Palm Springs and the other eight desert communities are another lands far from the maddening crowds of New York, Miami and Los Angeles where New Year’s Eve celebrations take on thousands of partygoers.  Our festivities are far more fun without the chaos of parking, highlighted by the California low-desert sky, where you can count the stars between fireworks.

Palm Springs

Spa Resort Casino is having their third annual “2018 Palm Springs New Year’s Eve Block Party”. The best part of this is that it’s free from 8:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. The extravaganza includes dancing to DJ Dense, fireworks, a bar garden and local restaurants plying partygoers. If you want to spend a few more Washingtons, feel free to pony up $35.00 to $100.00 to listen to the outdoor Plain White T’s in concert (“Hey There Delilah”). www.sparesortcasion.com

Rancho Mirage

If you like to “Get Down Tonight” and then into 2018, keep your “Boogie Shoes.” Head over to Agua Caliente in Rancho Mirage where you can “Shake Your Booty” to the sounds of KC and the Sunshine Band who are still performing nearly 45 years later with tunes like “That’s the Way I Like It (A-ha-a-ha!)” and “Keep it Coming, Love.” Tickets are $75.00 - $95.00. www.hotwatercasino.com

Cabazon

Morongo Casino is like opening a can of confetti where every door and venue at the resort seems to be another celebration. If you’re bold enough, get a room for the night. Then start picking them off one by one.  Start with a buffet lunch to start the last day of the 2017 year at Café Serrano while listening to the country strings of Hayride. Swim, head to the gym, gamble but then for dinner, dine at Cielo: The Steakhouse where its $250 per couple for a six-course, prix-fixe dinner which includes a bottle of champagne. Then you can take it to the top at The Drum Room on the 26th floor (limited availability) or Vibe: The Nightclub with DJ Icy Ice spinning and scratching while revelers “werk” their “twerk.”  www.morongocasinoresort

 Pasadena

If you’re feeling adventurous, stay at the luxurious Langham Hotel in Pasadena. Get one of the packages such as the “Family Getaway” or “The Art of Relaxation” taking advantage of some of the great spa treatments. Then rise and shine to get an early start on 2018 and the 129th Annual Tournament of Roses Parade whose theme is “Making a Difference….”  The show, presented by Honda, features American Idol alum and actor Todrick Hall and for closing the parade, pop singer Andy Grammer (“Keep Your Head Up”). Hotel: www.langhamhotels.com, Tournament of Roses: www.tournamentofroses.com.

Happy 2018!