Your Local Guide to New Year’s Eve 2020
We’ve grown accustomed to celebrating holidays in unusual ways this year — New Year’s Eve is no exception.
With the COVID-19 pandemic still running its course, Las Vegas has scaled back from its usual beloved New Year’s Eve festivities. With no fireworks on The Strip, no hotel parties, no large concerts, or grandiose nightclub celebrations, there are still ways you can ring in the new year safely.
Restaurants and bars will have special menus, nightclubs will operate as lounges with required seating, enjoy boozy cocktail experiences, or virtual events from the comfort of your couch.
2020 has shown us how capable of adapting we are. Let’s rise to the occasion and bid adieu to 2020 safely and in style. Here’s everything fun you can do in Las Vegas this New Year’s Eve.
Glow at AREA15’s Illuminate Celebration
Las Vegas’ immersive entertainment, arts, dining, and events complex AREA15 invites you to their party, Illuminate 2021. Come dressed in whites, neon, or anything that will glow underneath the black lights. Reserve a socially distanced table, bottle service, appetizers, and unlimited access to the AREA15’s experiences and activations. Experience live music, costumed performers, and a champagne toast at midnight.
Boogie down at Ellis Island
Break out the bell-bottoms, platform shoes, and your best ’70’s attire. The Front Yard at Ellis Island is ringing in the New Year with a 1970’s themed party. Enjoy a Steak & Lobster dinner, open bar, live music, a balloon drop, and more! Table reservations are still available.
Reach New Heights at the High Roller
Toast to 2021 in the sky! Spin on the world’s tallest observation wheel this New Year’s Eve. Enjoy 360-degree views of the Las Vegas Valley and the Strip. Beginning at 9:00 PM, safely ride on one of The High Roller’s 28 spacious cabins. The NYE Toast includes one 30-minute revolution plus a glass of champagne.
Dance in your Blue Suede Shoes at Backstage Bar & Billiards
If Rock ‘n’ Roll is your thing, head downtown to Backstage Bar & Billiards for their party, New Year’s Eve For the Big Kids. Dress to impress in your best formal attire, enjoy catered Prime Rib, Veggie Lasagna, and Gourmet Dessert from Binion’s. The event is hosted by comedian Steve Byrne and features performances from DJ Big Dady Carlos, The Delta Bombers, and special guests. Limited seating is available, and the event will be streaming live on Facebook.
Drive-Thru Holiday Lights at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway
This family-friendly Christmas lights display is illuminated with over 3 million LED lights and 500 animated displays over this 2.5-mile course, through the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. A national favorite for almost two decades, Glittering Lights has been named to a whole slew of Best Of lists. Don’t miss this enchanting holiday spectacle, which you can enjoy with an included cup of hot cocoa.
Entertain Yourself with Dinner and a Comedy Show
Kick-off your countdown to 2021 with dinner and a show at the Hard Rock Cafe on the Strip. Enjoy a three-course prix fixe menu and open bar served with a side of laughter by comedian Derek Richards.
Get Your Rocks Off at Red Rock
Red Rock Casino & Resort is celebrating the holidays with Merry Crimson – a festive indoor and outdoor poolside lounge and terrace. The pop-up holiday bar features comfortable and spacious lounge seating inside, or outdoors at priivate cabanas, or by fire pits. Order a drink off their curated Naughty or Nice cocktail list. ‘Merry Hour’ is between 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
Techno Taco New Year’s Eve at Lucky Day
What do you call holiday themed electronic music? Gingerbread house. Ring in the New Year at Fremont East’s Lucky Day Tequila & Mezcal’s Techno Taco Tuesday. Revel in the open bar between 8:00 PM – 12:00 AM. You can choose from select cocktails, drafts, and wine. Or, opt in for Bottle Service.
Wine Down at Panevino
Indulge in a romantic Italian dinner at Panevino’s New Year’s Eve Gala Celebration. Savor one of two delicious four-course gourmet menus — traditional or plant-based — (because the diet’s don’t begin until the 1st). celebrate the New Year as you view the glistening city lights from the restaurant’s unobstructed panoramic view. Party favors will be distributed during the evening.
Ring in the New Year with Flying Colors
Staged from multiple locations on the Plaza’s roof and towers, the resort will be showcasing a spectacular fireworks display. The showing will be visible for people downtown and miles beyond. The Plaza plans to offer viewing options on property, observing all necessary health and safety protocols. The Plaza plans to work with the city of Las Vegas to close a portion of Main Street to vehicular traffic for a limited time to allow for additional space for pedestrians.
Enjoy Bottle Service at Gold Spike
The Living Room inside the Gold Spike is hosting a New Year’s Eve party with giant projection screens, a midnight countdown, and limited capacity. Table reservations include a premium bottle of liquor with mixers and a bottle of champagne.
Get High and Mighty at The STRAT
New Year’s Eve at the 360-degree, rotating Top of the World inside The STRAT will offer a five-course prix fixe menu from 3:00 PM-midnight. In addition to party favors, reservations after 9:45 PM will include fireworks viewing and a champagne toast. Upgraded window seating is available. STRAT guests can also celebrate from the 107 SkyLounge and 108 Drinks for bites and cocktails.
Dress Up in Cosplay at The Nerd
How do you organize a space party? You planet. Bad puns aside, bring out your inner nerd and ring in the new year at The Nerd inside Neonopolis. Their New Beginnings event is offering a five-hour open bar and a PS5 giveaway. Limited capacity is available.
Kiss off 2020 at Home
Visitlasvegas.com is hosting a livestream countdown to midnight on December 31st. The celebration is complete with a live DJ and epic sights that cannot be missed. When the countdown clock strikes zero, get ready for what Vegas is well known for: a blast. Enter their sweepstakes for a chance to win four different prize packages which include airfare: a 3-day/2-night stay, activities, as well as culinary experiences for the winner and their guest. Participating properties and attractions include the ARIA Resort & Casino, Bellagio Resort and Casino, Caesars Palace, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Dig This, Maverick Helicopters, The Mob Museum, Park MGM, Pink Jeep Tours, Sun Buggy Fun Rentals, Treasure Island, The STRAT, Vegas Indoor Skydiving, Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino and Wynn Las Vegas.
Below are Some Tips to Stay Safe this New Year’s Eve:
AAA’s Tipsy Tow Program
Drank a little too much? AAA’s Tipsy Tow program will offer a free ride up to 10 miles for tipsy motorists and their vehicles from 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31 to 6 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 1, New Year’s Day. The service is available by calling 1-800-AAA-HELP (1-800-222-4357)
**No AAA membership required!
RTC
The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC) is offering free rides on all of its transit routes on New Year’s Eve while continuing to take COVID-19 precautions to ensure safe travels. From 6 p.m. on New Year’s Eve until 9 a.m. on New Year’s Day, transit riders can board any vehicle on the RTC’s 38 fixed routes without purchasing a pass or presenting fare.
The following items are banned on the Strip and Downtown during the New Year’s Eve festivities from December 31, 6:00 pm – January 1, 6:00 am.
- Metal and glass containers. It is unlawful for any person to be in possession of any glass container while on The Las Vegas Strip. Plastic cups and containers will be allowed.
- Large bags, Purses larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″, and coolers
- Briefcases, backpacks, cinch bags, and luggage of any kind.
- Computer bags and camera bags.
- Strollers, carts, or any stroller propelled by humans, electricity, or mechanical means unless specifically authorized by a permit.
- Minors (under 18) are not allowed on the Strip or downtown without a parent or adult legal guardian.