Most people are willing to say “good riddance” to 2009, so bars better be ready with their best foot forward this New Year’s Eve. Provide guests with fun themed drinks, lavish Champagne toasts or cheesy party favors — no matter what, they’ll just be happy to have this year of turmoil over.
Party Like It’s 2010
Saying Farewell to 2009 at Rockhouse, Las Vegas
The Rockhouse asks guests to join them for a not-so-fond farewell party to 2009 called F#@* 2009! at The Rockhouse on New Year’s Eve. Bartenders will offer a Champagne toast at midnight and the bar will offer plenty of favors to ring in 2010. DJs will be mixing the top music from 2009 throughout the night. Tickets are available online for $50.
Party with Playboy, Chicago
Global Adrenaline, in conjunction with Outfit Events, presents the official Playboy NYE celebration at the Hilton Chicago: NYE 2010. Cuban-American rapper Pitbull will perform live, and DJs will be spinning in the main room and Playboy VIP Lounge throughout the night. The 10,000-square-foot VIP Lounge (tickets to enter are $205) will offer nightlife and gambling to be true to the Playboy Club’s beginnings. The event will be in celebration of Playboy’s January/February 2010 double issue and will be co-hosted by 10 playmates.
Charitable Giving in Chicago
This New Year’s Eve, Chicago’s DMK Burger Bar is asking guests to give back to the community: Instead of a cover charge or premium, the restaurant will ask for a $10 gift for the Greater Chicago Food Depository. The funds will directly benefit those in need in Chicago.
Three, Two, One…Happy New Year with Downtown After Dark, venues in Pennsylvania
For Ron Kamionka and the clubs operating under his Downtown After Dark umbrella, New Year’s Eve is a can’t miss event. “For New Year’s Eve, we have balloon drops every hour building up to the New Year’s countdown. To make it even more exciting, our balloons contain vouchers for luxury vacations provided by Vacation Adventures International,” Kamionka explains. “Our patrons go wild over trips to exotic locations like the Bahamas and Mexico. It’s really a simple promotion, but one that pays off time after time.” Kamionka says this promotion is perceived as better than cash to guests, and something that he uses at his clubs throughout the year at times to build business. For more information on incentive vacations and promotional ideas like those used by Downtown After Dark, visit www.vacationadventures.biz.
Fun at Flute, New York City
Flute Gramercy will host an all-inclusive party on New Year’s Eve from 10 p.m.-1 a.m., which includes an open bar with premium spirits, beer, wine and Champagne and unlimited pass hors d’oeurves. Additionally, a DJ will be on hand all night to provide entertainment. Tickets are $95, exclusive of tax and gratuity.
All Evening at AJ’s, Destin, Fla.
AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar in Destin, Fla., will feature live music from Black-Eyed Blonde on New Year’s Eve this year. The venue’s NYE party will feature a Champagne toast and plenty of party favors — with no cover.
Spending the Holiday at Halligan, Chicago
This New Year’s Eve at Chicago’s Halligan Bar, guests can enjoy a $65 package that includes a complete open bar from 8 p.m.-close. There is no cover for the bar, and there will be free Champagne all night, with a toast to the New Year at midnight, complete with party favors for patrons. Hors d’oeurves will be served from 8-10 p.m. This is always a popular event for Halligan, according to Crystal Hallendy, general manager of the bar, and tickets sell out every year.
A Winter Wonderland at J Restaurant Lounge, Los Angeles
Ring in 2010 in three huge areas for dinner, dancing and lounging at J Restaurant & Lounge in Los Angeles, which offers downtown LA’s largest outdoor patio. Patrons can enjoy a $75 New Year’s Eve dinner, and once the night continues, a live cover band “Identity Theft” will offer hit tunes from the ’80s. Next up will be the classics of the ’90s, counting down to the top hits of today with five DJs and two dance floors for guests to enjoy.
Grand Event at Grand Sierra, Reno, Nev.
Grand Sierra Resort and Casino invites guests to welcome the New Year and celebrate with parties, entertainment and giveaways. GSR offers a casino-wide celebration, with parties kicking off at 9 p.m. Events will be held at 2500 East, Mustangs and Xtreme Sports Bar + Lounge, as well as live entertainment in the Grand Theatre. Guests can swipe their Players Club Cards for chances to win $50,000 and enjoy activities at FunQuest and Grand Sierra Bowl.
