- Las Vegas is called the Times Square of the West.las vegas from above image by Olegs Mareida from Fotolia.com
Las Vegas has been called the Times Square of the West when it comes to New Year's Eve celebration offerings so booking early (up to six months in advance) and allotting plenty of time and money are essential. Because the drive time coming in and out of Las Vegas on New Year's can reach eight hours, consider staying New Year's Eve night and heading home on the first, or even the second. The Consumer Electronics Show brings over 100,000 convention visitors to Vegas during the first week of January so be careful of limited flights and sold-out rooms. - View the fireworks from the Bellagio fountain. While the fireworks are visible from anywhere on the main strip, the fountains at the Bellagio hotel provide an elegant backdrop for the massive, mind-blowing fireworks extravaganza that blasts off at midnight. Another free event is the annual street party complete with live music, dancing and drinking, which occurs on the strip. The strip is closed to vehicle traffic and partygoers spill out into the streets.
- Casinos trip over themselves in an effort to outdo each other for the most exclusive and sought-after New Year's Eve bash. For 2011, the Lax Nightclub at the Luxor Hotel and Casino boasts of a celebration hosted by celebrity Kim Kardashian. Tickets start at $150 and tables run up to $5,000. The TAO club at the Venetian hotel will have Carmen Electra hosting a party that costs the same amount to gain entrance and the Mirage will host a James Bond themed party with prices starting at $200.
- The world famous Cirque Du Soleil provides numerous shows on the strip that range from tame to risque and boast of beautiful costumes and awe-inspiring stunts. There are also numerous comedy revues and shows that will feature special celebrity appearances for New Year's Eve.
- While shows are pricey, and even pricier over New Year's, you can always gamble by playing the slots or tables according to your personal budget. The casinos will be full so stake out your spot early and you just might enjoy the pleasure of ringing in the New Year with a jackpot.
- Long gone are the days when Las Vegas was known as the place to get a lot of food at a low price. It has become a magnet for some of the world's most talented and sought-after chefs. For New Year's Eve, most restaurants will break from their normal offering for the night with a special fixed menu. Typical costs run from $200-300 per person. Reservations should be made about six months in advance. Also, consider that since traffic is closed on the Strip, you may want to choose your restaurant first and then stay at that hotel for New Year's.
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