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Pique's guide to New Year's Eve

A round up of all parties in Whistler and beyond
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Need a Party? It's time to plan your New Year's Eve because if you don't, maaaaaan you best be prepared to wait in line for awhile.

If you don't have a rambunctious house party this New Year, there are plenty of venues worth celebrating in. The New Year celebrations in Whistler usually means paying for an expensive ticket, but on the biggest night of the year you wouldn't expect anything less. Thankfully, some bars in Whistler are breaking tradition and offering free entry, or otherwise offering a great value night out. And if you are a high roller, then Whistler has of course got you covered.

The biggest party in town (at least the one with the most pyrotechnics) will be Whistler Presents: New Year's Celebration. Adults, big kids and little kids can all have fun in the same place including shredding the ice in the Whistler Olympic Plaza, street entertainment in Village Square and an abundance of indoor activities at Millennium Place and the Whistler Conference Centre. Finish it all off with the biggest fireworks display around.

Whistler Presents: Say goodbye to the old and welcome the new at this alcohol-free evening of family entertainment and celebration. Tickets are valid for special Whistler Presents New Year's Eve indoor venues at the Whistler Conference Centre and Millennium Place from 7 p.m to 11 p.m. The Whistler Olympic Plaza Skating Rink and rentals are also included. From 11 p.m. to midnight, ring in the New Year with free outdoor entertainment in Village Square with DJ duo the Funk Hunters and a fireworks display. Individual tickets are $15; children 12 and under are $10; children 2 and under are free. Tickets can be purchased online at whistler.ca or in person at the Whistler Visitor Centre.

Citta is offering free entry for the fourth year in a row and will be showing the Canucks game on their five HD TV's and one big screen. B-Rad and Stinky will be manning the bar.

Three Below will offer a three course meal from $35 with musician Jon Shrier performing. He'll be backed up by Nick Lemits and Andrew Crome

The Crystal Lounge is having its "NYE Getdown" with host DJ Willie C a.k.a. Soulyric from New Zealand taking you through an evening beginning with live soul/funk/reggae/hip-hop acoustic covers and original freestyle jams. Celebrate the New Year with the funky James brown "get down" grooves signaling a night of fine flavored funk/soul/hip-hop/rock/reggae/Breaks/d&b/Mashups and more. $10 Cover

Dusty's Bar and BBQ will feature Dr. Dave Après from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. then the night takes a casual turn with blue jeans and black ties, noisemakers, party hats, and NYE tiaras. Dress up or down. Free before 9 p.m., $25 after.

Merlin's Bar and Grill is hosting New Years "Endless Après." An après ski show begins at 3:30 p.m. with the late night show at 9:00 p.m.

Black's Pub and Restaurant is hosting the lovely voice of Rachael Thom and a full band playing all night long. Party favours, Champagne at midnight and appies at 1:00 a.m. Tickets are $40.

Dubh Linn Gate opens its doors at 8 p.m., with tapas and hors d'oeuvres all night long — enough food to satisfy every appetite. Live music by Celtic band Murphy's Lagh. Tickets are $60 (includes a drink).

Tommy Africa's will have a champagne toast at midnight with appies. Tickets are $75.

The GLC will greet guests with a welcome drink, appetizers and bubbly at midnight to tunes of DJ Chilli Thom and DJ Kori K. Tickets $75 with group rates for 10 or more.

Maxx Fish Lounge & Bar will greet you with a personal bottle of champagne on arrival, complimentary champagne toast at midnight and late night buffet courtesy of sister restaurant La Bocca. Professional photographer Mike Barry will be on site to print photos of you and your group in between the evening's world class entertainment; Ministry of Sound Canada 2009 Touring DJ VS ZERO, West Coast Contortions, Magician Clinton Gray and the Whistler Fire Spinners. Tickets $125 (early bird is sold-out).

Gibbons Hospitality Group is also offering an all access weekend pass for Friday and Saturday night to the Longhorn, all-inclusive with reserved seating area. The group package deals includes a very tasty bottle of Veuve Clicquot Champagne ,starting at $500 for five people.

The Longhorn will also be serving hors d'oeuvres, a dessert bar, party favours and a midnight champagne toast to the beats of DJ Wilrok. Tickets are $95, bargaining down to $75 as the night goes on. After party from 12:30 a.m. costs $25.

Buffalo Bill's is hosting two options; 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. dinner with an array of appetizers, a variety of delicious hot and cold options before the dance party starts. Tickets are $175. After 9:30 p.m. tickets are $125 and include a champagne toast, cheese, fruits, veggies and treats.

The Firerock Lounge will have a DJ with dance floor and a champagne toast for $40. After 12:30 a.m. tickets are $25.

Tapley's is keeping it real with Big Mountain Rhythm and a Canucks game for $50.

The Brew Creek Centre will celebrate with an evening of delicious wine pairings and a five-course meal. Tickets are $95, $65 without wine.

Teppan Village will have a special NYE menu with choice of four options and dessert for $70.

In Squamish, the Howe Sound Brew Pub is ringing in the New Year with live 60s ska band the Brave New Waves. $10 cover gets your first pint with the party starting at 9 p.m. New Year's dinner for two at the Brew Pub or the FireBread Restaurant will be $39, $59 with bubbly, and both prices include entry.

Also in Squamish, Chances Casino will be featuring the Rhythm Dogs live in the Rock Bar & Grill. Chances will be offering prize draws that include two HD TV Flat Screens and two pairs of Canucks Hockey Tickets as part of the celebration! Ring in the New Year with a New Year's Eve Deluxe Dinner; tickets are $45 and include a glass of the champagne.

In Pemberton the New Year Bash at the Pemberton Hotel will feature DJ Rich A. Finger food and drink specials will be available with tickets on sale for $10.

Enjoy, everybo