What better time of year to be in Las Vegas than New Year’s Eve! Out with the old, in with the new, do it the Vegas way!

The Vegas Strip is always packed on New Year’s Eve and 2019 won’t be any different! Four miles of the Strip, from Russell to Sahara will be closed to road traffic from 6 pm.

The Strip becomes one huge pedestrian-only area with tens of thousands of people partying outdoors, wearing daft hats and costumes, having the best time of their lives.

Be warned – it will be cold so make sure you dress warmly. And make sure that you plan well in advance – if you are planning to celebrate midnight indoors, most hotels shut their doors at about 11 pm. You will also need a room key to get in and doors will open again at 1 am.

Seriously, if crowds are not your thing and you don’t like the idea of splashing a lot of money on hotels, food and drink, then don’t come to Vegas for New Year. People arrive from all over the world and this is the busiest time of year, not to mention the most expensive.

2019 Las Vegas New Year’s Eve Fireworks

What would New Year be if we didn’t celebrate with a fireworks extravaganza? The Strip is the place to be when the clock strikes midnight – the site of America’s Party.

This year, fireworks will be launched from the rooftops of no less than seven casinos. Music will be played, choreographed to Mariah Carey’s Auld Lang Syne, Frank Sinatra’s Luck Be A Lady, and Lionel Richie’s All Night Long.

Fireworks are launched, south to north, from:

  • MGM Grand Hotel & Casino
  • Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino
  • Treasure Island
  • Stratosphere Casino Hotel & Tower
  • ARIA Resort & Casino
  • Caesars Palace
  • The Venetian

The show lasts for 8 minutes, 18 seconds and there will be more than 80,000 explosions of fireworks, all choreographed to an amazing mix of music.

Where to Watch

Quite apart from getting to the Strip as early as you can, and securing your spot to see these rooftops, you can also head to the upper floors of some of the parking garages.  Other great places to watch from include:

  • The High Roller Observation Wheel, LINQ Promenade. At 550 feet above the Strip, the wheel offers a full 360-degree view of the valley and is one of the best places to see the fireworks.
  • If you get there early enough, try for a spot on one of the pedestrian bridges over the Strip
  • The Skyfall Lounge – Delano Las Vegas, level 64
  • Foundation Room – Mandalay Bay, 63rd Floor
  • The Ice Rink is throwing a viewing party at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, offering an open bar, ice skating and a live DJ with fantastic views of the Strip
  • Nine Fine Irishmen bar, New York-New York – outdoor patios
  • ARIA – a viewing arena on the Main Porte Cochere from 11.30 pm to 1.30 am.

America’s Part Fremont Street Experience

Not all the action will be at the Vegas Strip! You could head downtown to the Fremont Street Experience instead, where the themed party is always worth joining. Four stages will host 12 separate bands, stage pyrotechnics, an EDM stage with aerialists and dancers, and much more – too many surprises to mention.

Here are a few things to know in advance:

  • Adult-only. Attendees must be 21 or older
  • Ticket-only – from September 24th to December 25th, tickets are $35, December 26th to 30th, $45.
  • LET and transaction fees will cost an additional $5.
  • Do be early to get your tickets. You can purchase them from the SlotZilla ticket office, near Walgreens, or the Fremont Street Experience entry gates.
  • The pedestrian mall gates close at 5 pm to the public and gates will open for ticketed guests at 6 pm – a valid event wristband is required
  • Limited capacity – get there early so you aren’t disappointed
  • You cannot take strollers, coolers, chairs, packaged beverages, luggage, backpacks, bags, masks, aluminum, glass or weapons in – all are prohibited.
  • Locations for gate entrances – Main Street, 3rd Street, 4th Street
  • Parking can be found at the Fremont Street Experience Garage but fees will apply

What to Expect

  • Plenty of entertainment
  • Live bands
  • DJs
  • Broadway-quality entertainment
  • Pyrotechnics
  • The largest digital display in the world, showing the Times Square ball as it drops live at midnight

Surviving New Year in Las Vegas

Follow these tips to make sure you have the best and safest possible New Year experience in Las Vegas:

