I’m starting to see the appeal of classy New Year’s Eve festivities.
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I want the champagne flutes, the high-class glitter, the photo booth area. I want the Gilded Age atmosphere, the upscale outfits, and the familiar banter shared amongst friends.
I’ve had enough of the full moon parties on Koh Phangan. Even haunting my favorite local spots like 33/45 in Barcelona don’t quite offer the same excitement that they used to.
All the signs are clear: I’m ready to level up my NYE partying habits.
If you’re feeling the same and want a classier New Year’s fete to usher in your latest era, then I suggest keeping your eye on resorts and hotels in New England.
While you can find black-tie parties nationwide, states like Massachusetts, New York, New Hampshire, and Connecticut have that historic feel that bodes well for a Gatsby-style soiree.
And with dozens of historic hotels and venues dotting New England, finding a classy New Year’s Eve party is probably easier than you think.
Classiest New Year’s parties in New England
White Mountain Hotel & Resort, New Hampshire
In case you’ve missed the zeitgeist, White Mountain is one of the premier wintering destinations in New England. Visitors passing through New Year’s have the option of joining the Winter Wonderland party at White Mountain Hotel & Resort.
The themed event includes a cocktail reception with live piano music, then a full-course gourmet meal. Once tummies are full, guests can dance at their leisure to the tunes of a seven-piece band led by male and female vocalists.
Elegant table décor, an elevated champagne toast at midnight, and plenty of gold-hued decorations make this my top pick for classy NYE parties in New Hampshire.
The Nantucket Hotel & Resort, Massachusetts
Consider this your sign to check out Nantucket. The Nantucket Hotel & Resort is throwing a New Year’s Eve on Nantucket event once more. This is a three-in-one celebration that many guests head back to experience year after year.
The big night includes a three-course meal from the hotel’s executive chef, Michael Hervieux. The extravagant meal is followed by a performance by Joe Stetson, one of the country’s most famous mentalists. (A mentalist is a mind-reader—not a magician.)
After the meal and the show, guests can dance the night away to classic hits from DJ Billy Voss. Just be prepared for a tone change: the night switches from a black-tie gala-esque event into a black-light-dance-floor DJ set.
Pelham House Resort, Massachusetts
Have your sights set on Cape Cod more than Nantucket? No problem. Head to Dennis Port and book a stay at the Pelham House Resort. Like The Nantucket Hotel, it’s a well-known luxury establishment that regularly hosts popular events.
The Pelham House New Year’s Eve Bash includes live entertainment from the PickPockets, along with elevated food stations spread across two separate ballrooms.
You’ve got room to roam and check out the festivities as the night goes on. The Sea Level Ballroom and Rooftop let you soak up different atmospheres until the night culminates in a midnight champagne toast. Just keep in mind that the cash bar isn’t included in the ticket price.
York Harbor Inn, Maine
I’ve found the jewel in my Gatsby New Year’s Eve crown at the York Harbor Inn. Its fete is themed in the Gilded Age, curating an effortlessly classy atmosphere. And the York Harbor Inn doesn’t just host a New Year’s Eve party—it goes big the whole weekend.
In other words, your ticket includes a stay at the inn along with entrance to the big party. You’ll enjoy a five-course gourmet meal in the main dining room before heading to a gala celebration with live music. When the ball drops, guests toast with champagne before heading back to the dance floor.
My favorite part? The next morning, you’re also treated to New Year’s Day brunch… with an ocean view nonetheless.
Water’s Edge Resort & Spa, Connecticut
The Water’s Edge Rockin’ Eve is one of the biggest nights of the year at Water’s Edge Resort & Spa. Aside from being classy and upscale, I’m a fan of this New Year’s Eve party because you can buy tickets for the event or an overnight package.
The party kicks off with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, letting guests mingle and get to know one another. Then comes a four-course dinner, followed by a live musical performance from a local band. Like most other parties, there’s a champagne toast at midnight.
If you’re considering buying a ticket, I’d purchase the overnight package. Not only does it come with a New Year’s day brunch for two, but it also includes a 20% discount for spa packages.
