New Year’s Eve 2015 and New Year’s Day 2016 in Albany

500 px Vault 244 Bar 1

It’s time to welcome 2016! Whether you’re looking to ring in the New Year with a cowboy party, a decadent multi-course meal, or something in between, you’ll find a fun celebration in Albany, Oregon this New Year’s Eve.

Don’t forget to make your plans for a place to stay after the party. Take a cab to one of Albany’s comfortable hotels for a safe and relaxing end to your evening. Best Western Prairie Plus Inn, Comfort Suites, and Holiday Inn Express are all offering discounts and special rates during the holiday season.

Keep reading for details on New Year’s Eve in Albany, and some ideas for what to do the first day of 2016 as well.


Albany 2015 New Year’s Eve Celebrations

New Years Cocktail Celebration | 7 p.m. Dec. 31, 2015. Enjoy live music, creative cocktails, appetizers and a dessert bar. The New Year’s Eve Cocktail Celebration is held at the Boys & Girls Club of Albany, 1215 Hill Street, and proceeds help support the club. Tickets may be purchased the day of the event. 21 and over only. Info: 541-905-4713

Hoof N Holler Bull Riding and Cowboy Party | 6 p.m. Dec. 31, 2015. Celebrate New Year’s Eve with bull riding and a cowboy party at the Linn County Fair and Expo Center on, Dec. 31 2015. Gates open at 6 p.m., bull riding starts at 7:30. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Info: 503-589-2999 or www.hoofnholler.com

New Year’s Eve Casino & Cocktails at Boulder Falls Inn | 8 p.m., Dec. 31, 2015. Dance the night away at the new Boulder Falls Inn in Lebanon. Enjoy live music from Fate 55, dancing, casino games, spectacular raffle prizes, specialty cocktails, plus mouthwatering appetizers and desserts. Tickets: Boulder Falls Inn New Year’s Eve

Cellar Cat New Year’s Eve | 1 p.m.-close, Dec. 31, 2015. Special bar menu beginning at 1 p.m., New Year’s Eve dinner from 5-midnight, with or without wine pairings; live music from 9-midnight. Info: 541-704-0304 or www.cellarcat.com

Frankie’s Restaurant New Years Eve | Dec. 31, 2015. Multi-course dinner, fine wine, and cocktails. Call for reservations: 541-248-3671. www.frankies-oregon.com 

Vault 244 Bistro | Lounge New Year’s Eve |  4 p.m.-close, Dec. 31, 2015. Four-course dinner featuring tapas, salad, entree and dessert, including sparkling Spanish cava or sparkling French cider. Info: 541-791-9511 or www.vault244.com 

Novak’s Hungarian Restaurant New Year’s Eve Buffet | Dec. 31, 2015. Experience Novak’s authentic Hungarian recipes at their New Year’s Eve Buffet Extravaganza; reservations strongly encouraged. Call: 541-967-9488 or www.novakshungarian.com 

Sweet Red Bistro Masquerade Banquet | Dec. 31, 2015. Ring in the New Year with a multi-course masquerade banquet at Sweet Red Bistro. Call: (541)704-0510

The Day After: New Year’s Day options in Albany

Sybaris Hangover Brunch | 11 a.m. Jan. 1, 2016. Start the new year by enjoying a unique take on the ultimate hangover foods. Info: 541-928-8157 or sybarisbistro.com/

New Years Day at Frankie’s | 3 p.m.-close, Jan. 1, 2016. Come watch college ball games on the big screen at Frankie’s Restaurant. 541-248-3671,  www.frankies-oregon.com.

First Day Hikes | Jan. 1, 2016. Start the new year off like a true Oregonian: with a hike. Oregon State Parks is offering free guided  First Day Hikes at 28 parks on Jan. 1, 2016, including seven different locations in the Willamette Valley. Click for details: First Day Hikes

We’ll add to this list as we learn of more! If you know of a public New Year’s dinner, event, or party to add to our guide, send details to info@albanyvisitors.com.

Photo: Vault 244 by W Design

Holiday Events & Christmas Dinners | Dec. 21-26, 2015

500 px Santa in downtown

For families with kids at home, it’s officially Christmas vacation! If you’re looking for fun things to do in the final few days before December 25, here are details of holiday events this week in Albany. PLUS: looking for delicious Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinners in Albany? Keep reading for details!

Here are our top picks for the fourth week of the holiday season, Dec. 21-26, 2015. For even more things to do in Albany, Oregon, visit our full event calendar.

Calapooia Brewing Holiday Ale Sale | Dec. 18-24, 2015. Calapooia Brewing’s annual Holiday Ale Sale is going on now–pick up a full case of 22-ounce bottles for $20/case, incuding their popular holiday seasonal, Kringle Krack. Details: Calapooia Brewing

Sweet Red Winter Solstice Dinner Party | 4:48 p.m. Monday, Dec. 21 2015. Celebrate the darkest day of the year with a flambe-themed dinner party. Cocktails start at sunset, 4:48 p.m. Details: Sweet Red Bistro

Storytime with Santa | 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2015. Visit Heritage Mall and sit with Santa while his helper reads a holiday story to get you in the Christmas spirit. Details: Storytime with Santa

Visits with Santa | daily, until 6 p.m. Dec. 24, 2015. If the little ones in your life haven’t had a chance to meet Santa Claus yet this year, he’ll be at Heritage Mall every day until Christmas Eve for visit and photos. Details: Heritage Mall

Whitespires Christmas Eve Sing-a-Long | 7 p.m. Dec. 24, 2015. Gather at the beautiful, historic Whitespires Church (510 SW 5th Ave.) in downtown Albany to sing all your favorite Christmas carols. Details: Christmas Sing-a-Long

Christmas Meals in Albany

Christmas Eve Dinner at Frankie’s | Dec. 24, 2015. Frankie’s is open and taking reservations for Christmas Eve Dinner. The regular menu will be available, plus the chef is preparing Anderson Valley Rack of Lamb and Roasted Duck. Reservations recommended. Details: Frankie’s Restaurant

Christmas Day Dinner at Cellar Cat | 4-8 p.m., Dec. 25, 2015. Cellar Cat will be open Christmas Day, and offering a special menu that can be enjoyed a la carte or in a four course prix fixe. Optional wine pairings are also available. Reservations recommended. Details: Cellar Cat

Christmas Day Dinner at Elmer’s Restaurant | 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Dec. 25, 2015. Elmer’s is open Christmas Day and will be serving a ham dinner, turkey dinner, or combination ham and turkey plate. Prime Rib dinner will be served starting at 11 a.m. No reservations. Details: Elmer’s Restaurant

Still to come: stay tuned later this week for details of New Year’s Eve celebrations in Albany, Oregon!

+