New Year’s Eve in the Coachella Valley is always something special, and ringing in 2026 is no exception. From elegant prix-fixe dinners and glamorous themed parties to live music, fireworks, and high-energy celebrations, the desert offers countless ways to toast to the year ahead. Whether you’re planning a romantic night out, a lively gathering with friends, or a full-scale celebration complete with dancing and champagne, Palm Springs and the surrounding cities deliver unforgettable New Year’s Eve experiences. Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best events, dinners, and parties across the valley to help you celebrate the final night of the year in style.
New Year’s Eve Dinner
Celebrating New Year’s Eve 2026 with a night out for dinner in the desert is the perfect way to welcome the year ahead. From Palm Springs to Rancho Mirage and La Quinta, the Coachella Valley’s vibrant dining scene comes alive with prix-fixe menus, festive cocktails, live music, and elegant atmospheres designed for a memorable evening. Whether you’re enjoying a romantic candlelit dinner, gathering with friends at a lively hotspot, or savoring a chef-driven tasting menu under the desert stars, dining out offers a relaxed yet celebratory way to toast to new beginnings. With warm desert nights, beautiful settings, and exceptional cuisine, a New Year’s Eve dinner in the desert sets the tone for a stylish and joyful start to 2026.
Restaurants to enjoy are:
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- Purple Room Supper Club will host a glamorous, Sinatra-style New Year’s Eve with a three-course dinner accompanied by a live jazz ensemble.
- Holiday House offers a truly Palm Springs–only dining experience, featuring a special New Year’s Eve menu crafted by Chef Oleg Olexin.
- Vicky’s of Santa Fe (Indian Wells) raises the bar with timed seatings, an indulgent multi-course menu, chef specials, seasonal cocktails, and live lounge music throughout the evening.
- Lavender Bistro, beloved for its romantic patio and intimate ambiance, returns with its annual New Year’s Eve menu that consistently delights.
- The Nest is always a classic choice, combining an elegant dinner with lively dancing to keep the celebration going.
- Eddie V’s will be serving its signature surf-and-turf favorites all night long.
- For even more prix-fixe New Year’s Eve menus across Greater Palm Springs, explore Copley’s on Palm Canyon or 4 Saints at the Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs.
Frozen Oasis: Agua Caliente Casinos New Year’s Eve 2026 celebrations
Ring in the New Year in style with Agua Caliente Casinos’ New Year’s Eve celebrations across Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, and Cathedral City. From live music, dance parties, and outdoor festivities to fireworks and a dazzling drone show, there’s a high-energy way for everyone to welcome the year ahead. Special NYE menus and themed drinks are available across various casino restaurants and bars. All to the theme of Frozen Oasis
PALM SPRINGS
Outdoor Block Party Celebration & Fireworks Extravaganza
A festive outdoor NYE party with live entertainment, specialty cocktails, food trucks, and good vibes all night. Performance by the Ben Mallare Band, known for high-energy shows spanning hits from across genres. Fireworks under the stars at midnight to ring in 2026.
RANCHO MIRAGE
Dance Party
A lively indoor celebration featuring KC and The Sunshine Band with special guest Sister Sledge. FREE countdown after-party with the Million Dollar Band to keep the fun going past midnight.
CATHEDRAL CITY
Rockin’ Party & Drone Show
A fun party atmosphere with live music and DJ entertainment. A spectacular drone show at midnight, sponsored by the City of Cathedral City.
More Info: https://aguacalientecasinos.com/casino/new-years-eve-2026/
Hockey & Indoor Fireworks at Acrisure Arena: CV Firebirds vs. Bakersfield Condors
The Coachella Valley Firebirds will face off against the Colorado Eagles on New Year’s Eve, and fans are encouraged to make a full night of it. The celebration starts early with pre-game festivities in the outdoor plaza, featuring live music, family-friendly games and activities, food and drink specials, and a festive New Year’s photo opportunity. Once the final buzzer sounds, the excitement continues inside with the team’s self-described largest indoor fireworks show in the Coachella Valley, complete with a custom music soundtrack and immersive light show to ring in the New Year.
Location: Acrisure Arena
Game Start: 5pm
More details: https://acrisurearena.com/event/cv-firebirds-vs-bakersfield-condors-251231/
Celebrate in Style
Afterglow: New Year’s Eve at Palm Springs Surf Club
Welcome 2026 at Afterglow, a night filled with music, movement, and celebration. Start the evening with an elegant three-course dinner, then continue the party across two dynamic venues—live music by Lisa Lynn & the Broken Hallelujahs in the Main Ballroom and DJ Zephyr spinning high-energy sets in the Atrium. Sip craft cocktails, dance into the night, and raise a glass with a champagne toast at midnight as the desert sky lights up.
Dinner Seatings: 5:30 PM or 7:30 PM
Location: 1500 S Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs, CA 92264
More details: https://palmspringssurfclub.com/afterglow-new-years-eve-at-palm-springs-surf-club/
A Parker Palm Springs’ New Year’s Eve
Celebrate the arrival of 2026 in iconic Palm Springs style at The Parker Palm Springs, where New Year’s Eve is elevated with glamour, ambiance, and unforgettable energy. Known for its chic setting and refined atmosphere, the evening blends exceptional dining, celebratory cocktails, and a lively late-night vibe—perfect for those looking to ring in the New Year with sophistication and fun. From elegant spaces to a festive crowd, A Parker Palm Springs’ New Year’s Eve promises a stylish start to the year ahead.
Location: The Parker Palm Springs
More details: https://www.parkerpalmsprings.com/a-parker-palm-springs-new-years-eve
A Great Gatsby Inspired New Years: Canopy Wine Lounge
Dress like it's the roaring '20s in your vintage dresses, tuxedos and pearls, and step into the lavish world of East Egg at this Great Gatsby-inspired New Year's Eve party at Canopy Wine Lounge. Tickets include a champagne toast, Canapés by Chef Kristin Puttkamer and additional hors d'oeuvres and bites will also be available for purchase. Tickets $55.20.
Time: 6-9:30 p.m., Dec. 31
Location: Canopy Wine Lounge, N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs.
More details: canopywinelounge.com
No matter how you choose to celebrate, New Year’s Eve 2026 in the desert offers something for every vibe, refined dining, dazzling entertainment, iconic parties, and unforgettable moments under the desert sky. Whether you’re savoring a candlelit dinner, dancing your way into the New Year, cheering on the Firebirds, or counting down with fireworks and champagne, the Coachella Valley sets the stage for a memorable start to 2026. Be sure to plan ahead, secure reservations early, and get ready to welcome the New Year with style, celebration, and desert flair. 🥂✨
