By Jennifer Minagil
While wandering the internet recently, we scoped a news article on a recent report from Wallethub. They've ranked Las Vegas one of the ten BEST cities for New Year celebrations. While Vegas garnered a bronze medal in this ranking, we think we can raise this bar. I mean, it's Fabulous Las Vegas! With its millions of lights, our fair city is considered the brightest spot on planet earth.
Some quick tips if this is your first New Year's Eve in Las Vegas:
- Get to the Strip early, if that is your destination for the night. The exits from I-15 heading East begin shutting down between 3pm and 5pm, with access to the strip being strictly pedestrian-only after 6:00pm on December 31st.
- If you are parking in any garages on the Strip, be aware that you won't be able to depart with your vehicle until well after midnight (exact time may vary per location).
- Dress warmly in layers. The temperature is expected to remain in the low 40's overnight, however we do have a 50% chance of rain forecast. Keep an eye on your smartphone's weather app and prepare in advance. Strong winds and rain may cancel or postpone the fireworks show, so pack your patience in the event that mother nature decides to get sassy.
- The Las Vegas Monorail will be the only public transportation running nonstop during the Strip closures. Trains will operate continuously from 7:00am on Saturday, December 31st through 3:00am on Monday, January 2nd. Locals can purchase tickets for $1 with Nevada ID, those from out of town can purchase tickets for $5.
- RTC city buses will offer free rides throughout the Las Vegas Valley from 6:00pm on Saturday, December 31st up through 9:00am on Sunday, January 1st.
- Last but not least - AAA's Tipsy Tow program offers a free ride up to 10 miles for drivers and their vehicles between 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31 and 6 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 1. To utilize the service, phone 1-800-AAA-HELP (1-800-222-4357) - No AAA membership is required.
Here at VegasNearMe, we're shining a spotlight on some of the brightest and best New Year's Eve celebrations around town for you to set your sights on, to ring in 2023. At the time of article publish, each of these events are available for sale, but of course - pricing is based on availability, and many event prices will raise as we get closer to the big night.
Concerts & Live Music
Who doesn't enjoy a good concert to set the mood? While party favors might not be included in these events, you're sure to have a good time singing and dancing along with some of your favorite artists.
Durand Jones & The Indications perform at Brooklyn Bowl (8:30pm), with tickets starting at $45. (Ages 18+)
Wanted: A Bon Jovi Tribute perform at Santa Fe Station (10:00pm), with tickets starting at $40. (Ages 21+)
Time of Your Life Festival with Bush, Sugar Ray, Sugarhill Gang, All-4-One and more takes place on Fremont Street (6:00pm), with tickets starting at $50. (Ages 21+)
Bruno and The Hooligans - A Tribute to Bruno Mars perform at Cannery Casino (9:00pm), with tickets starting at $50. (21+)
Wonderboogie performs at Sams Town (8:30pm), with free admission. (21+)
Kenny Metcalf as Elton - The Early Years performs at Sunset Station (11:00pm), with tickets at $35. (21+)
Count's 77 Rockin' NYE Bash with Hell Mary takes place at Count's Vamp'd (8:00pm), with door-entry tickets at $10 each. (21+)
While tickets are no longer available online due to cutoff, give a call to Mandalay Bay at 702-632-7777 to inquire, as tickets may still be available at the box office.
The Original Misfits perform at Mandalay Bay (7:00pm), with tickets starting at $129. (All Ages)
Comedy Shows
How about some laughs to kick your evening off on a high note? The following comedians take the stage on New Year's Eve for your giggling pleasure.
Doug Stanhope performs at the Plaza (8:00pm), with tickets starting at $99 each. (Ages 21+)
Bob the Drag Queen performs at Virgin Hotels (7:30pm & 10:30pm), with tickets starting at $32 each. (Ages 18+)
Bars, Restaurants & Nightclubs
Many Nightclubs and Event locations are prepared to be your Host-With-The-Most on the most electric night of the year. Some of the hottest DJs will spin and help you bring in 2023 with full force energy. Commonly these parties will offer special inclusions such as passed appetizers, party favors, noisemakers, or a champagne toast. Keep an eye out on your ticket options, as there are some bare-bones options available if you're seeking something simple.
Opium & Superfrico | Psychedelic New Year's Eve takes place at Cosmopolitan (5:30pm & 7:30pm). Admission includes the performance of OPM, a 4-course prix fixe dinner at Superfrico, specialty New Year's Eve cocktails, and all the Spiegelworld surprises. Pricing is $325 per person (21+).
New Year's Eve at Area15 is going to be one heck of an all-inclusive experience, giving you the ability to check out various experiences at one price, rather than a-la-carte (10:00pm). Tickets start at $100, and range up to $495 depending on selected package inclusions. (21+)
Skip the Strip takes place at Silverton Casino (7:00pm). Bottomless drink wristbands (valid from 7pm-10pm) start at $25, and your wristband grants you admission to the 10:00pm DJ Dance Party at Veil Pavilion. If you aren't a big drinker, wristbands to the DJ Dance Party begin at $15 per person. Either way, lets get this party started!
Raider Nation: Ultimate New Year's Eve Party! takes place at Fremont Country Club (7:00pm). Offering a DJ and other live stage performances, you can expect giveaways, door prizes, a midnight balloon drop and champagne toast. Tickets start at $60 per person (21+).
