When it comes to celebrating the New Year, the old motto rings true: Fail to plan, or plan to fail. While you may have already given resolutions some thought and consider yourself ready for 2012, don’t forget to make the final night of 2011 one to remember. If you’ve not had time to think that far ahead, or decided to lie low but then changed your mind, worry not — some tickets are left. Here are a few options, last-minute and top-notch.
Shangri-La Vancouver New Year’s Gala
Sponsored by Smirnoff, Don Julio and Gran Marnier, this black-tie affair boasts a grand ballroom, two VIP rooms, canapés from Jean-Georges’ MARKET restaurant, DJs and a reduced room rate for those who choose to stay the night. The red carpet entrance is a classy and surely memorable touch. $125 per person. 1128 W. Georgia St. 604-689-1120
Telus World of Science New Year’s Eve 2012
Join a crowd of 1,000+ for music and dancing on two floors of the modern-historic World of Science building, overlooking False Creek. Level one is house, electro and mashups, and level two all hip hop and Top 40. Not an open-bar ticket, but there is complimentary champagne at midnight. Private cabanas are available for those wanting to celebrate with a more intimate crew. Regular tickets $105. 1455 Quebec St. 604-443-7443
New Year’s at the Fairmont Pacific Rim
Maybe you are not ready to pop the question, or maybe you already have; regardless, tonight of all nights is one to consider dedicating to over-the-top romance at the Fairmont Pacific Rim. Starting at $750, the deluxe package includes premium accommodations, set-menu dinner for two in Oru, cover charge in the Lobby Lounge for the hotel’s New Year’s Eve Celebration featuring a six-piece band and midnight buffet, and a hangover brunch at Oru. 1038 Canada Place 604-695-5300
Red Card New Year’s Eve Celebration
If sports is your thing and maybe a casual night out with the boys is what you crave, Red Card Sports Bar will start the evening off with the Canucks versus the LA Kings before moving into DJs, champagne toasts and a pizza buffet. For just $30, with proceeds going to CAN (the Canucks Autism Network), even if your team doesn’t win, it’s a night with a great goal, which means that everyone wins. 900 Seymour St. 604-689-4460
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Image courtesy of Yeongrae Cho
