Updated November 19, 2010
Whether you are looking for a warmer climate for your New Year's celebration or just want to find out what's happening in town on December 31st, you will find some great New Year's ideas in the Southwest.Arizona
The Flagstaff, Arizona Pinecone Drop
New York City drops the glittering ball but in Arizona's high country they have a pinecone drop!
The six-foot, 70-pound Pine Cone will be lowered twice on New Year’s Eve, at 10 p.m. and midnight. An eclectic mix of holiday music will pour from the Weatherford hotel’s balcony as the crowd counts down to 2010. Inside the historic Weatherford, the popular local rock ‘n’ roll band Buckit will be performing.
In the meantime, souvenir long-sleeve Pine Cone Drop T-shirts are on sale at the Weatherford Hotel. for $20. Proceeds will help fund the New Year’s Eve celebration.
Scottsdale's Ultimate Block Party
Head to Scottsdale for an open-air adult party. Every year the Block Party has brought over 7,000 people to party the night away and this year is sure to rock!
Insight Fiesta Bowl Block Party in Tempe
Tempe Beach Park and Mill Avenue in downtown Tempe will be the place to be on New Year's Eve, when the Insight Fiesta Bowl Block Party As Arizona’s biggest and most exciting New Year’s Eve bash, the Insight Fiesta Bowl Block Party is a jam-packed evening of fun and entertainment for everyone. More than 100,000 party-goers annually celebrate in Tempe’s Beach Park and Mill Avenue District amidst spectacular fireworks displays and an official midnight countdown drop. Mill Avenue District - Tempe, AZ Thursday, December 31, 2009, 5:00 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.
Westgate Rocks Out Glendale
Find details about this year's Westgate New Years Celebration on the website. I went the first year and had a great time. Article and Photos. 4th Annual Westgate Rocks New Year's Eve Celebration, WaterDance Plaza, 7pm - 2 am . Thursday, December 31st.
Phoenix
Enjoy a favorite Phoenix tradition by celebrating New Year’s Eve with The Phoenix Symphony! Ring in the new year with musical good cheer and dancing melodies. And of course, the New Year’s tradition, Auld Lang Syne! Your ticket includes a complimentary glass of champagne. More on the Evening with the Phoenix Symphony.
All About a Phoenix New Year's Eve.
Tucson
There's always something going on in Tucson. Click on December 31st on the events calendar for up to the minute activities.
New Mexico
Albuquerque From clubs to New Year's celebrations on a grand scale, this site has them all.
Nevada
A Wild New Year's in Vegas
The Las Vegas strip has the big party this year with a few hundred thousand people celebrating the New Year right on the street. Is it fun? It is definitely an experience as you can expect to see wall to wall people that have each decided that starting the night at noon meant drinking way too much all day. There is a huge fireworks display planned for midnight and the electricity in the air is really difficult to comprehend.
New Years in Reno
Stan provides a great list of things for both adults and families to do on New Years in the Reno area.
Colorado
New Year's in Denver
Celebrate New Year's Eve in style this year with this guide to ringing in 2009 in Denver. The Mile High City provides a free fireworks display downtown at 9 p.m. and 12 midnight.
Texas
Ring in the New Year San Antonio Style
Ring in the New Year with San Antonio’s biggest New Year’s Eve party downtown when fireworks pop, flash, and sparkle at midnight from the 750-foot-tall Tower of the Americas at Celebrate San Antonio! Musical entertainment, 50 food and beverage booths, an HEB children’s area in La Villita, carnival games and more make a memorable start of another year of fun, San Antonio-style!
New Year's Even in Dallas
Ring in the New Year Texas style with these celebrations. Some are elegant sit-down dinners and some are on-your-feet-dancing parties. Many are some combination of the two. All these events are on New Year's Eve.
New Year's in Houston
Houston is the nation's fourth-largest city and the largest in the Lone Star State. As one might expect, a city that size has plenty to offer over New Year's weekend.
New Year's in Austin, Texas
Visitors hoping to spend New Year's in Texas should strongly consider Austin in their travel plans. Not only is Austin the State Capitol of Texas, it is also one of the Lone Star State's most notorious party towns. The combination of history, importance and revelry ensures anyone can have a complete vacation experience in Austin over New Year's weekend.
Top Texas Towns for New Year's Revelers