If you're looking to elevate your holiday celebration beyond the mainstream, Totally Boise has curated a guide to ticketed parties, cozy house celebrations, and memorable daytime activities to start your new year right.
NYE: Beyond the Mainstream Parties (Alternative Celebrations)
Trade the anonymous bar crawl for a more focused, unique event experience this New Year's Eve. Since many ticket details and lineups are finalized in late November, be sure to check the venues' current websites for exact times and pricing for December 31.
Boise / Garden City
Idaho Potato Drop
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Location: Cecil D. Andrus Park
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The Quirky Icon: Skip the VIP. Go for the free, all-ages general admission and experience this truly unique Idaho tradition.
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Time: Live music usually starts around 6:00 PM, with the main potato "drop" and fireworks at midnight.
NYE Concert
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Location: Knitting Factory
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The Music Escape: Avoid the traditional countdown fanfare and focus on high-energy live music. The Knitting Factory hosts major acts.
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Time: Doors usually opening around 9:00 PM
NYE Masquerade Party
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Location: Thick as Thieves
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The Themed Escape: A highly stylized, ticketed event that offers a clear theme and a controlled, festive atmosphere, making it a great alternative to open bar hops.
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Time: Usually starts around 9:00 PM
The Last Call NYE Ball
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Location: The Riverside Hotel
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The Classic Sophisticate: This ticketed event in the Grand Ballroom is a nostalgic night of dinner, dancing, and classic rock—perfect for a sophisticated evening away from the downtown crush.
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Time: Usually starts around 8:30 PM
Hop Drop
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Location: Mad Swede Brewing Company
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The Craft Beer Community: A typically free-admission event focused on local craft beer, community, and a casual, fun countdown. Check both their Garden City and Boise locations.
Meridian
Great Gatsby Bash
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Location: Vintage 61 Wine Bar & Kitchen
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The Roaring 20s Alternative: A ticketed, themed celebration that lets you dress up and party with a specific, classic vibe.
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Time: Usually starts around 5:00 PM
Nampa
Family New Years' Eve Party
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Location: Marist Hall, St. Paul’s Church
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The Community Countdown: A structured, family-oriented ticketed event that provides a safe and organized way to celebrate the holiday locally.
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Time: Usually starts around 7:00 PM
Alice in Wonderland NYE!
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Location: Rocco's Roadhouse
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The Free Themed Dive: A themed party that usually offers free admission, focused on costumes and a fun, specific atmosphere.
NYE Lock-In
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Location: Nampa Recreation Center
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The Teen Escape: A ticketed, youth-focused event that gives older kids and teens their own supervised way to celebrate.
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Time: Usually 7:00 PM - 8:00 AM
🛋️ How To Host A NYE Party At Home With These Idaho Businesses
Skip the traffic and crowds entirely by hosting a spectacular New Year's Eve party at home. Support these local Idaho businesses to make your celebration flawless, whether it's a small gathering or an intimate reception.
Decorations & Fun
Rocky Mountain Balloons & Ash + Jack Party Supply Co.: Find custom balloon arches (RMB) and unique party supplies (A+J).
Boothshakalaka Mobile Photo Booth: Hire a mobile photo booth to capture memories right in your living room—great for guests of all ages!
Gourmet Food
Immaculate Wine & Cheese Pairings & The Cheese Channel (Unbottled): Get expert guidance on assembling the perfect charcuterie board or party pairings.
Uncle Bob’s Pizza: Order pizza the whole family will enjoy—a simple and delicious crowd-pleaser that takes the stress out of cooking.
Wine
A New Vintage Wine Shop: For conveniently located wine selections.
Coiled Wines & Split Rail Winery: Support local Garden City vineyards for quality Idaho wine.
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Coiled: 3408 W. Chinden Blvd., Garden City; 813 W. Bannock St., Boise.
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Split Rail: 4338 W. Chinden Blvd., Garden City.
Beer
Boise Brewing, Mad Swede, Payette, Sockeye, Western Collective: Stock up on local craft brews to please any beer lover.
Sweet Treats
The STIL, Guru Donuts, Reed’s Dairy, Duck Donuts: Offer unique local desserts, from artisan ice cream to gourmet donuts and classic dairy treats.
🌅 NYD: Alternative Ways to Start the New Year
January 1st is the ideal time to get a fresh start and enjoy Boise's unique quiet side.
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Noon Year’s Eve (Wahooz): The ultimate alternative countdown for younger kids! Head to Wahooz Family Fun Zone before the sun goes down for a special balloon drop and party favors at 12:00 PM, allowing them to celebrate on New Year's Eve day.
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First Soak of the Year: Skip the crowd and recover in nature. Take a scenic drive and welcome the year in the natural warmth of Idaho's free, remote hot springs (like Kirkham or Pine Flats) for a truly invigorating start to January.
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Resolution Hike: Greet the sunrise with an early morning, invigorating hike on the Foothills trails. Camel's Back Park or Table Rock offer stunning views of the valley, giving you a fresh, powerful start to your resolutions.
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Leisurely Ice Skate: The rush of New Year’s Eve will be gone, leaving you with clear ice! January 1st is a great day for a calm, festive outdoor skate at The Village at Meridian or Indian Creek Plaza while the holiday lights are still shining.
No matter how you choose to celebrate, the Treasure Valley has an unforgettable, non-mainstream way to welcome the New Year. Be sure to tag @totallyboise and #totallyboise in all your festivities to share the fun with our great community.