OUT WITH A BANG Previewing the Flathead Valley's New Year's Eve celebrations

How about this year, huh? The calendar will flip from 2016 to 2017 in a matter of days and in some parts the end can’t come soon enough. It’s a year that’s been marred by increased tension both domestically and abroad, and speckled with the untimely deaths of some of the world’s great entertainers.

David Bowie, Prince and Gene Wilder were just the tip of the iceberg for 2016. In the last few weeks the entertainment world has lost Alan Thicke and Zsa Zsa Gabor, and even heroes and villains like John Glenn and Fidel Castro weren’t immune.

So with the darkest day — literally — of the year now behind us, this is the time to pop champagne and send 2016 into the history books before pressing on to 2017.

On these pages we’re highlighting some of the Flathead Valley’s many New Year’s Eve get-togethers, and they reflect the diversity of interests that make the region special. Whitefish Mountain Resort’s annual Rail Jam, torchlight parade and fireworks show is the most visible of the parties, but there are dozens of other parties, whether you’re looking to dance the night away in a crowded Whitefish bar or put on your Sunday finest and eat a gourmet meal.

What follows is an incomplete list of the Flathead Valley’s New Year’s Eve gatherings and you can decide which one is best for you (although act fast because the most popular ones will sell out quickly).

No matter what party you choose to put 2016 to bed one thing is guaranteed — late next Saturday night will be a new dawn; and a brand new year.

Whitefish Mountain Resort

Rail Jam, parade and fireworks

Rail Jam at 5:30 p.m., fireworks at 6:30

406-862-2900

It’s at least the 25th year in a row that skiers and snowboarders from all over have trekked to Whitefish to join the locals on the mountain to celebrate the final day of the year.

“It’s kind of a tried and true event for us,” Riley Polumbus, the resort’s public relations manager said. “It’s one of the better-attended events for us, for sure. People seem to really get into it as an early New Year’s Eve celebratory event that’s family friendly.”

The mountain is open all day for skiers and snowboarders, and Dec. 31 is at the end of what’s traditionally an exceptionally busy week.

The event formally starts when more than 60 competitors vie for a $1,000 cash purse at the rail jam, beginning at 5:15 p.m.

At 6:30, intermediate and expert skiers are invited to join the torchlight parade down the mountain while fireworks light up the sky.

There’s live music on the mountain, too, with Brent Jameson and the Sordid Seeds playing from 6:30 to 10 p.m. at Ed and Mully’s, and the night ends with more live music at the Bierstube beginning at 9:30, although you’ll more than likely need to by a ticket ahead of time to get into this late-night party.

Lil’ Smokies

Great Northern Bar and Grill, Whitefish

Doors at 7 p.m., music at 8

406-862-2816

The Montana bluegrass band rings in the new year on Central Ave. in downtown Whitefish, with Moonshine Mountain the opening act.

Tickets are $30 and are going fast; the bar does not expect to have any tickets available on Dec. 31. Tickets can be purchased online through the bar’s Facebook page.

As usual, don’t expect a tame, quiet night at one of Whitefish’s rowdiest bars.

“It’s pretty wild,” General Manager Scott Larkin said of parties in past years.

DJ KC Ray and DJ Ken Loi

Casey’s Pub and Grill, Whitefish

Dinner at 6 p.m., entertainment at 9

406-862-8150

If you’re looking for mix of party and classy, Casey’s has a little bit of both this New Year’s Eve.

The bar is offering a gourmet dinner of poached salmon, prime rib and chicken marsala, followed by go-go dancers, lasers, fog machines and an LED wall.

The dinner buffet runs from 6 to 8:30 p.m., with the first DJ spinning at 9 p.m.

Like at the Great Northern, don’t expect to walk in on Dec. 31. Tickets to see the show are $40, with dinner and the party $75.

5th Annual Upscale Hoedown

Red Lion Hotel, Kalispell

Doors at 6:30 p.m., dinner at 7:30

406-751-5050

Trevor Panczak will perform live inside the downtown Kalispell hotel, with overnight stay packages on sale for $129 per person.

But you don’t have to be staying at the Red Lion to enjoy dinner (lobster and prime rib) and dancing, and a midnight lunch after a New Year’s toast.

Tickets are $75 per person for those not spending the night and must be purchased in advance, either by calling the hotel or stopping by the front desk.

Masquerade Party

Marina Cay Resort, Bigfork

Doors at 7 p.m.

406-837-5861

The Polson band Gladys Friday is the featured entertainment at the first-ever New Year’s Eve party at the Bigfork resort.

Tickets are $10 and include appetizers and a champagne toast at midnight, with additional drinks and dinner for sale.

“We had such a big hit with our Halloween Haunted Pirate Ship party that we wanted to do something else,” event sales staffer Amy Riska said. “We’re expecting the same kind of crowd on New Year’s.”

Guests are asked to come in costume — masks included — to the masquerade-themed celebration.

Midnight Fireworks

Izaak Walton Inn, Essex

406-888-5700

Whitefish isn’t the only town with fireworks, as the skies near Glacier National Park will light up at midnight after this dinner gathering.

Tickets are $125 per adult and include a full prime rib dinner and live music from David Walburn. Overnight packages are also available.

All-Ages Metal Show

Old School Records, Kalispell

Doors at 8 p.m.

406-393-2501

If you’re seeking something a little different and off the beaten path, the downtown Kalispell record store will rock with metal music all night long.

Doors open at 8 p.m. with the band Wizzerd the featured act. Tickets are $5 and available at the door.

Polar Bear Plunge (Jan. 1)

The Raven, Bigfork

Doors at 10 a.m., plunge at 1:45 p.m.

406-837-2836

Ok, so this isn’t on New Year’s Eve, but what better way is there to wipe away a late night than with a dip into chilly Flathead Lake?

The Raven opens early and will be offering food, hot toddies and fire pits to warm you up before and after your swim.