Las Vegas is pulling no punches as we head into 2025! The best NYE festivities are just a short drive north up Interstate 15, or a 45 minute flight if you can’t wait to get to Sin City.

Janet Jackson, Bruno Mars, Duran Duran, Anyma and More Headline NYE

Fresh off her Together Again tour, Janet Jackson will launch her all-new residency at Resorts World Las Vegas on Dec. 30, with additional performances Dec. 31, Jan. 3-4, and Feb. 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 15. Produced by AEG Presents, the residency will surely feature all of Jackson’s hits like ‘Rock With U,’ ‘What Have You Done For Me Lately,’ ‘Nasty’ and ‘Control.’ With sales of over 180 million records worldwide, Jackson stands as one of the best-selling artists of all time with a string of hits that have left an indelible impression on pop culture. She is among only four artists with a #1 album for four successive decades. Previously, Jackson performed her 18-date Metamorphosis residency at Park MGM in 2019.

Speaking of Park MGM, Bruno Mars will continue his residency at the Dolby Live theater there during this long NYE weekend with performances Dec. 27, 30, and 31. Mars wants his audience to be connected to the show, so phones are not allowed. You are required to put your mobile devices into a locked pouch. It turns out that not having your phone is one of the greatest experiences possible, as Mars and his band bring a high-energy performance playing all of his biggest hits, including many you may have forgotten.

As the first electronic music act at the Sphere, Anyma will present an audio/visual ‘Genesys’ show which has fascinated audiences around the world, starting Dec. 27 through Jan. 1, 2025. The inclusion of special guests will highlight the performances of ‘Genesys.’ All eight performances will showcase a meticulously curated selection of music and innovative visual art by Anyma. Anyma (aka Matteo Milleri) is a world-renowned, multi-disciplinary artist whose melodic-techno beats, dreamy sounds, and one-of-a-kind audiovisual live experience have captivated the attention of millions. In 2023, Anyma released his debut album Genesys, followed by this year’s Genesys II, which explores themes of technology, nature, humanity, and coexistence. With the NYE extended weekend shows sold out, two shows for Jan. 10 and 11, 2025, have been added.

Elsewhere in Las Vegas, performers will include Jason Derulo on Dec. 28-29 at Voltaire at The Venetian; Duran Duran at BleauLive Theater at Fontainebleau on Dec. 29 and 30; Imagine Dragons at The Venetian Theater on Dec. 31; 50 Cent at PH Live theater at Planet Hollywood on Dec. 27, 28, 30, 31 and Jan. 3-4, 2025; and Creed at Caesars Palace on Dec. 30 and 31.

XS Nightclub at Wynn Las Vegas will host the official after party for Anyma in collaboration with Framework on Dec. 30 following the Anyma performance at the Sphere that evening. On Dec. 31, Wynn residency performers The Chainsmokers will host NYE at XS. Just north along the strip, LIV Las Vegas at Fontainebleau, has a packed extended weekend lineup with Dom Dolla on Dec. 28, Calvin Harris on Dec. 29, John Summit with Max Styler on Dec. 30 and Tiesto headlining NYE on Dec. 31. Across the street at Zouk nightclub at Resorts World, Duke Dumont performs Dec. 27, T-Pain is in control on Dec. 28 and Dec. 31, while Illenium performs Dec. 29 and Meduza and James Hype host on Dec. 30.

Omnia at Caesars Palace will welcome Steve Aoki on Dec. 31, TAO Nightclub at The Venetian has O.T. Genasis on NYE, Jewel at Aria Resort & Casino features Murda Beatz on Dec. 30 and Tyga on Dec. 31, and Marquee at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas has Alesso on deck Dec. 31. Over at Hakkasan at MGM Grand, DJ Pauly D performs Dec. 31 and Drai’s Nightclub at The Cromwell has 50 Cent on Dec. 28 and Lil Wayne on NYE. At Park MGM, On the Record will bring Twista to the stage for NYE.

