Imagine ushering in the New Year In Las Vegas — the city of lights, excess and a non-stop party atmosphere. Regardless of whether you’re looking for the biggest party, relaxing with the kids or want to canoodle the evening away, New Year’s Eve in Vegas has a little somethin’-somethin’ for everyone. Be prepared, however, Sin City will be a wild, untameable mess on the big night with streets and hotels packed beyond recognition. Thankfully, we’ve got you covered with some stellar suggestions of what to for NYE in Vegas for every type of party!
Where to Sleep
Start the party at Caesar’s Palace. Photo by H. Michael Miley CC BY
Caesar’s Palace has been featured in more Vegas films than we can count (including The Hangover, Ocean’s Eleven and Showgirls), making it the perfect place to kick off the big New Year’s Eve Vegas party. Enjoy the glorious Strip views, the multitude of pools and the dripping opulence of one of the most iconic hotels on the Vegas Strip.
Where to Eat
The fish tacos at Nobu are unlike any other. Photo by Alexis Lamster CC BY
See and be seen at NOBU, the renowned sushi restaurant frequented by the A-listers. Nobu has a sophisticated menu of imported seafood, fish, sushi rolls and delicacies that aren’t often available anywhere else in the US. A couple must-trys are the Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeño, the Monkfish Paté with Caviar and the Salmon Nobu Style Taco.
What to Do
Join the crowds dancing to Tiesto. Photo courtesy of the Hakkasan Facebook Page.
Voted third best nightclub in the world by DJ Magazine, Hakkasan nightclub is the place to be in Vegas for a party animal on any given night. This New Year’s Eve, the party will by led by Grammy winner DJ Tiesto, and promises to be a night plenty of incredible drops, fist pumping and general debauchery. You’ll be surrounded by a high energy crowd, the champagne will be flowing the night promises to be one remembered in flashes of disco lights. Buy tickets here.
Where to Sleep
Take advantage of Encore’s 24/7 Pride Concierge for the best of LGBT Vegas. Photo by Bert Kaufmann CC BY
The Encore at Wynn welcomes LGBT travelers with a 24/7 Pride Concierge who will lead and direct you to the best of Vegas’s gay-friendly bars, clubs and nightlife. Should you meet the love of your life on NYE, why not tie the knot at one of the hotel’s wedding salons? Not only that, but the Encore is one of the top luxury hotels in Vegas with large suites and fantastic views and an unparalleled attention to the little details.
What to Do
This could be the best party on the Strip. Photo courtesy of the Evolve Vegas Facebook page
If you’re looking for a big night out, head to the Havana Nightclub at the New Tropicana for Evolve Vegas which promises to be the only gay New Year’s Eve event on the Vegas Strip. It also promises to be a memorable one with guests joining from all over the world as well as some fabulous celebrities like Trixie Mattel from Season 7 of RuPaul’s Drag Race and Scott Nevins of Bravo’s Hot TV Show The People’s Couch fame, among others for a beautiful night. Get more information right here.
Where to Eat
Make reservations for your squad for an evening at Sage for a foray into everything making modern American cuisine interesting. Chef Shawn McClain will take your palate on a journey through farm-to-table produce with a focus on seasonal ingredients, sustainable seafood and artisanal meats. Pair that with the restaurant’s expert mixologists who meld fresh fruit purées into some beautiful cocktails and you have an experience you’ll be talking about well into your night at the Havana Nightclub.
Where to Sleep
The glitz, glam and romance of Vegas at the Cosmopolitan. Photo by Tony Webster CC BY
What happens in Vegas happens mainly at your hotel. Kick off your New Year’s Eve in Vegas at The Cosmopolitan, putting you and your honey at an ideal location to view the fireworks, move around the Strip, OR stay in and enjoy the plethora of entertainment that’s happening this NYE within the hotel grounds. This swanky hotel attracts a lot of star quality clientele and you’ll be joined on New Year’s by Bruno Mars, who is performing here on the big night.
