Our son (20) has been studying in Santiago since July ... we will be spending 3 weeks with him during the holidays. Our 25th wedding anniversary is giving us a good excuse to bring the rest of the family along (son 18, daughter 11, aunt 48, myself (mom 48), dad 53)
We arrive in Santiago for 3 days then on to Puerto Natales for 1 week of Patagonia exploring. Our return from Patagonia is booked into Santiago on December 26th. Our return to California is on January 4th. We are debating wheather to venture to Mendoza and surrounding areas or go beach side in Chile. Our son likes Pichilemu and Punta Los Lobos area.
Where to spend New Year's ... any ideas??
Momma Hawk

Valparaiso is Chile's big New Year's destination, with music and entertainment and fireworks. I've never actually been there for the holiday so I can't recommend it from my own personal experience.

Congratulations on your upcoming 25th anniversary too.

Valparaiso or Viña de Mar (next door) are the place to be for New Year. Lots of street parties and a wonderful firework display.

I guess your must be into surfing. Maitencillo is another good place to surf with the advantage it has rather more to offer the rest of you.

Thanks for your suggestions, I will look into them!