On the calendar: New Year's Eve activities followed by Jan. 1 hikes

While there’s certainly nothing wrong with winding down the year quietly at home with family or a few friends, for some of us, winding up and celebrating 2025 is the only way to go.

Here are some of the ways to make that happen in and around Westmoreland County, and a few ways to burn off the calories the following day.

Outside the box

• Scavenger hunt company Let’s Roam will host a Dec. 31 scavenger hunt in the Mt. Pleasant area, beginning at 8 a.m. on New Year’s Eve. Participants can sign up online and search for things such as the historic Braddock’s Road and look for clues in places like the John Geary monument and the former home of Henry Clay Frick. Each participant will have a list of things that can only be found in person. The cost is $14.99. For more, search “Mt. Pleasant’s Punderful Pursuit” on Eventbrite.com.

• Seven Springs Mountain Resort, 777 Water Wheel Drive in Champion, will host a family New Year’s Eve party from 8 p.m. to midnight. The ski resort will throw a neon glow party for the whole family. Tickets are $25 per person. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. For more, see 7springs.com.

• The Puttery in Pittsburgh’s Strip District will host “Par-Tee Like It’s 1999,” starting at 6 p.m. Dec. 31, with a 1990s-themed evening of silent disco putting, themed cocktails, nostalgic foods and more. The evening can also be paired with a Caribbean-themed dinner which includes a rum pairing experience. Tickets are $40 for the party and $92 for the party and pairing dinner. The Puttery is at 1415 Smallman St. in Pittsburgh. For more, see Puttery.com.

• Legacy Lanes in Whitehall will host Cosmic Bowling events from 2-4 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. Dec. 31 at the bowling alley, 5024 Curr Road in Whitehall. The black lights will be on and participants will receive glow bracelets and party hats. A New Year’s Eve countdown will take place at 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 and include shoe rental, two slices of pizza, soda and an apple juice toast for New Year’s. Children age 2 and under are free. For more, search “Glow Year’s Eve Party” at Eventbrite.com.

Dinner and a show

• Live Casino in Hempfield will host a “Welcome the Jungle” New Year’s Eve party with DJ Digital Dave and performance by the Bachelor Boys Band. The evening includes complimentary drinks, appetizers, party favors and a midnight champagne toast. Tickets start at $65 with VIP packages available. For more, see Pittsburgh.livecasinohotel.com.

• Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh will host live music from 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. by Totally 80s in the casino’s Drum Bar. The casino at 777 Casino Drive in Pittsburgh will host a confetti celebration at midnight.

• The Greensburg Country Club, 309 Pleasant Valley Road in Hempfield, will host a New Year’s Eve dinner and a concert by the Fabulous Gemtones, a Vegas-style show and dance band. It will be at 6 p.m. with the show starting at 9 p.m. Tickets are $79.99 for members and $99.99 for nonmembers and are sold in advance only. For more, see GreensburgCountryClub.golf.

• Greenhouse Winery, 2155 Gracin Lane in North Huntingdon, will host “A Blooming New Year’s Eve” with live music by Billy Rocket & the Stars from 5-8 p.m. Reservations are required but there is no cost to attend. For more, or to reserve a spot, call 724-446-5000.

• The Lamplighter, 6566 William Penn Highway in Salem, will host two New Year’s Eve parties, one featuring a dinner and performance by The Belairs at 7:30 p.m. (tickets are $70, includes dinner and show), and another featuring DJ Johnny O with a buffet dinner from 4-9 p.m. and dancing from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. (tickets are $60). For more, including reservations, call 724-468-4545. For more see TheLamplighterDelmont.com.

• Jergel’s Rhythm Grille will host its New Year’s Eve Rockin’ Bash with Bon Jovi and Journey cover band Bon Journey and special guest Mr. Miyagi on Dec. 31 at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 to $35 and include party favors and a champagne toast. For more, see Jergels.com.

Head to the woods

Perhaps you’re looking to get started on that New Year’s resolution about getting more exercise as soon as possible. The state’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has you covered with these New Year’s Day First Hikes.

Register and find more information at Events.DCNR.pa.gov. Jan. 1 hikes will take place:

• Laurel Hill State Park, 1454 Laurel Hill Park Road, in Somerset, 1-3 p.m.

• Maurice Goddard State Park, Launch 4, 684 Lake Wilhelm Road in Sandy Lake, 6-8 p.m.

• Ohiopyle State Park, 124 Main Street in Ohiopyle, 10 a.m. to noon, register by emailing ohiopylesp@pa.gov for meeting location

• Pymatuning State Park, Shelter 9, 2660 Williamsfield Road in Jamestown, 10 a.m.

• Raccoon Creek State Park, 3000 Route 18 in Hookstown, 10 a.m. to noon

• Birding hike at Point State Park and Fort Pitt Museum, 601 Commonwealth Place, Building A in Pittsburgh, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Other hikes include:

• The Westmoreland Conservancy will host a New Year’s Day hike from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at its Walter Reserve on Wiestertown Road in Murrysville.

• Venture Outoors will host a First Day hike at Riverview Park on Pittsburgh’s North Side at 2 p.m. It is a pay-what-you-can event and will meet about 15-20 minutes beforehand at 1 Riverview Ave. For more, see VentureOutdoors.org.