Where to Eat
Meat done right at STK. Photo courtesy of the STK Facebook Page.
Reservations will be required without a doubt on New Year’s Eve but make it easier on yourself by booking a table at one of the many delightful and delectable restaurants at the Cosmopolitan. Several restaurants are offering special prix-fixe menus for NYE. We’re digging the choices at STK Menu: a glass of Moet Imperial when you arrive, tuna tartare followed by 10 oz Australian wagyu strip steak and finishing up with a generous slice of white chocolate cheesecake. There are also prix-fixed menus at the Italian restaurant Scarpetta.
What to Do
Ring in 2016 at Cosmopolitan skating rink. Photo courtesy of the Cosmopolitan
The New Year’s Eve Celebration at The Ice Rink might be the most romantic way to ring in the New Year. The rink is the perfect location to view the midnight fireworks with a glass of Veuve Clicquot from the Champagne Bar and skating hand-in-hand with the tunes of the DJ. Get cozy and rent a cabana and fire pit with premium bottle service!
Where to Sleep
All the rooms at the Palazzo are suites. Photo courtesy of the Palazzo Facebook page.
If you’re doing New Year’s Eve in Vegas solo, go big or stay at home. Book a few nights at the Palazzo, where all the rooms are suites, the pools are all stunning and most importantly for a solo traveler, the hotel is safe with security trivago magazineg room keys at the elevators all day, every day. You can waste time by pretending you’re in Italy and hanging out in the Canal Shopper, St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge, all quintessential Vegas landmarks. Plus, since you don’t know anyone, there is no shame in taking some selfies!
Where to Eat
The beautiful rib eye at the db Brasserie. Photo courtesy of the db Brassier
Ring in 2016 with a solo table at db Brasserie at the Venetian. The steak frites, oysters on half shell, terrine of foie gras, crispy duck confit and finish it off with a generous dessert like the Grand Marnier souffle. After all, no one is there to judge!
What to Do
Catch a Vegas show on New Year’s Eve. Photo by Tony Hisgett CC BY
What better to do on a night alone in Vegas than to catch one of the many brilliant shows? From circus acts, to Michael Jackson tributes, there is something to suit every taste. We recommend the Cirque Du Soleil Beatles tribute show, LOVE at Mirage: Beatles tunes freshly re-imagined and accompanied by an international cast of dancers and entertainers.
Where to Sleep
Turn the kids loose in the pools while you relax. Photo courtesy of the MGM Grand
Delight yourself and the kids by trivago magazineg-in to the one and only, MGM Grand. Their 6.6-acre pool complex has 5 places to swim, splash and unwind including rivers, waterfalls and grottos. You’ll be able to relax with a poolside drink or unwind in your reserved cabanas with private patios, flat screen televisions, safes, mini refrigerators, complimentary pair of tubes and personalized service if you need a refill.
Where to Eat
Grab a (mini) burger and fries done right at Crush. Photo courtesy of Crush Restaurant
With over 20 food options to pick from at the MGM Grand, its like they’re rewarding picky eaters! For your NYE family dinner, try the menu at Crush where both small and large sharing plates mean an entire plate is not wasted if someone doesn’t like it. Try the grilled salmon, angus mini burgers or the Nana D’s meatballs pizza which comes topped with homemade meatballs, oven roasted tomatoes and pecorino cheese. If your wee ones can sit through a fancier meal, try the menu fixe at Hakkasan with menus by Michelin-starred Chef Ho Chee Boon.
What to Do
The light show is even bigger on New Year’s Eve. Photo by Brenna
Give the kids a taste of the grown-up life and take them to see a concert, Vegas style. With performances from Maroon 5 at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino to Britney Spears at Planet Hollywood, the whole family can sing along and be entertained by the next level Vegas theatrics. Can’t keep them focused for that long? The fireworks show, fired from the rooftops of the Strip, can be viewed from many vantage points.