Lake Las Vegas
The Las Vegas Strip will be the center of the universe on December 31, but it’s not the only party in town. If you prefer a friendly neighborhood bash (or just want to avoid ride-share surge pricing), here are some of our picks.
Blue Martini White Out Diamond Ball
The Town Square staple will offer passed hors d’oeuvres and an open bar until 10 p.m., and while tables and cabana reservations can run you anywhere between $360 and $1,800, it’s a lot cheaper than reserving space at a Strip nightclub. Your ticket also gets you a glass of champagne for the midnight balloon drop. 7 p.m., $50 (presale), lasvegas.bluemartinilounge.com
Distill and Remedy’s Tavern
Local hangouts Distill and Remedy’s Tavern will close out the year with parties at their locations in Las Vegas and Henderson. Wear comfortable (but impressive) shoes for a night of dancing and a champagne toast at midnight. Oh, and the best part: Admission is free. 9 p.m., remedystavern.com and distillbar.com
Eastside Cannery New Year’s Eve Bash
The midnight views from Eastside Cannery’s One Six Sky Lounge will be among the best in the Valley, and while you’re waiting for the ball to drop you can enjoy tunes by R&B act Next Movement and DJ Deniro. Your general admission ticket gets you party favors and a glass of champagne. VIP seating is also available for a little extra. 9 p.m., $60–$1,250, eastsidecannery.com
Lake Las Vegas New Year’s Eve Cruise
If you really want to get away for New Year’s Eve, you can celebrate on La Contessa Yacht at Lake Las Vegas, where an evening cruise will precede the midnight fireworks. Dress in layers because you’ll want to be warm outside but comfortable on the dance floor. Your ticket includes a complimentary glass of champagne. 11:30 p.m., $50, lakelasvegas.com
Old School New Year’s Eve featuring Next and Rob Base
Sam’s Town Live just won New Year’s Eve with an all-night bash featuring 90s greats Next (“Too Close” and “Butta Love”) and Rob Base (“It Takes Two”). Watch the live countdown to midnight on screens inside the venue and sip your complimentary glass of champagne at midnight. Gifts and prizes are also in store for attendees, but really, the only gift you’ll ever need is seeing “Too Close” live. 10 p.m., $79-$514, samstownlv.com
Power 88 New Year’s Eve at Chrome
The Santa Fe Station showroom serves as the host venue for this New Year’s Eve celebration on the northwest side, featuring a rotating lineup of DJs and radio personalities. General admission tickets are pretty cheap, but if you want a booth, it will cost you a few hundred bucks. 10 p.m., $34, stationcasinoslive.com
The Silverton
Silverton Casino Skip the Strip Party
The Silverton’s Veil Pavilion hosts an all-night dance party, with bottomless cocktails from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and a champagne toast at midnight. If you’re the designated driver this New Year’s Eve (or if you just prefer to make smart, sober decisions), you actually get a break on your ticket price—$10, compared to $25 for the bottomless drinkers. Your ticket also gets you $5 off the Silverton’s specialty dinner buffet on December 31. 7 p.m., silvertoncasino.com
Topgolf NYE 2018
Here’s an ideal hang if you’re looking for something a little different on New Year’s Eve. Topgolf is offering packages for groups of six (at $99 per person) that will get you three hours of unlimited play in a private bay, a three-hour open bar, souvenirs and champagne at midnight. 9 p.m., topgolf.com
Looking for more ways to ring in 2018? From concerts to family-friendly activities and everything in between, check out our New Year’s Eve 2017 guide.