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New Year's Eve Street Parties

The block party on the Strip

The police close off the 3300 to 3500 blocks of Las Vegas Boulevard at 6 p.m. on December 31. Put simply: the Strip is completely empty of traffic from Caesar's Palace to Treasure Island. But not for long. The crowd arrives a little at time, then all at once. By 11:30 p.m., one of the world's busiest thoroughfares is packed tight with pitching, howling human traffic. Police weave through the crowd, quelling minor skirmishes where they spring up and appropriating anyglass containers that revelers have smuggled in.

At first glance, it looks like a mob scene. At second glance, too. But the crowd dynamic is very exciting and the last few seconds before midnight - the countdown is projected on the giant electronic signs of Caesar's, Harrah's and the Mirage - are pure magic, as a party crowd over 100,000 strong counts down with one voice.

If you decide to take in the Strip party, we advise that you find parking as early as possible, wear good shoes (you'll be doing a lot of walking) and bundle up (it's colder out there than you think). Be advised that the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department will indeed be out in force, looking for the aforementioned glass containers and drunken belligerency - both of which are strictly forbidden. See you at Times Square West.

The party on Fremont Street

The New Year's Eve celebration under the illuminated canopy of the Fremont Street Experience isn't quite as wild as the Strip blowout. It is an official event, which may sit better with some than the contained fury up the street.

A $10 admission fee will get you a light show, live music, and the warm companionship of roughly 30,000 of your close personal friends. Performing at the Experience will be Starship and Bachman Turner Overdrive. There will be a New Year's Eve countdown show and confetti cannons will be fired off. Gates open at about 5 p.m.

For cocktails, there are the hotel bars, most of which will be slammed seven ways for Sunday. Local police will patrol the Experience in conjunction with Experience security. Considering the smaller attendance of the party, this abundance of enforcement should result in a more controlled environment than the Strip.

Celebrants will barely notice the little differences as the clock counts down to zero. The great roar is basically the same, the drunks just as hilarious and the crowd just as tight. Hotel parking structures will fill up fast, if they're not full already; we recommend parking in the FSE's giant red structure at the East side of the canopy. Parking is free if you validate your ticket inside one of the hotels facing the canopy. Have fun Downtown!

Additional parties

Arizona Charlies: In the Palace Grand Ballroom, Joe Guercio Orchestra featuring Bonnie Graham will be performing. There will be a gourmet buffet dinner, champagne toast at midnight and party favors. The cost is $59.99 per person. Call 702-758-5200 for reservations. There will be a free party in the Naughty Ladies Saloon from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. The party will feature the music of Jay Kessler's "Pajama Party." There will be party hats and noise makers, plus a midnight champagne toast.

Boulder Station: Between 9 p.m. and 1 a.m. Boulder Station will be hosting a dance party at the Railhead. Music will be provided by Soul'd Out and Solid Gold. The party includes a midnight champagne toast and party favors. Tickets are $39.95 person. Call 1-800-6-STATIONS for more details.

Drink: The Drink will hold a New Year's party that includes dinner buffet, champagne toast, party favors and live music from the "Boogie Knights." Tickets are $75 in advance and $100 at the door. Tickets can be purchased through Drink or through Ticketmaster.

Emerald Springs Holiday Inn: From 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. the hotel will feature a celebration with Latin, R&B, reggage and classic soul music. An art exhibit by Albert Fennell will be on display. Attire is semi-formal. Call 702-663-9162 or 702-893-9888 for reservations.

Fiesta: Hotel California - a Tribute to the Eagles will be performing at the Festival Buffet from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tickets are $59.75 per person and include the show, a special New Year's gourmet buffet, champagne toast and party favors. To make reservations, contact 702-631-7000 ext. 2102. In the Cabo Lounge there will be a free party featuring music by Real Surreal from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. There will be a free champagne toast and free party favors passed out near midnight. Flamingo: The Silver State Ballroom will feature live music by the Great American Swing Band starting at 9 p.m. Admission is $50 per person and includes a bottle of champagne and party favors.

Gold Coast: Freddy Fender will perform in the showroom with two, one-hour dance shows at 9 and 11:45 p.m. The cost is $40 per person and you must be 21 to participate. A Big Band Dance Party featuring the Gold Coast Orchestra will be held in the Grand Ballroom from 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Tickets are $47.50 per person and include an open bar, champagne, snacks and party favors. Guests must be 21 to attend. Call 702-251-3574 for tickets.

