New Year’s Eve is one of the most hectic times of year to go out. All the big gay clubs are busting out the glitter and champagne, not to mention all the concerts, cruises, bar parties, dinners and private events.
But should old acquaintance be forgot, GayCities has got your back! To help you navigate the end-of-year festivities, we’ve put together a roundup of some of the hottest gay New Year’s Eve bashes from around the world.
Want more? Check out the entire GayCities New Year’s Eve events calendar and start figuring out who you’re gonna kiss at midnight!
FIRST: Palm Springs
Desert Manuevers Palm Springs
December 30-January 1
Grand Ballroom at Riviera Resort & Spa, Palm Springs, CA
In Southern California, Jeffrey Sanker and Steve Machuca’s weekend party at the Riviera in Palm Springs promises free-flowing champagne, hunky go-go boys, a state-of-the-art sound system and more. It kicks off Friday with a glow-in-the-dark party, followed by the main event, a military-themed bash on New Year’s Eve proper. With DJ Manny Lehman in the booth, you’ll need a lot more liquids to quench your thirst in this scorching desert getdown.
NEXT: Mexico City
Club Living
Bucareli 144 Colonia Juarez
Mexico City, Mexico
Located downtown in Mexico City’s legenary gay Zona Rosa, Living is the city’s most pumping gay nightclub, so you can bet on them going all out for New Year’s Eve.
After all, according to the Mayans this might be the last one.
NEXT: New York City
Escuelita
301 W 39th St
New York, NY
The most popular Latin gay bar in the Big Apple, Escuelita turns it our for 2012 with Evolution II, a spicy mix of DJs, dancers, drag queens and hot papis. Angel Sheridan channels her inner Ryan Seacrest, backed up by the Evolution Divas. It’s gonna be a hot time in Hell’s Kitchen tonight.
NEXT: Chicago
Sidetrack
3349 North Halsted Street
Chicago, IL
Boystown get its fair share of bubbly over New Year’s. But though the strip is full of hot parties, local favorite Sidetrack always brings in a great mix of revelers to its annual bash. This year’s event doubles as a benefit, with a portion of the $25 ticket price going to Equality Illinois.
NEXT: London
G-A-Y Late
5 Goslett Yd
London, UK
This NYE party at the legendary London club’s cozy, campy offshoot doesn’t have to spell it out: With alcohol being served until 5am, their party is guaranteed to be a ripper. And since tickets are only sold at the door, its a good option for young dancing queens waiting till the last minute.
NEXT: Philadelphia
Sisters
320 Chancellor St
Philadelphia, PA
Speaking of a great mix, Sisters has a great tradition of throwing festive bashes for both boys and girls. And isn’t that what New Year’s Eve is all about—coming together and celebrating? A $20 ticket ($25 at the door) gets you a three-hour open bar starting at 8pm, followed by dancing, complimentary hats and horns and a champagne toast at midnight.
NEXT: San Francisco
Trigger
2344 Market Street
San Francisco, CA
The West Coast gay mecca has a ton of New Year’s parties but celebrating at the swanky Castro hotspot Trigger is one of your best bets: This year, the nightclub is also going to do an East Coast countdown—which means you get twice the champagne and kisses! The party starts at 7pm with DJ Joey Jinks in the booth, followed by a $20 champagne bar from 8pm to 10pm and a five-course dinner package available for those feeling a bit peckish.
NEXT: Toronto
Fuzion
580 Church St
Toronto, ON, Canada
Toronto’s Church-Wellesley Village rings in the New Year with a classy dinner at Fuzion resto-lounge and garden. For just $65, this celebration offers a five-course dinner, champagne toast and VIP tickets to the party in their lounge. Who says you can’t have a fancy meal in a party hat?
NEXT: Atlanta
My Sister’s Room
1271 Glenwood Ave SE
Atlanta, GA
At midnight in the heart of Decatur, balloons drop at My Sister’s Room. The lesbian hotspot’s ATL 2012 party promises to a girly-licious good time with DJ Liz Owen and emcee Chace Daniels. Admission includes a midnight buffet and a glass of bubbly.
NEXT: Amsterdam
De Engel van Amsterdam
COC Amsterdam
Rozenstraat 14
Amsterdam, Netherlands
At De Engel van Amsterdam (“the Angel of Amsterdam”), a gay bar on the Zeedijk near the city’s Chinatown, Dorothy Glamour and The Alley Girls ring in 2012 with music from DJ Bramsterdam, Big General and Alex Molinardi. Since 100% of proceeds from the 25 Euro ticket sales goes to charity, you can start the new year feeling good about yourself.