NYE Party taking place at On The Record (9:00pm) features a live performance by Keri Hilson, an open bar from 9p-11p, and a champagne toast at midnight. Admission is $100 per person (21+).
Roaring New Year's Eve Party takes place at Orleans Casino (10:00pm). Admission includes open bar, small bites & snacks, live music, party favors & more. Admission starts at $85 (with Boyd rewards card). Please phone 702-365-7337 to purchase as these are not available online. (21+)
NYE at Redtail takes place at Resorts World (10:00pm). Admission is $75 per person, which includes open bar and live music by a DJ. (21+)
O.T. Genasis hosts at New Year's Eve party at TAO Nightclub (8:00pm), with general admission starting at $30, and VIP admission with a 2-hour open bar starting at $105. (21+)
Lil Jon hosts at Jewel Nightclub (10:30pm), with general admission starting at $75. (21+)
Illenium hosts at Hakkasan Nightclub (9:00pm), with general admission starting at $75, and VIP admission with a $100 bar card starting at $150. (21+)
Pitbull NYE Celebration takes place at Resorts World (9:00pm). This event has one of the higher prices we've seen this year with an incredibly exclusive, VIP vibe. A couch for 4 people has a minimum spend of $5,000. Table pricing may still be available upon request - you must submit a request form through the ticketing page and a casino host will reach out to you with additional information. (21+)
Chris Brown hosts at Drai's (10:00pm), with general admission starting at $300. (21+)
Fireworks Viewing Parties
One of the biggest draws to any New Year's Eve event are those with direct viewing access to the fireworks, which will light up the night at the stroke of midnight. Fireworks will be set off from 8 Casino rooftops including MGM Grand, Aria, Planet Hollywood, Caesars Palace, Treasure Island, Venetian, Resorts World and The Strat. Weather permitting, the show lasts about 10 minutes and is choreographed to music across various local radio and news stations.
New Year's Eve Fireworks Viewing Party takes place at Cosmopolitan (9:00pm). With fantastic outdoor views overlooking Las Vegas Strip, admission includes an open bar, beats by DJ Adam and a champagne toast at midnight. Guests under 21 must be accompanied by an parent or guardian, and non-alcoholic beverages are available. Admission is $100 for underage guests, and $200 for guests 21+. (All ages)
Light up the Night takes place at Circa (10:00pm). With panoramic firework views of the city, open bar with specialty cocktails, passed hors d’oeuvres and a midnight champagne toast, this is a classy and viable option. Tickets are $375 per person (21+)
New Year's Eve Party takes place at Hard Rock Cafe (9:00pm). With a Live Party Band, Premium Open Bar, Food Stations featuring chef-prepared apps, Party Favors and a Champagne Toast at Midnight with grand views of the Fireworks from the balcony, this is a great inclusive option for guests staying on the strip. Tickets are $225 (21+).
Party at the Top takes place on the 108th floor of The Strat (9:00pm). Tickets are $150 per person, and include a live DJ, party favors and fireworks viewing. Food & Beverage are available for purchase. (21+)
New Year's Eve Party with Sparkle City takes place at Brewdog (7:00pm). Tickets begin at $50 for General Admission. GA is standing room only, but includes a champagne toast at midnight and a prime fireworks viewing location. Other available price points extend up to $500 which can include a variety of VIP inclusions such as seating, dining and beverage packages. (21+)
New Years Eve Open Bar | FIREWORKS Las Vegas Strip View! takes place at Koi Restaurant (9:00pm). Tickets are becoming scarce for this one due to its popularity, but at last check, tables are available beginning at $1000 for up to 3 people. This price tag includes Bottomless Bottles (Includes your own VIP Table, and choice of unlimited bottle service all night long, including mixers. Bottles include mid level bottles including Titos, Jack Daniels, Patron Silver & Captain Morgan.) Pricing is expected to rise as we get closer to the big night, so don't hold off. (21+)
Las Vegas New Years Eve Party takes place at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co at the corner of Las Vegas Blvd and Harmon Ave (9:00pm). At $151 per person, admission includes Open Premium Bar, Stationed Hors D'Oeuvres, Full Entrée Buffet, Dessert Station, DJ/Entertainment and a Champagne Toast. (21+)
Family Activities
For something a little more casual and low key (especially for those with younger kiddos), we've added a few activities that speak to all ages, too.
New Year's Eve Bowling will take place at Sam's Town (9:00pm). Beginning at $45 per person, this includes 4 hours of bowling, shoe rental, party favors & prizes, extreme lights, music, videos and more. Call the Bowling Center at 702-456-7777 to reserve your lane!
Noon Year's Eve will take place at Town Square (10:00am). Admission for all ages is complimentary, and family-friendly activities will be held in the park from 10am-1pm.
Magical Forest at Opportunity Village is located near Oakey & Torrey Pines (5:30pm). Bring the kids and enjoy the last day of the season this evening from 5:30-8:30pm with rides, activities, and all sorts of holiday fun. Tickets begin at $22 each, with no charge for kids under 3 years of age.
From all of us at VegasNearMe to each of you, we wish you a Happy and Safe New Year's Eve. Lets make 2023 the best year yet!
