With plans already in the works for so many of us for the Christmas holiday season, I figured I’d offer some suggestions for New Year’s Eve. But (and this might make me a huge dork) New Year’s Eve is probably one of my least favourite nights of the year: jacked-up prices, crowded streets, awkward midnight moments.
I spent last New Year’s Eve in Vegas hiding in my hotel room from all of the ruckus. Yes, I saw Bette Middler live in concert before midnight, and she was indeed divine, but the streets were pulsating with drunks and scavengers and I felt like a 95-year-old grandmother bear who just wanted to hibernate. This year, I plan on taking it to the next level; I’m aiming to at least act like someone closer to my age — say, an 85-year-old grandmother bear — and venturing out into that wild world beyond my front door. I guess I’m looking to…get out more.
I’m not sure how many people would like to spend their New Year’s Eve culturally entrenched in an obscure indie film or travelling along on some other artsy adventure, so I’m offering up some party options, as well as some family friendly ones, to ring in the end of one decade and the start of another.
Here are some shindigs happening around town to help you start the decade in an unforgettable way:
- Spend New Year’s Eve at the swanky Windsor Arms Hotel (I’ve been known to stalk celebs here from time to time). Tickets are between $100 and $125, which isn’t AWFUL for New Year’s Eve, and deluxe food and a “black tie chic” dress code promise a tastefully naughty, noir night.
- Have an artsexy, gay old time at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre. For one low price of $25, you get two DJs, one of whom is a Gladstone Hotel fave, a divalicious performance and a “New Year’s Eve Babe” competition. Whatever that is, it sounds fun. Click here for more deets.
- There are always the obvious Clubland jaunts, but I’m a proponent of the less populated spots on a night like New Year’s Eve. Super low-key pub options include Sneaky Dee’s and Sweaty Betty’s on the west side, or for super-duper low key, try The Only Café on the east side. I’m also partial to delish resto-lounges like the one at Lolita’s Lust for any night out. Check out their special New Year’s Eve menu.
- For family friendly (and alcohol free options), there is, of course, the timeless classic: Nathan Phillips Square. Spend the night being hosted by Citytv peeps. Feel the thrill of being broadcast live.
- Another cool family friendly venue is the Toronto Zoo — I might end up here, even though I don’t I have kids! There’s food, entertainment, animals . . . what more could you want?! Best part: It’s cheeeeeeap!
Whatever you choose to do, have a wicked time, and bring in 2010 with the expectation that the year to come will be hipper, happier and higher than the last.
Leanne is an associate at Heenan Blaikie LLP. She spends her free time indulging in art, film, music and literature and swears that culture tastes better than chocolate. Her column will appear every Friday here on lawandstyle.ca.
Photo by RebelXL