Looks Like The Las Vegas Strip Again For New Year’s Eve Party

Fireworks And Fun Once Again In Sin City For NYE 2012

While I was considering going to Las Vegas for New Year’s Eve 2012, I didn’t exactly expect it to be decided until a few days before Jan. 31. I would what I’ve done many times in the past – including last year – decide a few days beforehand with a few friends and drive out from Los Angeles on NYE.

Then my plans changed because, well, I had to make plans. My flights to my family in Tennessee – and then we’re driving to Florida, a time-honored tradition in the South – were coming up very expensive. Getting back to L.A., before the New Year was the problem. So, while waiting on the very helpful Delta Air Lines phone agent to check various dates and even airports, I got the odd idea of just flying directly into Vegas. On NYE. The fare dropped nearly $250, and now I’ll be able to see not the ball drop but the fireworks along the Strip.

And the Strip is the place to be in Vegas for NYE. The city blocks off Las Vegas Blvd., and it’s a street party with a couple hundred thousand people. You can get drinks to go from the casinos or from the convenience stores along the Strip.

At midnight, there’s a massive fireworks show that almost “bounces” from casino rooftop to casino rooftop. It doesn’t really matter where you stand because it comes to you, south to north. Our group prefers to be around center-Strip, near the Flamingo. That way, we can move in any direction afterward.

And afterward is awesome. Sometimes, we go to the dueling piano bar in Harrah’s. Last year, there was a Beatles tribute band in a Mandalay Bay lounge.  And there’s dozens and dozens of other bars – we prefer the casino lounges because they are more casual and you can walk right in them on NYE – and you can also just cruise the Strip with a cocktail. Of course, there’s gambling, but we save that for the other days. And we always stay for New Year’s Day and also the 2nd.

There is also a block party downtown. It’s on Fremont Street, under the canopy. There are rock tribute bands on stages, drink booths, even Go-Go girls.

But it’s not the party of the Strip. It’s mainly the destination of couples and locals, and they start to depart soon after the “fireworks” on the canopy. By 1, the place is practically empty. Plus, it cost $20-25 and the Strip is free.

Still, it may be what you desire for NYE in Vegas, and PubClub.com has this comparison between the Strip and Fremont Street. Click here to read it.

I’ll be posting more on NYE here and there’s tons of stories on PubClub.com, including the Top Places to Party for New Year’s Eve. Click here and Happy New Year!