You might want to just stay in, watch the ball drop and sleep off a food coma. And we salute that. But if you’re looking for the hottest, hippest, most exciting New Year’s parties in the Valley, well, you’ve come to the right place.
The nice folks at Valley Metro even teamed up with Coors Light to provide free bus and light rail rides, in addition to ADA Dial-a-Ride services beginning at 7 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. So please plan your trips safely to, from and around Downtown Phoenix. Light rail runs until 2 a.m. and the bus routes will operate on a weekday schedule, with most services ending between 10 and 11 p.m. Click here for more info.
Masquerade NYE 2016 / Bar Smith and Monarch Theatre / Thursday, Dec. 31 @ 8 p.m.
With tables, bottle service and VIP available, downtown’s two hottest night clubs unite to help you ring in the new year right. Featuring four levels, 10 DJs, live bands and hundreds of beautiful people, one ticket price gets you access to it all. General admission is $15 in advance and $20 at the door.
New Year’s Eve: Block Party / Crescent Ballroom / Thursday, Dec. 31 @ 8 p.m.
With DJ Sean Watson atop the Kalliope stage — a funky art car, complete with hi-fi sound and lasers — this will be one of the biggest tickets in town. Crescent Ballroom is closing down both Second and Third avenues to create an indoor-outdoor block party boasting three stages, a New Wave ‘80s tent, food trucks and more. In addition to Kalliope, Walter Productions is bringing Walter the Bus, Big Red and Heathen, the pyrotechnic fire truck. Featuring DJs Sean Watson, Dirty Doses, Oustin, Jared Alan, DJ Tristan and Klu. Tickets cost $15 in advance and $20 at the door.
New Year’s Eve 2016 / Gypsy Bar and Lucky Strike / Thursday, Dec. 31 @ 8 p.m.
Featuring downtown’s hottest DJs including Pickster One, Melo and DJ LA, in addition to live performances by Tabitha Kelley and Crystal Cruz of House of Cirque. Complimentary Champagne with any bottle service and a $25 optional buffet. Cover is $10, which can be waived with table/bottle service packages.
2016 New Year’s Party / La Flor de Calabaza / Thursday, Dec. 31 @ 8 p.m.
End the year with La Flor de Calabaza — downtown’s authentic Latin nightclub. Featuring drink specials, shot specials and live music by Mono Sound and DJ Carmelo.
NYE 2016: Up On the Roof / Lustre Rooftop Bar / Thursday, Dec. 31 @ 8 p.m.
Picture this: Stars above, lights below and a fabulous party in between. Lustre knows how to throw an upscale party at an affordable price. Featuring complimentary bites from 8-10 p.m., tasty signature cocktails and DJ Swirl to help you dance the night away. Ring in the new year with the best views of Downtown Phoenix in the backdrop. Tickets are $45.
New Year’s Eve Party: Carmela y Mas / The Nash / Thursday, Dec. 31 @ 8 p.m.
The Carmela y Mas salsa band rocks Downtown Phoenix on the regular, but the New Year’s Party features guest vocalists Aixa Figueroa Gonzales, the salsa queen, and the extraordinary talent of JoseCarlos Justiz, reigning all the way from Cuba. A hot, Latin-infused celebration with free salsa dance lessons, an open dance floor, late-night buffet, Champagne toasts, party favors and a cash bar. Tickets are $75.
New Year’s Eve Celebration / Phoenix Symphony Hall / Thursday, Dec. 31 @ 4 and 7:30 p.m.   
Listen to seasonal classics and contemporary favorites from the fabulous Phoenix Symphony, while sipping a complimentary glass of Champagne. It’s the classiest way to celebrate the new year. Get your tickets early for this popular musical celebration, as it’s sure to sell out. Ticket prices range from $18 to $83.
New Year’s Eve Flannel Ball and Art Show / Roosevelt Growhouse / Thursday, Dec. 31 @ 9 p.m.
The Roosevelt Row Arts District knows how to party like it’s 1999…in 2016.  It’s going to be a fun-filled evening in the Growhouse alley with live music, flannel clothing, food trucks, lawn games, a photo booth, the Nopales Pinata Drop, Champagne, beer, and of course, lots of amazing artwork. Live entertainment from The Deep Down, Andy Warpigs, Psywave and Dustin Youso. Tickets cost $10 in advance and $20 at the door.
New Year’s Eve Party / Seamus McCaffrey’s Irish Pub & Restaurant / Thursday, Dec. 31 @ 9 p.m.
It’s the annual New Year’s Eve bash at your favorite Irish pub and probably the best place to sing “Auld Lang Syne” at midnight. Party the night away and welcome 2016 with live music by the Brazen Heads. A free Champagne toast and party favors will be provided. Cover is $5.
Carnaval De Bar Vallee / Valley Bar / Thursday, Dec. 31 @ 8 p.m. 
For one night only, Valley Bar transforms into Carnaval de Bar Vallee, featuring musical performances by Phoenix Afrobeat Orchestra and Rue Monroe Jazz Quartet. Additional entertainment by magician Rob Zabrecky, Black Cherry Burlesque, Marcella the Mystic and a special late-night set by Djentrification. Patrons are encouraged to dress in vintage attire. Tickets cost $21.