  • Try to arrive at the Strip by 5-6 pm at the latest – earlier is better. The Strip is closed to all but pedestrians at 6 pm.
  • If you are heading to the Fremont Street Experience, get there as early as you can.
  • If you are driving, park in the hotel garage that is nearest to where you will be. Most of the Self-Park and Strip Valet garages are likely to be full by 5 pm. When you’ve parked, be smart – use your phone to photograph both the garage and the floor you parked on and don’t forget, you can’t get out until gone midnight.
  • If you are partying at a club, make sure you truly enjoy it – it won’t be cheap to get in! Do check with your club; some allow you to go outside to view the fireworks.
  • Dress warmly; Las Vegas does get cold at night,
  • Don’t lose your cool if a Mystery Kisser gets you! These are random people who kiss random people at midnight – they mean no harm.
  • Be prepared for crowds and for it to be loud. There are thousands of people, loads of food, music, alcohol, dancing, plenty of drinks and a whole lotta fun
  • Las Vegas is not a place where anything goes – there are still laws. Cast your eye over the Las Vegas New Year’s Eve Ordnances to see what you can and can’t And don’t think you can play the “I’m a tourist card” – it won’t work and the police do not play games.
  • You can drink in the street – one of the few times of the year it is allowed. Your drink must be in a plastic container though and you must be aged 21 or older.
  • Make yourself aware of the general curfews for both Fremont Street and the city.
  • Under 18’s must be accompanied by adults
  • The only transportation on the Strip will be the Las Vegas Monorail and trains will run until 3 am on January 1st
  • Closest bus access to the Strip will be Route 201 from Tropicana Avenue, 202 from Flamingo Road, and 203 from Spring Mountain Road/Desert Inn Road/Lamb Boulevard. They will not stop on the Strip.

2019 Las Vegas New Year’s Eve Parties

Fancy joining one of the best parties in town? Take your pick from these:

High Roller

Count down to midnight, partying in a comfortable High Roller cabin, overlooking the Strip and the Valley. Admission includes a Champagne toast and priority boarding and prices start at $150 per person.

New York-New York

The Bridge Bash party is on the Brooklyn Bridge, with live DJ and plenty of music. Tickets cost $135 per person, and include access to the Party, the open bar, DJs, and a fantastic view of the firework display. Admission from 8 pm to midnight

Unicorn Partyland, Tom’s Urban

Ring in the new year in style with two DJ’s playing music from the ’80s right up to today. Admission is $150 per person, from 8 pm to midnight. Price includes access to the party, a premium open bar, live music, unlimited small plates, glow party favors, a champagne toast and a fantastic view of the fireworks.

Bar at Bar Times Square

Ring int eh new year with party favors, dueling pianos, and a champagne toast. Tickets start at $25 for standing room an $50 for guaranteed seating. You must be 21 or older.

The Stratosphere

Join the party for a 3-hour unlimited premium open bar, Go-Go dancers, DJ, and plenty of performance artists. There are specialty drinks, Chef’s specialty food stations, a champagne toast and party favors, plus a wonderful view of the fireworks. Prices start at $250, there is no guaranteed seating and all guests must be 21 or older with valid ID.

Level 107 Sky Lounge Celebration

A 2-hour open bar, a Cash bar, and a limited cash food menu are on offer here, with party favors and a fabulous view of the firework display, together with a live Club DJ. Prices start at $199 per person and there is no guaranteed seating. Unless you purchase the VIP package.

Lake Las Vegas

Live music, special menus at the Village restaurants and a fantastic free firework display over the lake.

Plaza Hotel and Casino

Join the party at the Plaza Hotel and Casino with a fantastic fireworks display lighting the sky up.

The Ice Rink

A bit of ice skating, an open bar and DJ as you watch the fireworks over the Strip. Prices start at $50 per person

Free Transportation

From 6 pm on New Year’s Eve to 9 am on New Year’s Day, the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada provides free transit rides. All RTC routes are applicable, including the Strip and Downtown Express, Westcliff Airport Express, Centennial Express, Boulder Highway Express and Henderson and Downtown Express.

RTC encourages all revelers to celebrate in safety and to use the free transit service.

The AAA Tipsy Tow Program will also offer free rides for a maximum of 10 miles for tipsy motorists with their vehicles – this is available to members and non-members.  Call 1-800-AAA-HELP.

