Be Scene: New Year’s in Aspen

Aspen may be a destination year-round, but on New Year’s Eve it climbs to new heights. Travelers flock to the snowy Rocky Mountains to ring in the new year. Options abound, from red-roped exclusive clubs to Irish bars, and there’s a little something to whet every reveler appetite. Because it’s all about extravagance, fireworks go off twice, at 8 p.m. and midnight over Aspen Mountain.

• Pull up a seat at the Ajax Tavern, right at the base of Aspen Mountain where a three-course dinner goes for $68.
• The Flaming Lips depart from their annual tradition of ringing in the new year in native Oklahoma to drop the ball in Aspen at Belly Up. Recently named one of the top shows in the country for New Year’s Eve, this show is sure to be spectacular and given lead singer Wayne Coyne’s previous antics in town, a ball really might drop inside the intimate venue.
• Pretend to be someone else at theThe Sky Hotel’s Masquerade party featuring and open bar and DJs starting at 10 p.m. General admission is $265, and VIP starts at 8 p.m. for $500, including buffet, reserved table and a bottle of bubbly.
• Four bars, one hot, happening party. Eric’s Bar, Su Casa, Aspen Billards and The Cigar Bar join forces for drinking, dancing and plenty of sequin fun. $55 in advance cash/$65 credit card, $60 day-of cash/$70 credit.
• For something a little more tame, sit down for dinner at the Hotel Jerome. The historic hotel features two seatings: 6:30-7:30 three-course meal for $150 and 9-10 p.m. four-course meal for $250.
• Go back in time at the St. Regis for a 1920s-style speakeasy gala featuring live music by Nikki Hill and Curtis Salgada, midnight champagne toast and hors d’oeuvres for $249. VIP available for $499. Fill up on food before with a St. Regis family buffet from 5-11 p.m. $95/adults, $39/kids. The Chefs Club, inside the St. Regis property, also hosts a $395 food and wine pairing, featuring a curated menu by the country’s “Best New Chefs.”
• Did someone say bottomless Veuve Clicquot? For $195, head to Chair 9 at the Little Nell to load up on bubbly and beats from DJ Dylan.
• The newly renovated Wheeler Opera House shows off its new balcony with live music by the Delta Saints, starting at 9 p.m. $65 includes an open bar and Times Square ball drop viewing.
• Take advantage of all-you-can-eat sushi at Takah Sushi during the early seating from 5:30-6:45  p.m. indining room for $125. After 7 p.m. all-you-can-eat sushi for $165 followed by live music will keep eaters and dancers happy far past midnight.
• For that laid-back, whiskey-drinking crowd, head to Finnbarr’s, an Irish bar charging just $25 to get in the door for a hassle-free good time.