New Year's Eve is a polarizing holiday.
Some argue you pay too much for an underwhelming night at the bar—where drink prices are as high as expectations. Others see it as a chance to take stock on the year that has passed and set intentions and goals for the year ahead.
But, for many Whistlerites, it's simply a chance to party.
Pique has scoured the town (OK, fine the internet; it's raining out. We're not leaving our Function office!) and put together a comprehensive list of all your options—the cheap, the pricey, the family friendly—for Dec. 31. (Pemberton, we haven't forgotten about you. Turn to page 105 for more.)
Happy New Year, Whistler. Have fun, be safe, and welcome to a new decade!
What: Whistler's New Year's Celebration
Where: Whistler Olympic Plaza/ Whistler Conference Centre/ base of Whistler Mountain
Price: Free
Details: If you've got kids in tow, this is the New Year's itinerary for you. From 12 to 5 p.m., head to Whistler Olympic Plaza for an extended Family Après that will include music, dancing, face painting, balloon animals, treats, and more. If you need to warm up, walk over to the Whistler Conference Centre for the Whistler Holiday Experience from 12 to 7 p.m. Inside you'll find a mini-putt course, bouncy castle, crafts, video games and more. Don't worry, there's a special section were parents can lounge and enjoy coffee or hot chocolate. Finally, head down to Skiers' Plaza for a special Fire & Ice Show at 11:30 p.m. followed by fireworks at midnight.
What: New Year's Eve 2020
Where: GLC
Price: $90
Details: DJ Riddim will be spinning at this party. You can also expect a bubbly toast at midnight—and front-row seats to both the Fire & Ice show and midnight fireworks.
Tickets: showpass.com/nye2020/
What: Great Gatsby NYE Party
Where: Longhorn Saloon
Price: $110
Details: The folks at the Longhorn have crafted a rich backstory for their NYE bash. "We are in the era of prohibition," they write. "Bars are closed due to heavy saloon license fees and underground establishments that illegally sell alcoholic beverages [have] sprung up in their place. The young wild folks, known as 'flappers and dappers,' drink, smoke and dance all night at these 'speakeasies,' having a good time and getting a little 'loosey-goosey' without having to worry about being in trouble for doing so."
In short, dress in your finest roaring '20s attire and expect bubbly, appies, and party favours—and don't forget to head out to the patio for fireworks.
Tickets: showpass.com/nye-2019-great-gatsby-roaring-20s
What: Hollywood Nights – NYE 2020
Where: Garfinkel's
Price: $50
Details: Catch Fidel Cashflow and Tylo playing Top 40, remixes and club hits—and taking requests. Tickets include "entrance to the biggest and most elegant NYE in Whistler," along with party favours and a champagne toast.
Tickets: tablelist.com/e/garfinkels-present-nye-2020-hollywood-nights-at-garfinkels-952100a95e5f086f
What: New Year's Eve by order of the Peaky Blinders
Where: The FireRock Lounge
Price: $30 - $40
Details: Inspired by the TV show Peaky Blinders, the FireRock is "HIGHLY" encouraging you to don your best 1920s Birmingham garb. DJ Stache will provide tunes, but the theme party rides on your participation.
Tickets: showpass.com/firerock-nye/
What: Stay Golden—2020 NYE Party
Where: Tommys Whistler
Price: $49 - $99
Details: Expect handcrafted cocktails, DJ Dre Morel, bubbly, party favours and light grazing boards.
Tickets: showpass.com/nye-at-tommys-stay-golden/
What: NYE Masquerade Ball
Where: Buffallo Bills
Price: $50 - $100
Details: You're going to want to make sure to follow this dress code—after all, half the fun will be taking off your mask at midnight for a champagne toast. Expect a winter wonderland and dress to impress.
Tickets: showpass.com/buffalo-bills-presents-the-nye-masquerade-ball/
What: New Year's Eve Gala
Where: Fairmont Chateau Whistler
Price: $199
Details: Not into the bar scene? Fear not, the Fairmont has an elegant alternative for you. After enjoying a buffet dinner, guests can dance the night away to Vancouver's Famous Players band and ring in the New Year.
Tickets: Phone 604-938-2006 or email [email protected].
What: New Year's Eve 2020
Where: Pangea Pod Hotel
Price: $65
Details: Pangea's resident DJs Badge and Bobs will be spinning at this party. You can also look forward to artisan flatbread pizza and signature cocktails all night long. Tickets include three drinks and hors d'oeuvres.
Tickets: eventbrite.ca/e/new-years-eve-2020-party-pangea-tickets-86237928967
What: Nita Disco – NYE Party
Where: Cure Lounge & Patio
Price: $89
Details: Shake it up and head to Creekside for New Year's Eve this year. Local legend DJ Foxy Moron will be DJing and tickets include bubbly, a drink, late-night bites, and a costume contest for whoever has the most stylish '70s outfit.
Tickets: showpass.com/nita-disco-nye-party/
What: Creekside New Year's Eve
Where: 217-2063 Lake Placid Road, Whistler
Price: $65
Details: Something is going on in Creekside. First, there was a newly revamped State of the Art exhibit. Then the eponymous throne from HBO's Game of Thrones made an appearance. Now the two events are coming together to ring in 2020.
"With a stacked lineup of DJs, party-goers can dance the decade away and move between locations with ease," the description reads.
DJs include DJ Dakota, tyMetal, and DJ Gainz. Tickets will get you a bubbly midnight toast and canapés.
Tickets: showpass.com/creekside2020
What: New Year's Eve Party
Where: The Crystal Lounge
Price: $10
Details: Well, let's just say it. Bless The Crystal's little heart for its $10 entry fee—at the door no less. Undoubtedly Whistler's most laidback (and local) NYE bash, it will also include live music with JennaMae and the Groove Section.
There will also be bubbles at midnight and "all the party hats you'll ever need."
