Las Vegas is hosting America’s biggest New Year’s Eve party: here’s how to get involved

Once upon a time, Las Vegas was known for its Strip.

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Throughout the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, most Americans viewed the Gaza Strip as a sordid place where vices seemed to come together. From casinos to title fights, Vegas has slowly become an entertainment mecca. But the nickname “Sin City” suits it well.

In the early 2000s, Las Vegas was evolving toward a new approach to mass entertainment. One that refocused on putting on the bright lights instead of the type of establishments where your secrets are safe here.

I would call this the beginning of the era of the City of Lights. Family establishments and shows aimed at children have appeared, as well as luxury services of all stripes.

This latest iteration of Vegas is much more varied than its predecessor.

Do you like nature, for example? Head to Seven Magic Mountains or take a helicopter to the Grand Canyon.

And culture? From fine arts to world-class performances, you won’t have time to fit it all into your weekend.

Are you more of a foodie? You can eat as much as you want at top-notch restaurants.

I could go on and on. From spas to art galleries to fringe museums, Vegas has it all. (Except for a reliable source of fresh water, but I won’t spoil the mood.) And there’s no better way to enjoy this whole range of entertainment than on New Year’s Eve.

By some estimates, 400,000 people come to the city to ring in the new year.

Want to see the City of Lights at its best? Here’s what you need to know to celebrate at the biggest New Year’s Eve parties in Las Vegas.

The Best New Year’s Eve Parties in Las Vegas: The Basics

There are three rules that you must follow for a good experience during NYE in Las Vegas.

1. Book as early as possible—the city is flooded with nearly half a million revelers towards the end of December
2. Save— prices skyrocket over the New Year
3. Stay together when going out or decide on a meeting place just in case— the city will turn into a zoo on the big night

The Best New Year’s Eve Parties in Las Vegas

Fremont Street Experience

It is THE New Year’s Eve Party in Vegas, hosted by the city and featuring four huge live performance stages. Fremont is a five-block entertainment district that has overtaken the city’s oldest streets.

Guests can enjoy live music, street performances, LED light shows and the SlotZilla Zipline, an 11-story zipline attraction. And the casinos. Casino everywhere.

Omnia Nightclub

Steve Aoki headlines NYE ​​at Omnia. As one of the most popular electronic DJs in the world, he is a well-known personality. Oh, and he likes to interact with the crowd by “spoiling” people.

This is exactly what it sounds like: you show up with a sign asking you to make yourself some cake, then Mr. Aoki pulls out a family-sized dessert and throws it at you – and he’s dangerously accurate. (He once threw a cake over 80 feet to hit one of his fans in a wheelchair.)

My point: Steve Aoki is fun as hell, even if you’re not a fan of EDM.

Marquee nightclub

Marquee nightclub is just as famous as Omni in the city and has been a Cosmopolitan mainstay for years. This year, Alesso is headlining, which means you’ll have standard EDM music all night long with plenty of crowd favorites.

Even though I’m a techno or drum’n bass girly girl myself, I wouldn’t mind spending the night raising my hands in the air to some remixes of well-known hits. It’s fun when there are words!

Hakkasan Nightclub

DJ Pauly D headlines Hakkasan Nightclub, one of MGM’s hottest new projects in town. (Yes, that Pauly D from MTV Jersey Shore.)

While this may seem far from Steve Aoki, it may not be in terms of entertainment. I guess the music is better at Omnia and Marquee, but Pauly D knows how to throw a party. Additionally, Hakkasan has a slight advantage over other major Vegas clubs.

Sahara Las Vegas

If you’re not wooed by an outdoor block party or an exclusive nightclub, don’t worry, you have options. Sahara Las Vegas is throwing a pretty solid New Year’s Eve party at its on-site AZILO Ultra Lounge & CASBAR.

You can choose from different ticket tiers that include open bar and dining options. There is also a swimming pool in case you want to swim until 2025.

Rainforest Coffee

Here is my favorite family selection. Although many events are strictly 21 and over in Las Vegas, Rainforest Café puts on a splashy evening that people of all ages will enjoy.

The New Year’s Eve event includes a buffet dinner with unlimited soft drinks. After dinner, the party begins with fireworks, face painting, a DJ and a live dance floor.