If you’re going to Las Vegas for New Year’s Eve – and why wouldn’t you, it’s #4 on PubClub.com’s list of Top NYE Party Places – then you’ll want to go prepared.
Here are tips, important things to know before you go so you can cut looose. In this case, don’t roll the dice on being unprepared. Save the gambling for the tables.
1.) Take a Coat and Sweater. Some people mistakenly think Las Vegas is a year-round hot desert paradise. That’s true except for one word: hot. In the winter, it gets cold. Temperatures on New Year’s Eve are usually in the mid-30s. In fact, in 2011, it actually snowed on New Year’s Day. On the Strip. I know. I was there.
You’re going to be outside, so dress accordingly. Have a jacket. Gloves. Ladies, a scarf. This is especially true if you are at Fremont Street or cruising the Strip. Girls, if you’re going to a club, you’re going to be standing outside shivering waiting for a cab; keep that in mind when dressing.
2.) Make Your in Club Plans in Advance. If you are going to a club, then get tickets in advance. Some of the big parties sell out and you don’t want to be left scrambling for an alternative.
3.) If You’re Going to Party Under the Canopy, Get A Room on Fremont Street. Why worry about trying to catch a cab after the party when you can simply walk to your room? If you’re going to spend New Year’s Eve under the canopy at the Fremont Street Experience – a block party with bands by the original Sin City casinos – then get a room right there for the night. There is gambling, drinks and the rates are usually cheaper (as much as $100 a night) than the Strip anyway. Use that money instead for the plastic footballs full of cocktails!
The If the casinos are full, there are a few smaller hotels a couple of blocks away, but don’t wander father than those couple of blocks for safety reasons.
4.) Fremont Street vs. The Strip. This is a big tip for those who are not spending NYE in a bar or club. There are two big party spots in Vegas, the Strip and Fremont Street.
The latter is a street party; the Strip is blocked off to traffic and people wander up and down it in a big festival atmosphere. There are souvenir stands that sell NYE tiaras, noise-makers, hats, huge ball-sized beads, etc. You can also drink on the street; either bring your own down from the room or stop in any convenience store for beer, wine and liquor (these are great places for refills, too). It’s free to walk the Strip and at midnight, fireworks are launched from casino rooftop to rooftop, ending with a spectacular finale by Treasure Island.
Fremont Street is a confined block party. It’s much smaller than the Strip, about 5-6 blocks, with bands at both ends. There are temporary drink booths – plastic footballs full of one’s cocktail of choice are the favorite drink – and there is also cheaper beer available at a couple of convenience stores. At midnight the electronic canopy does a countdown. It costs $20 to enter and to get an idea of the crowd, it’s where most “old timers” and locals prefer to spend their NYE. It’s mainly – tho not exclusively – for people 35-and-up, and couples. It gets really busy about 11 and clears out after about 12:30.
So which to choose? If you want live music, less of a crowd and a more of an “old time” feel, then go to Fremont Street. If you want more of a modern Vegas experience and desire to hit the casino bars afterward (some of the casino lounges are quite lively after midnight) and/or the bigger casinos, then cruise the Strip. It’s really a personal preference but just in case your wondering, I prefer the Strip.
5.) Use the Bathroom Before Midnight on the Strip. If you have to go, go early. Just before midnight, the casinos shut their doors and allow in only guests for about half an hour. If you need to use the restroom, you may be literally left out in the cold. So, as a precaution, find one before 11:30. That way, you’ll be quite relieved when midnight approaches and you’ll be able to fully enjoy the fireworks and New Year’s countdown and experience.
For more on New Year’s Eve in Las Vegas, click these links:
• New Year’s Eve on the Vegas Strip
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