Ringing in 2017 The Daily Inter Lake's guide to New Year's Eve in the Flathead Valley

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 buy 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 a 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.

Tickets to see the show are $40, with dinner and the party $75.

Mike Murray

Kalispell Brewing Co.

5-8 p.m.

406-756-2739

You won’t need reservations and you won’t be able to stay until midnight, but listening to the local singer-songwriter while drinking beer brewed right in downtown Kalispell is a pretty nice way to kick off a night of fun.

Rheannon

Whitefish Handcrafted Spirits

6-8 p.m.

406-730-2282

Just like at the brewery you’ll have to find another option for later in the night, but if cocktails are more your thing than beer this is your spot.

Rheannon describes her music country and bluesy, and if you’re hungry you can even grab a bite to eat off their food menu.

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.

The Lodge at Whitefish Lake

New Year’s Eve celebration

Dinner at 5 p.m., music at 9

406-863-4040

Billy Angel and Fresh Ink provide a backdrop to a four-course dinner with specially paired wines.

At midnight, the balloons will drop the ring in the new year and champagne will help you finish off a meal that could include lobster salad and a Kobe-style ribeye medallion.

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.