Hilton: The NightClub will feature a special New Year's Eve party. Tickets are $65 per person and include two drinks and party favors. After 12:45 a.m. tickets are $20 and do not include drinks. The music of the Dirty Martini's and Louie Louie will be featured. Call 702-732-5755 for tickets.

Luxor: A free party on the Attractions level featuring Raquel Maartel, a live band with dances. The party runs from 9 p.m. to midnight and there is no cover and no minimum. Nefertiti's Lounge will feature Gary & Naomi from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Denise Clemente from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. There is no cover and no minimum.

Orleans: The band Sneak Preview will perform from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. in the Mardi Gras Ballroom. Hors 'd oeuvres will be served until 11 p.m. followed by a champagne toast. Open Bar and party favors included. $89 per person. The Esplanade Room features Latin swing band Tropical Splash performing from 9:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Party snacks, favors and champagne toast for $39 per person.

Palace Station: Palace Station will open its new night club in time for New Year's Eve. Trax, which will open in December, will replace the Loading Dock Lounge. The party runs from 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. with hors d'oeuvres, dancing and entertainment. Tickets are $29.99 per person and will be available at Palace Station's main cage, starting Dec. 18. Call 1-800-6-STATIONS for more details.

Rio: The Club Rio opens at 11 p.m. Tickets are $100 each and can be purchased starting at 5 p.m. New Year's Eve. The VooDoo Lounge will be open to the public with two seating times and two price packages. Contact the hotel for details. Steve Lippia and the Vincent Falcone Orchestra will be performing inside the Rio Bamba Cabaret. Call 702-252-7777 for information on prices and showtimes.

Sam's Town: Sam's Town will be giving out 2-for-1 buffet coupons for it's New Year's Eve Buffet in The Great Buffet. The buffet will be open from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. for $6.99 per person. Entertainment will b provided by Deja Vu. Free hats, tiaras, Mardi Gras style beads and noisemakers will be given out. There will be a bingo party with free champagne and hats. Finally there will be live music at Final Score, Roxy's Saloon and Western Dance Hall.

Santa Fe: The Santa Fe will be holding a party in their Ice Lounge starting at 8:30 p.m. The music of Angelstar will be featured. Hors d'oeuvres, two drinks and champagne will be served. There will also be a balloon drop and party favors. Tickets are $49 per person. A $25,500 bingo celebration will include hors d'oeuvres, champagne and souvenir glass, party favors, balloon drop and souvenir dauber. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and there is a $50 buy-in per person. You can bowl in the New Year as well. Doors open at 9 p.m. Tickets are $19.95 per person and include shoe rental, party favors, dinner at the Lone Mountain Buffet and a door prize drawing. You can skate in the New Year for $5 per person starting at 8 p.m. Ticket includes ice skate rental and party favors.

Showboat: The party begins with a dinner buffet and then continues with dancing to the The Don Burke Orchestra from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Complimentary cocktails, champagne and party favors are included. Seating is limited. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the casino cage for $65 per person.

Stardust: Les Brown and his Band of Renown will ring in the New Year with party-goers in the Stardust Ballroom. The party includes a gourmet banquet, dancing all beverages, a champagne toast and party favors. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. and dinner is served at 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $150 per person. Limited tickets available. Call 702-732-6596 for reservations.

Stratosphere: In the Broadway Showroom enjoy hors d' oeuvres and beverages while the Superstars Dance Band performs. 97.1 The Point will be hosting a party on levels 108-109 of the Stratosphere Tower. The party will feature music by The Sweet Al Miller Band and The Neon Chameleons. Tickets are $75 per person and include unlimited rides on the Big Shot and the High Roller.

Sunset Station: Bingo players can participate in a $50,000 New Year's Eve Cash Bash, a Sunball game at each session, a gift and free champagne and party favors. Limited seating (reservations suggested) and tickets cost $125. Sunset Brewing Co. will hold a party from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. The party includes a gourmet buffet and jazz music with Rocco Barbato. Tickets are $99 per couple, available at the Sunset Brewing Co. Call 702-547-7777 for more details.

Texas Station: Starting at 9 p.m. Texas Station will be holding a Copacabana Party at the South Padre Indoor Pavilion. General admission is $59 per person and includes party favors and a midnight champagne toast. VIP tickets $99 and include private, reserved seating, party favors, a bottle of champagne, a photo memento and express valet parking. Loveshack, Disco Inferno and the Jumpin' Jimes swing band will be performing. Call (702) 631-1001 for more details.

Additional parties will be posted at http://www.vegas.com as information becomes available.

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