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There's no better way to splash out on New Year's than with a trip to Vegas. It's been my annual tradition to head out to Sin City to toast for the past four years running, and this year there are plenty of new surprises on deck.
Chances are if you're heading to Vegas you've got the main event planned out, but you should make sure to check out the latest openings while you're in town.
Hakkasan at MGM
The restaurant on the bottom floor of this four-story mega club is worth a visit on its own, and that says a lot considering we're SGV snobs around these parts. Their Peking duck salad was one of our favorite bites of the year, in fact. The nightclub pulses with some of the top talent from around the globe, and this NYE is no exception. Calvin Harris will be dropping the ball at the MGM property. You can find out more info here.
Ghostbar Dayclub at the Palms
Though the pool party season is long gone, there's still one day party you can attend. GBDC at the newly re-opened Ghostbar at the Palms just got a multimillion dollar makeover, sprucing up the 3,500-square-foot lounge. Their sky deck offers a 360-degree view of Las Vegas, giving you a full view of the madness on the Strip. You can find out more info here.
Photo courtesy of the Light Las Vegas
Light at Mandalay Bay The Mandalay Bay's new nightclub venue Light opened to much fanfare earlier this year, much in part due to the involvement of Cirque de Soliel. The club features some of the most ridiculously elaborate floor-to-ceiling LED lighting we've ever seen, and interactive performances from the world's most famous troupe. This NYE Swedish House Mafia's Sebastian Ingrosso will be spinning. You can find out more info here.
Rose. Rabbit. Lie. The Cosmopolitan
Rose. Rabbit. Lie. is the Cosmo's latest social experiment-cum-supper-club that'll be opening this New Years, with dinner seatings and three live performances -- 8 p.m., 10 p.m. and a midnight canto. Bruno Mars is also playing at the hotel that night at a separate performance. Or if you're just hungry for a good brunch, head on over to the buffet at the Wicked Spoon, where you'll find gourmet eats from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. What other buffet do you know that serves goat? Case closed. You can find out more info here.
Hiking at Red Rocks and Zip Lining with Flight Linez
This might sound totally absurd, but we can tell you that the expert's way to travel Vegas is to pace yourself and to make sure you get some fresh air. A great way to do so is to take a hike out at the gorgeous Red Rocks, or go do something wild and adventurous, like zip lining. You get to see an entirely different side of the city. A good workout is the best cure for a hangover, anyhow. You can book your adventure on the mountain here and check out the hiking trails here.
