Holiday Planner 2009

The best way to ring in the New Year is with a proper goodbye to the old one. For some, that might mean a quiet night at home watching the ball drop on television; for others, it may mean a fun night out hearing live music and clinking glasses during champagne toasts. But for those of you who haven’t yet decided how you’re going to spend the night, Listings Editor Devon Claire Flannery has compiled a summary of some of the area’s best celebratory events, ranging from steak dinners to deejayed dance nights, and even some spiritual rituals of prayer and meditation.

However you choose to spend the evening, don’t forget Mark Twain’s famous comment about New Year’s Day: “Now is the accepted time to make your regular annual good resolutions. Next week you can begin paving hell with them as usual.” Happy New Year!

Canary Hotel

One of the city’s chicest hotels will host an Aprs-Ski Party at Chateau Canary. Featuring three parties in one, The Perch becomes a winter wonderland under the stars, the main lounge will play host to appetizers and hot toddies, and the nightclub downstairs will feature special guest appearances by DJs Matty Matt and Kohjay. Reservations are recommended. 9pm. Canary Hotel, 31 W. Carrillo St. Tickets are $55 in advance, $75 at the door. Call (888) 468-3515.

Center of the Heart

Spiritual buffs will welcome 2010 during Dances of Universal Peace, an evening of meditation, circle dancing, chanting, and a candle-lighting ceremony. 8:30pm. Center of the Heart, 487 N. Turnpike Rd. Tickets are $20. Call 898-1603.

Chumash Casino Resort

Boogie into 2010 during a New Year’s Eve dance party and flashback concert featuring 1970s disco tribute group the Boogie Knights and awesome ’80s band The Spazmatics. 9pm. Chumash Casino Resort, Hwy. 246, Santa Ynez. Call about cost; ages 18+. Call (800) 585-3737.

Circle Bar B Guest Ranch and Stables

In the mood for a romantic New Year’s? Head over to Circle Bar B for a prime rib dinner, dancing, and a horseback ride for two. Reservations are required. 3:30pm. Circle Bar B Guest Ranch and Stables, 1800 Refugio Rd., Goleta. Tickets are $180 per couple. Call 968-1113.

Enterprise Fish Company

The Kicks will be playing tunes as attendees enjoy delicious food, an art show with works by extraordinary regional artists, and a champagne toast at midnight. A portion of the proceeds from the night will benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Barbara. Cocktail attire is required. 10pm. Enterprise Fish Company, 225 State St. Tickets are $15 per person or $25 per couple; all ages welcome. Call 962-3313.

Fess Parker’s DoubleTree Resort

Ring in 2010 on an oceanfront patio around the fireplace at Barra Los Arcos, one of the hotel’s posh eateries. Enjoy live jazz and blues performed on a grand piano, then a champagne toast at midnight. 8pm. Fess Parker’s DoubleTree Resort, 633 E. Cabrillo Blvd. Call 884-8533.

Four Seasons Biltmore

Welcome in the New Year Four Seasons-style during an all-evening family affair, featuring a five-course dinner, live entertainment, dancing, and a champagne toast. 8pm-2am. Bella Vista and Ty Lounge, Four Seasons Biltmore, 1260 Channel Dr. Tickets are $45-$195. Call 565-8237.

Granada Theatre

The S.B. Symphony presents its one-of-a-kind show, Swing!, featuring guest conductor Jeff Tyzik. 8:30pm. Granada Theatre, 1214 State St. Tickets are $35-$100. Call 899-2222.

La Casa de Maria Retreat and Conference Center

Quiet types will enjoy An Interfaith Contemplative New Year’s Eve, spending the evening in hushed intention, walking the labyrinth, and meditating to prepare for the coming year. 10pm-midnight. La Casa de Maria Retreat and Conference Center, 800 El Bosque Rd. Call 969-5031.

Meditation Mount

A New Year’s Eve Planetary Meditation will feature group meditation focused on seeking the greatest good for the planet and for life. A post-meditation reception with sparkling hot cider to celebrate the coming of the New Year will follow. 11:30pm. Meditation Mount, 10340 Reeves Rd., Ojai. Donations accepted. Call 646-5508.

Ojai Valley Women’s Club

Bring family and friends to ring in the New Year with a wild world music concert featuring tunes by Sligo Rags, a Celtic Bluegrass fusion band. 8pm. Ojai Valley Women’s Club, 441 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai. Tickets are $25-$30; all ages welcome. Call 665-8852.

SOhO

Fans of the nightlife will revel in SOhO’s Studio 54-themed evening with Area 51’s dance party. Come dressed as your favorite 1970s celebrity for live music, a full light show, go-go dancers, a four-course dinner, and more. Reservations are required. 7pm. SOhO, 1221 State St. Tickets are $100; ages 21+. Call 962-7776.

Wildcat Lounge

Three balloon drops, live entertainment by the Miss Kitty Go-Go Dancers and DJs Hollywood and Nagai, and a champagne toast at midnight await attendees at this year’s party at the Kitty. 9:30pm. Wildcat Lounge, 15 W. Ortega St. Tickets are $20 in advance; call about at-the-door and booth reservation pricing. Ages 21+. Call 962-7970.