It's New Year's Eve in Santa Clarita and the sun has nearly completed its descent into the sea west of Ventura. Streetlights blink on across town and, as if on cue, cell phones start sounding off.

"Are you dressed yet?"

"Is the champagne on ice?"

The worldwide party that is New Year's Eve is about to visit the west coast and SCV residents are making their final plans.

Actually they've made them already. Everybody knows you don't plan a night like this on December 31 - not if your idea of ringing in the New Year extends beyond a liquor store and a brown paper bag.

New Year's Eve takes a plan. It demands at least a little bit of research.
Consider this step one.

New Year's Eve, Santa Clarita style, revolves around the traditional trappings: Good food, pleasant company, and an open (or at least accessible) bar. A little imagination doesn't hurt, either.

Thankfully, we've got options.
For those looking for live entertainment, Salt Creek Grille on Town Center Drive presents an attractive destination. This SCV stalwart has been hosting New Year's Eve celebrations for years, and 2007 will be no different.

Guests can expect a special menu, a live band (from 9 p.m. to midnight), and a bar with plenty of elbowroom for everyone. There's no charge to get in and guests who last until the ball drops in Time Square will be treated to a champagne toast, on the house.
The happenings at Salt Creek don't require reservations, so it's first-come-first served. Plan on arriving early.
Those willing to trade an ounce of spontaneity for a pound of assurance might prefer Roast House on Bouquet Canyon. This SCV favorite insists on reservations.

This year, Roast House will feature a New Year's buffet with a carving side, along with live music from the classic rock band, Drop Zone. Guests will also enjoy a champagne toast and all the coffee and danishes they can manage for dessert.

"Every year we do the New Year's Eve party and it just gets better and better each year," says Roast House co-owner Beau Beurer.

You may want to make your reservation sooner rather than later.

"New Year's Eve takes a PLAN. It demands at least a little bit of research. Consider this step one."

SCV residents in the mood for a bit of old-world-style adventure may enjoy spending New Year's Eve at the Repertory East Playhouse on San Fernando Road in Old Newhall.
According to Artistic Director Michael Owston, the REP's New Year's Eve extravaganza, Carnivale di Venezia, is the only black-tie event in town.
Actually, the black tie and tuxedo are optional, but men must wear, at least, a black suit. Women, wear your favorite evening gown or cocktail dress.
What sets Carnivale di Venezia apart isn't simply the formal attire, though. That distinction belongs to a particular piece of attire that all guests are going to wear: A carnival mask.

"The tradition dates back to Venice in the 1600s," says Owston. "People of any class could be in the same room at the same time and no one would ever know. The prince could dance with the pauper."

The party kicks off at 8 p.m. with an open bar and a petite buffet. The stage will be converted into a club-style dance floor with a DJ spinning music of all kinds.

And you won't have to wait until midnight to start celebrating. Carnivale di Venezia attendees will toast the New Year along with New York (9 p.m.), Chicago (10 p.m.), Denver (11 p.m.) and L.A.

"You can wear a mask, go crazy and have fun," Owston says. "You can be somebody else for a night."
Tickets are $60 in advance ($100/couple) or $75 at the door. Space is limited.

If it's an elegant yet cozy evening out you're in the mood for, spend your New Year's at Vine's Restaurant atop the Hyatt Hotel on Town Center Drive.
Already one of the city's nicest dining establishments, Vines goes all out on December 31. A special menu. Unique packages that include a room for the night and even breakfast in the morning. For $299.95, you can enjoy a four-course dinner for two at Vines, a room for two at the Hyatt and a bottle of champagne. This is the choice for revelers looking to turn the evening into a 24-hour affair.

Finally, valley dwellers may want to consider Let Me Sail's charity New Year's Eve celebration, the Bon Voyage Ball, hosted in the ballroom of the Valencia Hyatt. It's an elegantly humanitarian option, where you can celebrate the New Year and help others at the same time.

That's not a bad way to start 2008.