You know what they say — go big or go home. And never is it more appropriate to go big than New Year’s Eve.
So unless you’re taking the go home approach to the holiday — and let’s be real, if you were, you wouldn’t be reading about NYE options on a travel site — we have a suggestion for going big. Las Vegas. After all, it doesn’t get much bigger than Vegas at the stroke of midnight on one of the biggest holidays of the year. So whether you’re in the mood for a pop music extravaganza, want a fireworks display that will knock your socks off, or simply looking to party at one of the biggest gay clubs in the country, Las Vegas has you covered to kick off 2016.
Here are our picks for the best ways to kick off the New Year.
Carly Rae Jepsen at The Venetian (Dec 30, Dec 31, Jan 2)
The singer behind one of the catchiest pop songs of all time followed it up with one of the best reviewed albums of the year, her 80’s throwback “Emotion.” If you’re a fan of the era that gave music Madonna and Cyndi Lauper, you will love Carly Rae’s new stuff, and she promises to throw one heck of a concert all three nights — but particularly on New Year’s Eve.
The only gay New Year’s Eve event on the Las Vegas Strip returns to the The Havana Nightclub inside The Tropicana Hotel with Edie from Cirque du Soleil’s Zumanity as the evening’s emcee. Tickets are $99 for General Admission and $149 for VIP Admission and guests will be treated to a two-hour open bar and spectacular views of the Strip’s fireworks display. Plus, if you’re looking for a gay good time, it doesn’t get better than this.
Bruno Mars performing at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
Anyone who saw Bruno Mars bring down the house at the Super Bowl knows the guy can put on one heck of a show. Now imagine all of that energy coursing through your veins on New Year’s Eve. The Grammy-winning singer/songwriter will run through his impressive list of hits at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, so expect a memorable evening and incredible ambiance.
Las Vegas Gay Nightclubs including Rendezvous
If you’re looking for a gay good time in Las Vegas, head off The Strip to a cluster of clubs. These hot spots include local favorite Charlie’s, hi-energy dance club SHARE Nightclub and— beginning November 20 and sure to have an exciting evening planned for New Year’s Eve — the new club Rendezvous.
Calvin Harris with special guest Burns at OMNIA inside Caesars Palace
Calvin Harris and Taylor Swift may be a thing of the past, but the handsome DJ is just as hot as ever, and he’ll prove it on New Year’s Eve with special guest Burns at OMNIA at Caesars Palace. Celebrate the holiday at one of Las Vegas’ most iconic hotels seeing one of the world’s top DJS.
Las Vegas Strip Block Party & Fireworks
Beginning at 6:30pm on NYE, Las Vegas Boulevard will close and become one giant block party, open for you to wander around with hats, noise-makers and in the mood to party. The fireworks display starts at midnight with more than 80,000 fireworks from the rooftops of The Strip's resort properties. MGM Grand, ARIA, Planet Hollywood, Caesars Palace, Treasure Island, The Venetian and The Stratosphere all taking part. The Strip will offer a variety of prime spots to check out the extravaganza.
If you feel like getting off of the Las Vegas Strip and heading downtown, check out the fireworks display at the Fremont Street Experience. The evening includes a line-up of the world's best tribute bands (including Duran Duran, Bruce Springsteen, the Red Hot Chili Peppers and more). For more on TributePalooza, click here.
These are just some highlights, but of course, Las Vegas offers tons more fun where this came from, and no matter where you go on New Year’s Eve, you’re guaranteed to have a good time. For more information, visit www.LasVegas.com.
