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What's going on New Year's Eve?

Pique fills you in on the best ways to ring in 2013
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ring in the new year The Fire and Ice show is one of several free events taking place in Whistler on New Year's Eve. Photo BY Joern Rohde/joernrohde.com

New Year's Eve revellers generally fall into two categories: those super excited to usher in the coming year with open arms and too much champagne, and those prepared to just have a night like any other. "Too much build-up," the latter group says. "It's always a let down."

Fear not, naysayers. Pique has put together an extensive list of the goings on in Whistler on Dec. 31 that guarantees* a night of fun. (*Just kidding, that's up to you.) Enjoy and see you in 2013!

Whistler Presents: New Year's Eve Celebration

Family fun abounds at this series of events. To start, there are free spectacles like the Fire and Ice show — featuring Whistler's best skiers and riders hurtling through rings of fire at 7:30 p.m. — and the fireworks display, beginning at midnight at Whistler Olympic Plaza. Tickets, which can be purchased at whistler.com (kids under two-years-old are free), get you access to skating at Whistler Olympic Plaza, an evening of crafts, games and music at Millennium Place and a bouncy castle, magicians and more at the Whistler Conference Centre.

Plus, you can get into two dances: a Much Music video dance party for kids age 13 to 18, beginning at 8 p.m. at the Whistler Conference Centre, and a non-alcoholic celebration of dance at A White Night, starting at 10:30 p.m. in Village Square. For more details visit www.whistler.com.

Peaks Foundation fundraiser

Bet on the horses for a good cause at this charity event, raising money for the 3 Weeks 3 Peaks Challenge in Peru in 2014. For $35, guests can bet on televised horse races (with fake money) running throughout the evening, as well as enjoy sparking wine and food. Winners can then use the (again, fake) cash to bid on auction items like snowmobile trips, spa vouchers and hotel stays. The goal: to raise money for the women of Peru. The races take place at the White Spot, starting at 8 p.m. More info can be found at www.3peaks3weeksPeru.com.

F.O.M.O. at Roland's Pub

Are you plagued by a Fear of Missing Out? Psychedelic jam band F.O.M.O. is— or at least they named their band after the affliction. Considering they got their start covering the Grateful Dead at a Whistler bistro one afternoon back in 2010, we bet they're actually pretty laid back dudes. Find out for yourself as they kick off 2013 at Roland's. Arrive before 8 p.m. for $10 cover or show up fashionably late and pay $20. The entrance price will also score you a chance to win two nights in Vegas, along with a two-for-one airline coupon.

Fairmont NYE Gala

The Fairmont Chateau Whistler has recruited the Famous Players Band for its New Year's celebration in the Macdonald Ballroom. Billed as Vancouver's best dance/party/cover band, you're probably going to hear a really awesome version of "Brown Eyed Girl." Also part of the party: a buffet beginning at 8:30 p.m. and plenty of bubbly. Tickets are $199.

Jon Shrier at Three Below

With an acoustic guitar and powerful voice, Jon Shrier is pairing up with Andrew Crome to help you ring in the New Year at Three Below. Also on the menu is a three-course meal and champagne. Tickets are $55 and the event starts at 9 p.m.

D.J. Livingstone at Brandy's

Come midnight, champagne will be flowing. (Noticing a trend?) DJ Tim Livingstone will spin tunes for a party that will carry on into the wee hours. And pssst... It's free cover. Party starts at 10 p.m.

DJ Dakota at Crystal Lounge

The best part of New Year's Eve? Obnoxious noisemakers, which you are allowed to blow with great gusto. We're not entirely sure if that's what Crystal Lounge means by "party favours" but they promise to have those in abundance, along with champagne and DJ Dakota. Cover is $10.

Uncorked at Maxx Fish

One word: magic. For a $125 ticket, Maxx Fish will pony up a bottle of bubbly, a buffet from La Bocca, a magic show, party favours (we've already covered that fun), a show by West Coast Contortions and party tunes courtesy of DJ Fidel Cashflow. Grab tickets via email at either brenton@labocca.com or info@maxxfish.com.

Endless Après New Year's Eve at Merlin's

Counting down NYE as it rolls out across the world, the soundtrack to this evening is courtesy of Whistler favourites, the Hairfarmers. Beginning with a 3:30 p.m. après set, the guitar duo will play early then return for another rockin' 7:30 p.m. slot. Entry is free before 4 p.m., $15 before 8:30 p.m. and $25 before 10 p.m.

Smirnoff House Party New Year's Eve at GLC

You're encouraged to dress to impress for this party, which features DJ Kori K and DJ Chili Thom. Expect a bubbly toast at midnight. Tickets are $75.

Papa Josh New Year's, Ric's Grill

Whistler's Papa Josh will carry you into 2013 with funky grooves and covers of everyone from Jimi Hendrix to Bob Marley to Frank Sinatra. He'll start the show — in which he plays guitar, bass and drums, somehow — at 9 p.m.

Baby Harry and His Band, Pemberton Hotel Pub

We can't forget about Pemberton! Catch this Vancouver funk-soul musician over at the Pemberton Hotel. Tickets are $20, sold in the hotel's liquor store.