New Year’s Eve Bash at Palms Casino Resort, Las Vegas
N9NE Group brings in the stars to ring in 2010 at the Palms Casino Resort, featuring DJ Paul Oakenfold at Rain Nightclub, DJ Z-Trip at Moon Nightclub, ’80s cover band Flashback Heart Attack at ghostbar and rock band Maroon 5 at Playboy Club. Packages are available for each, ranging from $75-$475 for general admission to VIP All Venue Access & Hosted Bar.
HOME for the Holidays, St. Charles, Mo.
To wrap up 2009, HOME Nightclub, located inside the Ameristar Casino Resort Spa, will host a New Year’s Eve Fantasy Masquerade Ball. Guests decked out in masks, hats and flashy costumes will gather for a night of dancing and celebrating the arrival of 2010.
Hyatt Chicago’s New Year’s Hits
The Hyatt Regency Chicago and the Hyatt Regency O’Hare each will host NYE bashes this year. Hyatt Regency Chicago will feature Chicago band 7th Heaven, an open bar, buffet stations, prizes, party favors and more; tickets begin at $99. Meanwhile, at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare in Rosemont, Ill., the bands The Modern Day Romeos, C Factor and Jaktripper will perform for guests. Packages include the party tickets, accommodations and the option of dinner at the hotel’s new restaurant O’H American Grill. Additionally, the Dance Club will feature DJ Spin, and Red Bar will have Tony Ocean performing for guests. Tickets to the party are $39; packages start at $189.
White Out at the W Minneapolis
The W Minneapolis–The Foshay and its Prohibition and Living Room lounges will host a White Out Party to forgive their guests’ sins before they resolve to change in 2010. The venues will have Father Timothy Alevios on hand to take confessions, and Justin Styles, aka Dr. Innocence, will be manning the music booth. Guests are encouraged to wear white to reflect their “renewed innocence.” The “Smooch, Sleep and Save” package is $209 for the evening.
See the Sights with Sax Chicago
The Crimson Lounge at Hotel Sax Chicago’s NYE plan is a First Class Ticket: Escape to Exotic Destinations. The evening will feature the musical stylings, culture and cuisine of Paris, Tokyo, Rio de Janeiro, Dubai and Chicago. The $135 First Class Ticket package includes four and a half hours of an ultra-premium open bar, a Champagne reception, stationed and passed hors d’oeuvres, themed travel video experience, balloon drop at midnight, five countries under one roof and entry in a grand prize giveaway of a complimentary one night stay at Hotel Sax and bottle service for Crimson Lounge. VIP packages start at $300 for five people.
Hassle-free in Hollywood at Oakfire Pizzeria & Pub
Oakfire Pizzeria & Pub in West Hollywood, Calif., will host its annual “No Hassle New Year’s” — no cover, no set menu and no dress code. Guests can enjoy a free pizza buffet and a free Champagne toast to ring in the New Year. Plus, a DJ will entertain guests throughout the evening.
Rockin’ in the New Year
Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar at Town Square in Las Vegas will host a rock ‘n’ roll New Year’s Eve celebration with an evening of singing, laughing, dancing and dueling pianos. Groups of four or more can reserve a table for $62.50 per person; couples can book a table for $250. The cover charge is $20, and noisemakers and Champagne will be complimentary for guests with table reservations.
Promotional Products
Once in a Blue Moon Celebration
A blue moon (the second full moon in a calendar month) will occur on New Year’s Eve this year — a rare occurrence that only happens about every 20 years. So Blue Moon Brewing Co. is encouraging revelers to make the most of it with its limited-edition Blue Moon Grand Cru. A full-bodied, 8.2 percent ABV beer, Blue Moon Grand Cru has rich, creamy notes with subtle hints of orange peel and coriander with a spicy finish. It is available in a 750 ml bottle. Additionally, Blue Moon is unveiling a New Year’s Eve-themed section of its web site and launching an official brand page on Facebook, offering things like links to holiday music stations, education on the 2009 lunar blue moon and a New Year’s Eve countdown clock. www.BlueMoonBrewingCompany.com.
New Year’s Eve Shots
Gluug’s customizable shot glasses are a perfect take-home souvenir for patrons. They can be emblazoned with logos or holiday or event images. Gluug is a sealable/re-sealable shot glass with a unique shape for separated or regular shots. www.gluug.com.
