New Year's Eve offers a chance to reflect on the year that was and look ahead to the year that will be.
But first, it's time to party.
Whistler has no shortage of shindigs on Dec. 31 (for the more family friendly options see page 91), and Pique has rounded up a few for you to consider before the ball drops.
COTM New Year's Warehouse Party
Where: The Hangar
Tickets: $40-$150, https://www.facebook.com/caseofthemondaysofficial/
Details: Whistler duo Case of the Mondays teamed up with XL Audio and the new Hangar warehouse venue in Function Junction for a massive Halloween blowout.
While it was a steep learning curve for the folks behind the scenes, Whistlerites are still talking about the bash. Now, they're doing it all over again for New Year's Eve.
"We're going against every cliché, stupid New Year's thing," says Joni T, one half of the duo. "If you want to look stylish, look stylish—just be yourself. New Year's is about becoming a better you in the New Year."
To that end, partygoers can anticipate some to-be-revealed guest DJs, a top-notch crew of aerial silk and hoop performers, crowd cannons, balloons and lots of locals.
"It's definitely all locals coming," Joni says, to that last point. "We sold out of the two tiers of earlybird (tickets) in 24 hours ... I'm really excited about it."
New Year's Eve Gala
Where: Fairmont Chateau Whistler
Tickets: $199, email whistler.restaurants@fairmont.com
Details: If you're looking for a high-end celebration, the Fairmont is the place for you to ring in the New Year. The hotel transforms its Macdonald Ballroom into a "sparkling winter wonderland" for the event, which includes a buffet dinner followed by dancing to the Famous Players Band.
Hollywood Nights
Where: Garfinkel's Whistler
Tickets: $65-$250, showpass.com
Details: This year, Garf's is encouraging you to channel your inner starlet, get decked out in your finest and wander "down into the biggest and best VIP party Whistler has to offer."
DJ Chainwax and Jacky Murda will be playing Top 40 hits along with the classics well into the morning on Jan. 1. Tickets include complimentary favours and a champagne toast.
NYE Winter Wonderland in the Mountains
Where: Longhorn Saloon
Tickets: $100 at showpass.com
Details: This year, the Longhorn is digging into its theme of Winter Wonderland, encouraging guests to dress in white for a wild evening. Entry includes a complimentary glass of bubbles, finger food, party favours, and, of course, a pretty great view of fireworks at midnight.
NYE 2019 @ Moe Joe's
Where: Moe Joe's
Tickets: $35, showpass.com
Details: Local DJ Rosco plans to pack the dancefloor with hip hop, R&B, old-school songs, Top 40, EDM and more. Admission to this party includes some professional photos, party favours and a champagne toast. The festivities will continue until 3 a.m.
New Year's Eve 2019
Where: The GLC
Tickets: $75, at the venue or on showpass.com
Details: Partiers are expected to "dress to impress" with this annual bash. Entry includes a welcome drink and bubbly—but perhaps best of all, the location offers front row seats to both the Fire and Ice Show and fireworks at midnight in Skier's Plaza.
Fabulously Local New Year's Eve
Where: Tapley's
Tickets: Limited tables for reservation, call Graham at 604-935-7729
Details: Tapley's is taking a different approach to attire for New Year's Eve compared to other village venues. "Do you feel fabulous dressing up? Being casual? Or as a group theme? All of the above works for us," according to their New Year's Eve party description.
The party for locals will include music by ED:WIN and the Sound of Stache.
Buffalo Bills presents the NYE Masquerade Ball
Where: Buffalo Bills
Tickets: $50-$250, showpass.com
Details: Guests to this party will be dressed to impress with masquerade masks that come off at the strike of midnight. With entry, partygoers will enjoy a champagne toast, party favours and the namesake mask.
Uncorked 2019
Where: Maxx Fish
Tickets: $35-$65, ticketzone.com
Details: With the bold claim of being Whistler's "wildest" New Year's Eve event, this party will include music from Fidel Cashflow and Dre Morel, as well as a complimentary champagne toast, professional photos, party favours and even a midnight buffet from the neighbouring La Bocca restaurant and bar.
New Year's Eve
Where: Brickworks
Tickets: No cover
Details: Brickworks is adding one major perk to its New Year's Eve party—there's no cover. Catch locals JennaMae and The Groove Section playing live music all evening long.