Prohibited Items

The items listed here are prohibited both Downtown and on the Strip from 6 pm on New Year’s Eve to 6 am on New Year’s Day:

  • Computer bags, camera bags, large bags, or any bag over 12-inches by 6-inches by 12-inches (handles excluded)
  • Glass containers or bottles
  • Coolers
  • Backpacks/fanny packs
  • Briefcases
  • Cinch bags
  • Luggage
  • Strollers or any other vehicle that is propelled by human, mechanical or electric means unless you have a permit that specifically allows you to use them

Drinking on the Strip

You cannot drink any alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage from a glass container or aluminum container between 6 am on December 31st to 6 am on January 1st on Las Vegas Boulevard.

It is illegal to be in possession of a glass container while on the Strip – plastic containers and cups are allowed.

Road Closures

If you are intending to drive to the Strip or Fremont Street on 31st December, be aware of these road closures:

  • The Strip, from Sahara Avenue to Russel Road – closed to vehicles from 6 pm to 4 am
  • 1-5 Freeway off-ramps onto Tropicana Avenue, Flamingo Road, and Spring Mountain Road (eastbound) closed at 5 pm
  • All other roads, alleys, streets that lead westbound onto the Strip between Mandalay Bay road and Sahara Avenue will close a 5.45 pm.
  • All roads, streets or alleys that enter the strip between Sahara Avenue and Mandalay Bay Road closed and barricaded at 6.15 pm
  • LVMPD will start clearing vehicles from the Strip at 6.15 pm.
  • The Strip and all inbound roads are fully closed to vehicles at 6.45 pm
  • All escalators, moving walkways and elevators that lead to or cross the Strip will be turned off at 6.45 -7 pm
  • The Strip is open to pedestrian traffic only from 6.45 pm

Downtown and Fremont Street Closures

  • Downtown Las Vegas, form Fourth to Main Street and Carson to Ogden Avenue, closed to vehicles from 7 am on 31st December to 5 am on January 1st
  • Fremont Street Experience pedestrian Mall closes to public access at 5 pm on December 31st. Gates will open at 6 pm for ticketed guests.

Other Disruption

  • The free tram stops at Crystals, Bellagio, and ARIA/Park MGM close from 11.30 pm to 12.30 am

Las Vegas Strip reopens after midnight

  • All moving walkways, escalators and elevators will resume at 12.15 am approximately
  • Strip barricades will be removed by approximately 1.30 am and street cleaning will start at 2 am, south to north. Streets reopen at 3.30 am approximately.
  • The I-5 off-ramps onto Tropicana, Flamingo and Spring Mountain are reopened at about 3.30 am. All other streets that lead onto the Strip will start reopening at 3.30 am.

Getting To the Strip

The Strip will close to vehicular traffic at 6 pm New Year’s Eve. Bus detours start at around 5.30 pm and will stop at 3 am on New Year’s Day.

If you choose to take the bus to the celebrations, here’s what you need to know:

  • Routes 201, 202, and 203 provide the closest access to the Strip without stopping on the Strip
  • The Deuce on the strip service operates until the Strip is closed. After 5.30 pm the service operated from Fremont Street to Mandalay Bay every 20 minutes, going via Paradise Road and Koval Lane.
  • The Strip and Downtown Express operates from the Premium Outlets North to South Strip Transfer Terminal, going via Industrial Road and Dean Martin Drive every 20 minutes, stopping at 4 am on New Year’s Day.

Driving or Taxi

If driving is a necessity or you use a taxi service while the Strip is closed, travel is unrestricted east to west on Sahara Avenue, Mandalay Bay Road, Desert Inn Road and north to south on Frank Sinatra Drive, Russell Road, Koval Lane, US95 and 1-215.

Vehicular traffic is limited from West of the Strip to City Center on the Harmon Avenue bridge for hotel guests only. Harmon Avenue East is limited to hotel properties only.

If you use Uber or any other rideshare service, these will still drop off registered hotel guests and any with reservations to a venue part at most of the Strip hotels. However, there will be no pickups from 6 pm on 31st.

For more information, get in touch with your Hotel concierge or front desk.