NYE Celebrate to start of 2017 at the annual gala and New Year’s Eve Party at Casa de Fruta. Enjoy a catered dinner and dancing with champagne and party favors make it an unforgettable start to the new year. With our Inn and RV Park just steps away from the activities, you can spend a leisurely New Year’s at Casa de Fruta without having to drive on Saturday, Dec. 31 at 7 p.m. at 10021 Pacheco Pass Highway, Hollister. For more information, call (408) 842-9315 or visit, casadefruta.com
GILROY
COUNTDOWN TO 2017
Celebrate the New Year with your friends at The District Theater 2017 New Year’s Eve Countdown Celebration. Come ready to dance the night away and let DJ Jimmy G & DJ Seize spin you into 2017. Just for the pleasure it gives, the theme for the evening will be Silver & Gold. Dress to impress for a spectacular evening with a hosted champagne greeting, hosted appetizers and fun party favors. The evening will conclude with a midnight champagne toast and a massive midnight balloon drop on Dec. 31 from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. at 7430 Monterey Rd. Tickets range from $30 to $100 for reserved tables. Go to thedistrictheater.com.
SAN BENITO COUNTY
CURBSIDE TREE PICKUP
After the holidays are over and the tree has completed its purpose for the year, schedule a Curbside Tree Pickup from the local Boy Scouts. Both the Hollister troop number 436 and the San Juan Bautista troop 428 join forces to pick up Christmas trees to raise troop funds. You can help by leaving your undecorated tree on the curb along with an $8 donation at your doorstep by 9 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 1, Jan 8 or Saturday, Jan. 7. For more information email ho***************@gm***.com or sa****************@gm***.com.
SCHOOL’S OUT
No School? No Problem. YMCA of San Benito County has provided weeks of entertainment while school is out of session. The trained staff at YMCA break camp will provide your kids with fun and inspiring activities that will help them build self confidence, self esteem and independence. Program runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Early drop off and late pick up times are available. For more information, go to centralcoastymca.org. or call (831) 637-8600. Financial Assistance is available.
CONDOR TOUR
Hike in Pinnacles National Park and keep your eyes peeled for the majestic California Condor. An REI guide will lead a 3 to 5 mile hike and share information regarding the condor’s fight for survival from near extinction. Sightings are likely but not guaranteed. Come enjoy a beautiful hike and learn about the geology, flora and other wildlife on Sunday, January 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Pinnacles East Side Visitor’s Center. Participation fee is $140 and helps support condor recovery. Register at pinnaclespartnership.org.
HOLLISTER
STREET ART
If you are looking for something different to do with the kids or your friends then take a Public Art Walking Tour of Downtown Hollister. Discover great works of art and hidden gems throughout the city such as the Veterans’ mural at Third and Monterey and the Totem Pole on Hill Street. Make a day of it and stop for lunch or dinner at a favorite local restaurant. Take advantage of this free event any day, any time. Print or view the map at downtownhollister.org.
TAKE A RIDE
Feel the cool breeze on your cheeks when you join in on an early morning bike ride with Brian from Off The Chain Bikes. A great ride for newcomers looking to start a cycling exercise program or for those who just want to get out and take a casual ride. Brian will guide you through a 15-mile ride along the back roads of Hollister. All are encouraged to give it a try and meet on any Saturday at 8 a.m. at Off the Chain Bikes, 101 McCray St., Suite 101 in Hollister. Call (831) 636-0802 or visit offthechainbikes.com.
THE VALLEY
NOON YEAR’S EVE
Take the kids to their own New Year celebration at the Children’s Discovery Museum’s Noon Year’s Eve party. This is the museum’s version of the famous “Ball Drop” in Time Square. Kids get to have a noisy celebration with the whole family as they countdown to Noon across the three time zones. While they last, get a Celebration Fun Pack with a hat, noisemaker and other items to ring in the New Year. Make it a day on Saturday, Dec. 31, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 180 Woz Way, San Jose. Find out more at cdm.com.
WATSONVILLE
ACOUSTIC CHRISTMAS
Experience Gungor Acoustic Christmas concert with Michael and Lisa, an intimate show with Holiday originals and classics songs. Opening with Kathleen Murray, a well loved, local singer/song writer. All proceeds benefit Digital NEST (Nurturing Entrepreneurial Skills with Technology), a non-profit, high-tech training and collaboration space for youth ages 12-24, giving free access to computers, software, Wi-Fi and other digital tools and classes. VIP tickets include a post reception, beer tasting and opportunity to mingle with Gungor. Hosted by Missio Dei Community and United Presbyterian Church on Friday, Dec. 23 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at 112 East Beach St. in Watsonville, Tickets range from $15 to $30 and can be purchased at eventbrite.com.
