Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago New Year Eve gala: What does the ticket cost? Date, menu, attendees and all you need to know
President Donald Trump is all set to hold his annual black-tie New Year’s Eve gala at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, on December 31, 2020, despite the raging Covid-19 pandemic that has left nearly 340,000 Americans dead.
Trump’s New Year’s Eve galas are pretty famous and date back to 2000. In 2017, more than 800 people attended it. In 2018, the president was unable to attend the gala due to the government shutdown, leaving first lady Melania Trump to host the party without her husband.
Here is everything you need to know about the big night hosted by the Trumps:
What is the cost of the ticket?
With each passing year, the ticket prices of the Trump gala on New Year's eve go up. In 2018, members of the president's private club spent $650 for tickets, up from $600 in 2017 and $525 in 2016. Guests of Mar-a-Lago members paid $1,000 up from $750 in 2017 and $575 for guests in 2016. Now, this year's gala comes at a whopping $1000. In 2001, The Post reported that Mar-a-Lago Club charged $2,000 to the ring and witnessed a crowd of around 500 people.
How many will attend?
In 2004, 700 people attended the New Year's Eve gala whereas the number dropped in 2008 as only 300 people attended the event. In 2013, 400 people attended the New Year's Eve festivities. About 800 people visited the 2017 New Year's Eve party.
Which celebrities have previously attended the event?
It won't come as a shock that several big celebrities and public figures have attended the event in the past, as it is hosted by the president and first lady of the USA. Some of the personalities who have attended the event in the past include Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani, actress-singer Vanessa Williams, late Regis Philbin and his wife Joy Philbin, Michael Gelman and his wife, Laurie Gelman, Penny Lancaster-Stewart, Rod Stewart, Woody Allen, Robert Kraft, Lisbeth Barron, Serena Williams, Annelise Winter, Marla Maples, former CEO and chairman of NASCAR Brian France, Sylvester Stallone, former baseball star Keith Hernandez, casino owner Steve Wynn and media personalities Lou Dobbs and Dr Gina Loudon.
What menu to expect?
A great gala means a gourmet feast and an exclusively delicious menu, here is the list of dishes Trump's guests feasted on:
• In 2017: Maine lobster ravioli, sliced tenderloin, sea bass, “Trump Iceberg Wedge,” and for dessert, the traditional New Year’s Eve dish, baked Alaska.
• In 2016: Crab claws, caviar and champagne.
• In 2014: Wedge salad, truffle and ricotta ravioli, short ribs and sea bass with mashed taro root and baby carrots.
• In 2013: Pear and spinach salad, ravioli with duck confit, beef tenderloin, and baked Alaska.
• In 2006: Caviar, a seafood bar, a vodka slide, and four courses (including truffled ravioli, filet of beef and lobster) and, much later, a breakfast buffet.
• In 2003: Winter greens with artichokes and duck breast, veal chop and jumbo grilled shrimp, cheese and onion tart, and a chocolate balthazar. Each table had a menu card printed on white chocolate.
• In 2000: Roasted pecan-crusted sea bass, grilled quail, foie gras, champagne sorbet, petite angus filet with Maytag Blue focaccia crust and venison medallions.
Here are some of the pictures from the big night:
Floral designer Jose Graterol posted several pictures of his work for the event last year: