy and Andrew Cooper & Co. There also will be a cash bar to purchase your favorite cocktails, beer and more. A balloon drop at midnight will ring in the 2017. This is a 21-and-older event and costs $20 per person. For tickets, visit the Sandia box office or ticketmaster.com.
Just a step away from Sandia’s gambling floor is Thur Pa Lounge, which will have its own celebration from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Saturday. Dance the night away to the music of the Diamond Empire Band and DJ Cut. The event is open to ages 21 and older and costs $25 per person. Get there early, because this place gets jampacked. Across the way, the Ba Shie Lounge also will be having a bash to ring in the new year from 5 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.
Head upstairs to the Bien Shur Lounge for more entertainment. This party has no cover and will also feature a balloon drop at midnight. Show off your best dance moves to the music of Blu Sol, who will perform from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. The lounge opens at 4 p.m.
For more information on Sandia Resort & Casino, call 796-7500 or visit sandiacasino.com.
SANTA ANA STAR CASINO: Take a trip inspired by the tales of “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” this New Year’s Eve during “Wonderland New Year’s Eve” beginning at 9 p.m. Saturday at The Stage inside Santa Ana Star Casino. The evening will transport guests to a “wonder-filled realm” filled with enormous chess pieces, bright flowers, towering mushrooms and a grinning feline,” according to a Santa Ana Star Casino news release. This event for ages 21 and older will feature great dance music by DJ C.L.A. from Las Vegas, Nev. who will playing a mix of Top 40, electronic dance music, hip-hop hits and more. Also enjoy specialty cocktails and VIP amenities throughout the night.
The event is $35 per person or $60 per couple, general admission. VIP tickets are available for $100 each and include exclusive access to the Mad Hatter-themed Sky Level VIP Lounge and VIP bar. There will be specialty “Wonderland” cocktails from 9 to 11 p.m. as well as hors d’oeuvres and a sparkling-wine toast at midnight. Private VIP sections with bottle service also are available. To book this service, call 7715353. For event tickets and information, visit thestageatthestar.com.