NYE in Ruidoso: Ringing in the new in Ruidoso
New Year’s Eve (or NYE), a time of reflection on the old, anticipation of the new, and partying all night long! Well, it doesn’t have to be a party into the wee hours of the morning, but there are a few events for you to enjoy at this time of the years.
The premier event is the party at the Inn of the Mountain Gods, starting at 7 p.m. on Dec. 31 and wrapping up just after midnight in the Mescalero Ballroom. Entertainment includes JMA & Hard Livin’ Band, DJ Frizzo, Abe Mac Band, Hillbilly Starz and many more. The night’s menu features smoked salmon and oysters, shrimp and red crab claws, prime rib, mesquite port tenderloin and more. You might be tired, but you’ll be well fed. Tickets are on sale now at the Inn, $125 per person, and all attendees must be 21 or older. Limited seating is available.
If you can’t get into the ballroom, there’s still plenty happening on the other end at the casino, starting on Friday, Dec. 30, with drawings for a part of $4,000 every half hour at food outlets and on the casino floor from noon to 12:30 a.m. On Dec. 31, the stakes are raised to a total of $20,000, with drawings again from noon to 12:30 a.m.
You can also ring in the new year at Cree Meadows Country Club, 301 Country Club Dr. in Ruidoso. Starting at 8 p.m. on Dec. 31, dance the night away with music by the Terry Bullard Band. You can also dine on a menu of buffalo wings, egg rolls, chicken strips and quesadillas, with a champagne toast at midnight. Cost is $30 for singles, $50 for couples. Reserve your tickets at 575-257-2733.
Here is a curated list of other restaurants and venues with special menus you should check out:
Michael J’s Italian Restaurant: Enjoy a special NYE menu at this Ruidoso favorite. Menu includes a primo, secondo, terzo and dolce! Reservations recommended.
Hidden Tap: 8pm and a $10 cover includes champagne toast at midnight. Food specials sea bass or braised short ribs with asparagus and polenta.
Sacred Grounds: Dave Milsap and Friends playing live beginning at 8pm. Heavy hors d’oeuvres and champagne toast at midnight. $65 per person.
There’s always skiing at Ski Apache, with the slopes officially opened for the adventure seekers. Lift tickets are available online starting at just $57. Book here for some pre-NYE fun!
—Todd Fuqua
