The Catalina Casino hosts an annual New Year’s Eve gala
One of Catalina Island’s most iconic events happens each year in its most iconic building. New Year’s Eve in the Catalina Island Casino is an event worthy of the landmark building that hosts it. Built in 1929 at a then astronomical cost of one million dollars, the Casino has become one of the most famous buildings on the West Coast. Downstairs is a spectacular movie theater and upstairs is the Casino Ballroom, where every Dec. 31, the New Year is rung in Catalina style.
Catalina Island’s New Year’s Eve celebration includes a buffet dinner, dancing and live entertainment as well as one of the best views of Avalon available. This black-tie evening provides an epic party, complete with balloon drop, party favors and a 10-member band performing covers of five decades worth of top hits. Reservations are available at 7 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 8 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. and the party continues until 1 a.m. Parties from 3 to 10 will have their own table, while couples will be seated with an additional couple in order to maximize the amount of space on the dance floor. Tickets to the 42nd Annual New Year’s Eve Gala on Wednesday, Dec. 31, are $175 per person. For more information, call the Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce at (310) 510-1520 or visit their website.