Ah, New Year’s Eve. Every year, the big question returns: How to best spend it? I have no idea where the pressure to “do something” on New Year’s originated, but there are a variety of classic responses to it:
1. Making elaborate plans as early as November and sustaining a high level of excitement about them throughout December;
2. Making frazzled last minute plans on December 31st, having been crippled by worry to commit to the wrong event until then;
3. Declaring a distaste for New Year’s Eve, and announcing an absolute boycott of any related celebrations;
4. Half-heartedly succumbing to a few crowded clubs, complimentary champagne and cab rides; or
5. Attend one (or a few) good house parties, characterized by moderate New Year’s festivity.*
*My preferred option.
If you usually fall somewhere between responses 2. and 4., and would still like to “do something” on December 31st, here are a few good options to help you decide whether, and where, to venture out into the city…
NYE at Thompson Hotel (550 Wellington St)
The Thompson’s $200 NYE all-access pass gives you access to the infamous rooftop, a live DJ, favours, hors d’oeuvres, a glass of champagne, and the Thompson’s own brand of hipster glamour. Early bird tickets (access to Lobby Bar, 1812, Wellington Room) are $85. Purchase tickets online .
Twenty Twelve NYE at Distillery District (55 Mill Street)
This party features a “grand buffet dinner” at the Boiler House, starting at 9 p.m,, followed by a party at the Fermenting Cellar. Tickets for dinner and the party are $140, general admission tickets are $75, and early bird tickets are $65. Purchase tickets online.
The Drake’s Stardust New Year’s Eve (1150 Queen St. W.)
If you decide to head to The Drake, bring your dancing shoes and lots of sparkle, as this party is all about disco. The evening will start with a sumptuous-sounding dinner (oysters Rockefeller with creamed spinach and herb bread crumbs! Nova Scotia lobster gratin!). From 9 p.m. onward the party will continue in the lounge and roof-top Sky Yard. You can also just show up to dance with an After-Midnight Ticket, which grants you access to the whole building from 12:30 a.m. until 3 a.m.
Tickets: General admission: $35; after-midnight: $20; cabaret three-course dinner: $75; four-course dinner: $100. Buy here.
New Year’s at Twist Gallery (1100 Queen Street West)
This gorgeous 500-square-foot loft will continue to feature great visual art as Rivera, Koln and Paul Revered fill the space with house music till 4 a.m. Tickets are $40 in advance and $60 at the door. Book in advance here.
The Love Triangle New Year’s Eve at the Gladstone Hotel (1214 Queen St. W.)
The Gladstone Hotel party will be — like most events at The Gladstone — multi-faceted, and will feature three mini-parties happening concurrently. The Champagne Gallery will, of course, be your stop for champagne; the Melody Bar will feature a live performance by iDRUM; and the Ballroom will be taken over by Jokers of the Scene and the Soul Proprietor (from Bedouin Soundclash). And, in line with The Gladstone’s alternative art roots, The Ballroom will also feature a fun installation by LeuWebb projects.
Tickets: General advanced admission $40; after 1 a.m. admission: $20; party and a four-course dinner: $50. Dinner tickets must be purchased in conjunction with general admission. Purchase online .