PROVO — If you’re not quite ready to see the holidays leave and want to celebrate on New Years Eve, or you didn’t get to take in local light displays, don’t despair — there are a number of options for your New Years Eve celebration. The biggest celebration will be in at the Provo Towne Centre with the annual Countdown in Provo.
According to Whitney Booth, recreation coordinator for Provo Parks and Recreation, the family friendly, indoor party includes activities for all ages. Those activities include laser tag, photo booths, a rock wall, inflatable obstacle course and games, balloon twisters, face painting, hypnotist show, karaoke, a food eating contest, Black light dance and a variety of performers, including a comedy show, magic show, puppet show, and live animal show and roaming entertainers, according to a news release.
The Countdown in Provo begins at 6:30 p.m. Monday and runs until just after midnight. Families with children who want to celebrate but need to be in bed before midnight will get to see fireworks outside the mall at 9 p.m. Just before midnight Provo Mayor John Curtis will lead the crowds in the countdown to the ball drop and a second fireworks display to greet the new year.
Booth said more volunteers are needed to help and can call during the day Monday at Provo City Parks and Recreation, (801) 852-6632.
The public can buy admission bands at Provo’s Parks and Recreation office, 351 W. Center St., and at Winger’s in the Provo Towne Centre. The bands cost $5 for adults 13 and over and $4 for children. Children younger than 3 years old are free. All of the entertainment and activities come with the purchase of admission. Food will be for sale in the mall food court. Purchase of admission also includes a free skate rental at Provo Peaks Ice Arena between Jan. 2-5.
For a special kid treat New Years Eve before the sun goes down, children are invited to the Shops at Riverwoods from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with Radio Disney AM 910 Salt Lake City as they host the annual Noon Year’s Eve in The Manor. This is one of 19 events hosted by Radio Disney across the country. Events include interactive entertainment, prizes and jamming to songs from Radio Disney’s Top 50 Countdown. For more information call (801) 802-8430.
If you haven’t taken advantage of some of the light displays throughout the valley, Monday night will be your last chance until next December. Listed below are locations still offering light displays and interactive shows.
Light shows that remain open through Monday
• Historic Downtown Provo
350 W. Center St.
Hours of operation: 6:30 p.m.
Price: Free
To enjoy the light show in front of the City Center, tune into 99.9FM.
• Salem Pond Holiday Lights
Knoll Park, 200 W. 300 South, Salem
Hours of operation: 6 p.m.
Price: Free
• 20th Annual Spanish Fork Festival of Lights
Canyon View Park, 3300 E. Powerhouse Road, Spanish Fork
Hours of operation: 6-10 p.m.
Price: $7 per car, $20 per van, $30 per bus
Be sure to listen to the holiday music broadcast on 99.9 FM as you view the holiday lights and displays.
• Lighting of the Riverwoods
4801 N. University Ave., Provo
Hours of operation: 6-9 p.m.
Price: Free
Enjoy walking around the thousands of colorful lights, warm up next to one of the fire pits and visit with friends.