When it comes to celebrating New Year’s Eve, nobody does it better than Downtown Phoenix.
Here are just a few of the ways Downtown is helping you usher in 2010:
New Year’s Eve Party at Hyatt Regency
This classy affair is a Downtown tradition and features scrumptious hor d’oeuvres, cocktails, and a night of dancing to the sounds of the Groove Merchants, purveyors of red-hot rhythm and blues, Motown and soul. There will also be a balloon drop and champagne toast. Call 602-252-1234 for details and be sure to ask about the special room rates.
Joel McHale at Dodge Theatre
The cheeky host of E!’s “The Soup” and star of the NBC Thursday night comedy “Community” swings into Phoenix for a New Year’s performance joined by “Community” castmate Donald Glover. McHale recently previewed the show and reflected on his 2009. Join in on the skewering of Ryan Seacrest by calling the Dodge Theatre box office at 602-379-2888.
Ain’t Misbehavin’ at Herberger Theater
Travel back to Harlem’s swinging 30s in this Tony Award-winning show that celebrates the finger-snapping, toe-tapping music of legendary jazz songwriter Thomas “Fats” Waller. An all-time great composer and pianist who had a legendary lust for life, Waller created jubilant melodies, soulful ballads and gleeful love songs like “I’m Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter,” “Honeysuckle Rose,” “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love,” and, of course, “Ain’t Misbehavin’.” For tickets, call the Herberger Theater box office at 602-252-8497.
New Year’s Eve Dinner at Compass Arizona Grill
Enjoy a decadent four-course dinner created by Chef de Cuisine Tony Whitsett  plus unparalleled views from the rotating restaurant atop the Hyatt Regency. Heck, while you’re there you might as well stay and work off some calories dancing to the Groove Merchants, playing all night at the Hyatt’s legendary New Year’s Eve par-tay (see above). Learn everything you need to know by calling 602-440-3166.
New Year’s Eve Dinner Show and After Party at Sonoma
Just announced, Sonoma Restaurant & Bar’s Mystery Mansion dinner theater will be staging its hit show “Murder at Bedside Manor” at 7:30 p.m.,  followed by a fully loaded New Year’s Eve party featuring DJ, dancing, karaoke contest, prizes, munchies, complimentary champagne toast, balloons/party favors, and special drink prices all night long. Call 602-252-3858 for ticket information.
Seamus McCaffrey’s Irish Pub & Hotel San Carlos New Year’s Eve Party Pack
If we said you could get great food, all the drinks you can handle, plus  a safe place to crash all on the same Downtown city block, is that something you’d be interested in? Well, Seamus McCaffrey’s and Hotel San Carlos are offering such a deal for $150 per person. Call 602-253-4121 for more information.
Now that we’ve planned out your entire evening, all that’s left to do is survey your wardrobe and arrange for safe transport home.
Happy New Year!