A dynamic event for those coming to Las Vegas for the New Year but want to skip the strip and experience something unique to do can be found at AREA15, which will present a grand and mysterious Masquerade Ball for NYE 2025. Performers will include Soraya and Robyn Lee. Guests will journey into an immersive multi-ballroom, multi-genre, and multi-experience party full of performances and surprises. Guests will be encouraged to come in costume, disguised with a mask, or get styled on the spot for one of many curated realms. The entire immersive entertainment complex will transform into a series of interconnected, themed ballrooms–each offering a distinctive blend of music, masquerades, and mystery. Guests will explore and experience distinct vibes, pulsating dance floors, roaming performers, and sonic beats of all genres. Attendees can uncover hidden lounges, one-of-a-kind cocktail bars, and intimate sanctuaries full of surprises and mingle—all while cloaked in secrecy. At the stroke of midnight, an unmasking will reveal a fresh start to the new year. 

Another type of celebration can be found on Dec. 31 at Crazy Horse 3 gentlemen’s club, where guests can toast to the new year surrounded by hundreds of stunning entertainers. A $50 per person open bar from 10 p.m. to midnight will include a champagne toast. Meanwhile, Minus5 ICEBAR on the Las Vegas Strip is making hourly toasts at the three Minus5 locations starting at 11 a.m. and offering complimentary champagne through midnight. The three Las Vegas Strip locations are at Mandalay Bay, The LINQ Promenade, and Grand Canal Shoppes inside The Venetian Resort.

Dining options abound along the strip, including the many decadent restaurants at Fontainebleau. Don’s Prime, the resort’s signature steakhouse, will feature a New Year’s Eve prix-fixe menu from 5 to 10 p.m., priced at $235 per person, with additional wine pairing available for $90 per person. For an L.A. to Vegas moment, be sure to stop into Chef Evan Funke’s Mother Wolf off of the casino floor. Other restaurants include Komodo, Papi Steak, KYU, Chyna Club, Washing Potato, Ito, and La Fontaine. At the stroke of midnight, the resort will help illuminate the sky with an iconic fireworks spectacle from the resort’s rooftop, joining in on the historic display from legendary landmarks around the city.

Over at Resorts World, the resort will host a complimentary fireworks viewing at the popular Rose Rooftop on NYE for any guest who enjoys NYE dinner at one of their on-property restaurants. Celebrity hotspot Carversteak will host two luxurious New Year’s Eve seatings at 5 and 7:30 p.m., priced at $195 per person. Aqua Seafood & Caviar Restaurant, VIVA! by Ray Garcia, Wally’s, Genting Palace, Brezza, FUHU, Kusa Nori, and L.A. to Vegas favorite, Crossroads, will also feature a special NYE menu. 

With lines way out the door at its original Planet Hollywood outpost, Gordon Ramsay Burger has opened a second location at Flamingo Las Vegas along the casino floor. The 300-seat restaurant will be open from daily 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. Also new is a dining and lounge experience by Caesars Entertainment and Tao Group Hospitality. Caramella, a new Italian restaurant with an expansive terrace overlooking The Strip and a swanky cocktail lounge, is now accepting reservations. Designed by Fettle, Caramella is part restaurant and part lounge, drawing inspiration from 1970s Italy. A candy shop stacked with Italian treats from top to bottom sits in the center of the restaurant. Behind a secret door within the shop is a kitsch, moody lounge dressed in ‘70s wallpaper and centered around a mirror mosaic DJ booth. Caramella is indeed a vibe. The restaurant replaces a former Koi location. Koi remains open on La Cienega Boulevard in West Hollywood and in NYC.

