“What are you doing for New Year’s?” The question we hate to get asked and don’t really care to ask, but do so anyways. It’s a subconscious December question—just like “What’s your New Year’s resolution” is to January. We could answer with something impressive like “take up Mandarin” or “run an Ironman,” or we could all take my stance and choose something incredibly realistic like “eat more mussels” (2017 was a successful year for me).
The same goes for New Year’s—one could hash out a play-by-play of their night’s events, ending with an after-party at a trendy TriBeca loft, or set expectations low and plan to remain warm and in good company.
Whether you’re pragmatic or looking to do something incredibly exciting (and maybe even a tad boujee), this New Year’s, Coveteur brings you the ultimate city party guide so you finally have an answer to the unavoidable December question. From Toronto to L.A., here’s what’s on our New Year’s agenda.
New York
Photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@sohograndhotelYou know when you have one of those quintessential New York nights where you can’t help but think, “Man, I love this city”? Well, the Soho Grand’s 10th annual NYE Black & White Masquerade Ball will have you thinking (probably exclaiming) just that. It’s been 51 years since Truman Capote hosted the best party ever, with Frank Sinatra and Audrey Hepburn among his notable guests. “Masks are mandatory, and dancing is obligatory.” Count us in.
Photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@unionhallnyFor all you fabulously chill Brooklynites, time to party like it’s 1999 at “The Awesome Aughts New Years Eve Party.” All of our favorite heartthrobs and our baddest female girl bands are back together for one night; if you need a refresher, we’re talking NSYNC, the Spice Girls, and Britney Spears, all for only $5.
Stay home
Photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@airbnbDon’t we all fantasize about a New Year’s where we’re not getting trampled at an overpriced club? Rent an Airbnb with your squad in upstate New York; build a campfire, drink wine, watch the ball drop from a sparkly flat screen, keep your vocal chords, all that good stuff.
Toronto
Photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@mahjongbarToronto’s newest hot-spot speakeasy is hosting a Studio 54-themed party and serving free bodega snacks all night long. Get your disco on, and be sure to order wontons and half-moons before the kitchen closes at eleven thirty (aka before your 2018 calorie counting begins).
Photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@shamefultikitoThis old-school tiki restaurant and dance club is hosting a jungle-themed party, naturally. The idea is to escape to paradise, and if you’re in Toronto at the peak of winter, this theme is very fitting—exotic cocktails and 1960s tiki disco on deck.
Photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@thedrakehotelThe art-deco boutique hotel is throwing a house party, so you’ll get the comforts of home without having to clean up empty bottles with January 1st’s hangover. Thanks to the Drake Hotel, you can have the headache from bed.
Miami
Photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@faenaFaena is like that one best friend who is notoriously good at throwing parties (like even their Disney-themed party in preschool was a little more lit than everyone else’s). This New Year’s Eve, the incredibly suave hotel (which looks like a Wes Anderson film set) is hosting a Spanish-inspired celebration. The night will begin with bespoke cocktails and live music, followed by a pop-flamenco performance, and the real party starts when the clock strikes 12:01 AM.
Photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@billyjoelWhether it’s New Year’s or a random Monday night, Miami nightlife is always in full effect. So if you’re not one for the music-blaring-until-4:00 AM scene, ring in the new year with some classic hits and the piano man himself—Billy Joel is performing live at the BB&T Center, just a 40-minute drive north of Miami.
Photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@wharfmiamiIf you’re looking for an authentic Miami experience, hitch an Uber yacht to The Wharf. Located on the Miami River, where all the locals go to eat and party, the city’s newest waterfront venue is hosting its first-ever New Year’s party. In addition to three bars, The Wharf includes five food trucks that range from critically acclaimed seafood to BBQ to donuts. Bonus: You don’t even need to pay to dock your yacht!
L.A.
Photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@ditavonteeseThe epic burlesque queen we know and love is hosting a two-hour show at the Ace Hotel in Downtown L.A. Join Dita Von Teese and her equally glamorous cast at this epic burlesque extravaganza. Meet-and-greet tickets are available, just saying...
Photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@thirdeyeblindIs “Semi-Charmed Life” anyone else’s rock-out-like-no-one’s-watching anthem? If so, I suggest changing your New Year’s plans to go belt out Third Eye Blind live in concert at the Observatory.
Photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@theroxyWe understand turning down a party, but who can turn down a good cause? The legendary theater on Sunset Boulevard is hosting a Midnight in Paris-themed New Year’s party, and the best part is that proceeds go towards finding a cure for Parkinson’s disease.
Chicago
Photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@thedrakechicagoI’ve heard all the Chicago socialites are watching fireworks from the top of The Bean, but if you can’t get in there, The Drake is your next-best bet. The historic hotel opened its doors on New Year’s in the 1920s and has upheld its NYE party tradition every year since—prepare for three ballrooms, 40 bars, and 2,000 people.
Photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@godfreyhotelchicagoThe glass cubism-inspired hotel is considered an architectural landmark in Chicago. Hit the fourth-floor urban rooftop this NYE for a party that overlooks the entire city.
Photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@rmchicagoThis Parisian-style speakeasy in Chicago’s trendy restaurant district is not only hosting a champagne bash for NYE, but a pajama brunch on New Year’s Day; wear pajamas, and you’ll get a gift card for the price of your meal (as if it being socially acceptable to wear pajamas in public wasn’t already gift enough).
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