2023 is coming to an end this Sunday, and what better place to ring in the new year than right here in Mammoth Lakes! If you’re looking for ideas on how to organize the last day of the year up here in the Eastern Sierra, we’ve got the perfect schedule all lined up for you!
Step One: Start the morning with a hearty breakfast
Full disclosure, for step one, we were going to recommend that you wake up in time to watch the sunrise hit the Minarets. After all, watching the sun come up over those gorgeous mountains is certain to inspire you for all that is to come in the new year.
But, the weather forecast has something even better in store: snow! So, instead of getting up at the crack of dawn on the last day of 2023, maybe sleep in a bit, enjoy the hushed calm of a snowy December morning, and then treat yourself to a delicious breakfast made in your condo rental or at your favorite Mammoth restaurant.
Step two: Spend the day doing your favorite winter sport
Whether you’re a snowboarder, cross-country skier, or ice skater, there’s no better way to finish off the year doing something you love.
And, for anyone who loves snowshoeing, you won’t want to miss out on the New Year’s Eve Sunset Snowshoe Tour at Tamarack! You’ll get a moderate one and a half hour workout in as you are guided to the Panorama Dome to enjoy the sunset on the last day of the year. Tickets are $75 per person, which includes all the equipment you’ll need. Check out the Tamarack Cross-Country Ski center for more info.
Step Three: Do some journaling with a coffee or hot cocoa
If you’re someone who likes to do an end-of-the-year review, make sure to set some time aside on December 31st to get some writing in! Whether you’re curled up on the couch next to a roaring fire in your rental or you find a cozy spot to settle in at Looney Bean, this is a great way to be present on the last day of the year.
Step Four: Play in the snow
Whether you’ve come to visit Mammoth with kids or you just want to tap into your inner child, make some time today to play in the snow! Throw a snowball, make snow angels or hop on a sled. You could even take the family up to Woolly’s Adventure Summit for some tubing.
Step Five: Treat yourself and the family to a New Year’s Eve meal
Many of the New Year’s Eve celebrations will take place at 9pm, so make sure to schedule in a meal beforehand. Some restaurants around town will have New Year’s specials, such as Smokeyard BB & Chop Shop which is offering a dinner and dance party.
No matter which restaurant you choose, from Alpenhof to Gomez’s to the Mogul, make sure you call ahead to check their holiday hours and make your reservation.
Step Six: Enjoy the East Coast New Year’s celebrations, first
Every year, locals and visitors gather at the Village at Mammoth to ring in the new year with the East Coast with a firework show at 9pm.This is a free event that takes place right next to the iconic Christmas Tree in the Village Plaza. There will be music, food, and some adult-friendly cocktails for sale.
This year, there’s another very special way to ring in the East Coast New Year at the brand new LA Kings Ice Rink! There will be a very special open skate session from 8pm to 9:30pm with a countdown to the new year at 9pm.
Step Seven: Head on over to New Year’s Eve Phase Two
One of the great things about ringing in the New Year on the West Coast is that you have two chances to count down! And, here in Mammoth, there are plenty of places to enjoy the next phase of the night, including:
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Mammoth Brewing Company, where there will be live music from Pidder Padder and the Felt Cutouts plus beer specials from 9pm to closing
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Lakanuki, where you can dance the night away with DJ Lamont
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Bar Sierra, which is offering a very special Gold Party with music by DJ Lexi Stellwood
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Mammoth Rock ‘N’ Bowl, where you can dance it up with music by DJ Will Nye
Step Eight: Get home safe
If you plan on celebrating the new year with some bubbly or a few beers, make sure that you have a safe way to get home. Chat with your group about having a designated driver or rely on the Mammoth Lakes Night Trolley to take you home before 2am.
Some final things to keep in mind for New Year’s in Mammoth Lakes
We’ve planned out quite a schedule for your last day of 2023! Here are some final tips to keep in mind as you go through your fun-filled December 31st to-do list:
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Dress warm. With snow on the forecast, you can bet that the last day of the year will be a cold one!
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Call to confirm your restaurant reservations. The town is generally packed for New Years, and that means restaurants are calling in reinforcements to ensure better service! But that can sometimes mean that details slip through the cracks. Don’t get left without a reservation; call ahead to confirm that you’re on the list!
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Be aware of your alcohol intake. New Year’s Eve is always an exciting celebration here in Mammoth Lakes. But, you can start off the new year on the right foot by drinking responsibly.
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Be patient, the town is busy. Whether you’re looking for a great viewing spot at the firework show or waiting in line at the free shuttle stop, remember to stay patient. The town is crowded because everyone is here to say goodbye to 2023 in a very special place!
Still looking for accomodations for your trip to Mammoth Lakes for New Year’s Eve? Mammoth Mountain Reservations has condos for your family, group of friends, or romantic getaway!