In another L.A. to Vegas move, on Dec. 26, Gjelina Group opened Gjelina Las Vegas as part of restaurant row at The Venetian Resort. Showcasing a menu featuring seasonal, produce-driven dishes built alongside its strong foundation of family, Gjelina Las Vegas marks the third outpost of the acclaimed restaurant, following Venice and New York City. Named after Gjelina Group founder Fran Camaj’s mother, Gjelina, the restaurant is inspired by the relaxed spirit of its Southern California homestead, where the group’s flagship location has gained a loyal following. “Gjelina is an ode to family, community, and sustainability,” Camaj tells LAMag. “We’ve built this restaurant around the principles that have always guided our philosophy – using the best ingredients, supporting local farmers, and creating an environment that brings people together. We’re excited to bring the restaurant to The Venetian and introduce Las Vegas to the true spirit of Gjelina.”

Famed for her former PUMP restaurant, as well as SUR and Tom Tom in West Hollywood, Lisa Vanderpump has now opened her third Vegas outpost, Pinky’s by Vanderpump, at Flamingo Las Vegas. Friends, including actors Jesse Bradford and Andrea Watrouse, Tom Schwartz, Peter Madrigal, and the cast of Vanderpump’s latest show, “Vanderpump Villa,” joined her for a Dec. 6 grand opening celebration. Pinky’s (coined after Vanderpump’s nickname, “Pinky”) features playful and decadent dishes that complement uniquely Instagrammable cocktails and the restaurateur’s signature design aesthetic. Spanning nearly 7,000 square feet and set against a palette of muted greens, brass accents, and soft blush pink hues, the space boasts a dramatic 32-seat bar. The extensive and whimsical cocktail menu features Vanderpump classics and nods to the Flamingo’s beginnings, like Pinky’s Martini, served tableside on a vintage gold tray. Other offerings include Flip the Bird (a green goddess margarita served in a tiny gold birdcage), Pump & Bump (a caviar martini served with a pearl spoonful of caviar on a gold plate), and Daddy Issues (a white peach French 75 topped with pink cotton candy). Also in Las Vegas, Caesars Entertainment operates Vanderpump a Paris at Paris Las Vegas and Vanderpump Cocktail Garden inside Caesars Palace.

Jason Aldean brought the spirit of Nashville to the Las Vegas Strip, celebrating the grand opening of the fourth location of Jason Aldean’s Kitchen + Bar on Dec. 5 at 63 CityCenter. Wearing his signature jeans, plaid shirt, and cowboy hat, Aldean was honored with a Key to the Las Vegas Strip, presented by Clark County Commissioner James Gibson, who officially declared Dec. 5 as “Jason Aldean Day.” Commissioner Gibson praised Aldean’s contributions to both music and the community, saying Las Vegas “considers him one of our own.” Aldean shared that it was important for him to include a remembrance mural at the restaurant for the victims of the shooting at the Route 91 Harvest country music festival on Oct. 1, 2017. Aldean was performing when a gunman began firing into the crowd, killing 60 and injuring hundreds more. The mural thanks first responders and includes the names of the victims.

The Delano is out, and W Las Vegas is in. On Dec. 18, MGM Resorts International and Marriott International, Inc. officially marked the debut of W Las Vegas, transitioning the iconic 1,117-suite tower on the Mandalay Bay campus into the globally recognized W Hotels brand. Marriott Bonvoy members can now book stays and earn and redeem points at the W, which is part of the MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy. “W Las Vegas represents an exciting new chapter for MGM Resorts and for our guests seeking a new, sophisticated all-suite luxury experience on The Strip,” said Travis Lunn, President & COO of Mandalay Bay and Luxor, in a statement. “W Hotels is a brand that is celebrated globally for its unique style and exceptional service, and we can’t wait to see the hotel come to life over the next couple of years through its distinct personality, dynamic programming, and elevated service culture.” The Delano Las Vegas originally opened in 2003 as The Hotel, a 43-story tower on the Mandalay Bay property. In 2014, the tower was revamped and reopened as the Delano, a brand then operated by Morgans Hotel Group. Previously, W operated a tower at the former SLS Hotel, which reverted back to the Sahara Las Vegas name in 2019.