Las Vegas: December 31st - January 2nd, 2026
Fresh out of college, I went to Vegas every month. No exaggeration. I even contemplated moving there to work three days a week as a bottle service girl. That clearly wasn’t on my life’s path, but those were some pretty epic times.
In 2017, I spent New Year’s in Vegas, and I’ll spare you the gory details. It was, without question, my worst New Year and worst visit to Sin City (or maybe Lost Wages feels more accurate). I’m one of those people who believes that if you have a negative memory tied to a place, it’s worth revisiting, rewriting the story and ending on a higher note. So when a few of my best gals suggested Vegas for New Year’s, as skeptical as I was, I also knew I needed a redo. A reset. A way to realign both my year and my perception of Vegas.
And this time around? Vegas did not disappoint.
I drove out on New Year’s Eve since I was already at my parents’ house in Nevada, which made transportation a breeze. We stayed at the Encore, absolutely lovely. After arriving, catching up, and having a drink with the girlies, we headed upstairs to get ready for the night. Staying in the hotel, we went to Delilah for a luxurious dinner where we were serenaded and doted on by an incredible waitstaff. A solid 10/10.
Earlier that evening, I met someone on my way to meet the girls who offered us free admittance to XS to see Rüfüs Du Sol with a few of his NBA friends. We politely declined and instead headed to OMNIA to see Tiësto, where we met up with one of my best gals, Gabby. She was in town with her boyfriend and an amazing group of friends. Since I missed Gabby’s birthday dinner the week prior while I was at my parents’, we got a chance to celebrate again, this time with bottle service.
Before heading out, we wandered into the hip-hop room (yes, the nightclub has two clubs inside) and continued letting off some steam. One of my friends is currently in school to become a psychologist, very cerebral and endlessly curious about people. It came as no surprise when, in the middle of the dance floor, she found herself in a full-blown conversation with security. Leave it to her to have this giant adult man baring his soul in the middle of a packed club. That moment made me realize how grateful I am for friends who truly care, friends full of compassion and empathy.
We ended the night back in the DJ booth, grabbed a few slices of pizza, and sang our hearts out to Olivia Rodrigo during the car ride back to the hotel.
The following day, I stayed back with Madison, who had an evening flight, and met up with one of her friends and his friend. The four of us instantly clicked over a shot tower and lychee martinis at SushiSamba and decided that one more night in Vegas felt exactly right. We shopped, enjoyed the High Roller lounge (especially the soft-baked cookies), hopped in a limo to the Formula One bar, sipped more lychee martinis at Nobu, and ended the night, once again, with a slice of pizza (and shrimp scampi).
The whole evening felt youthful, light, and fun. I left with a pair of guys I now consider genuine friends.
This New Year was spent dancing, laughing, and creating memories I’ll actually want to remember. Vegas didn’t feel reckless or heavy this time, it felt joyful, connected, and aligned. A reminder that sometimes it’s not about the place at all, but who you’re sharing it with, and who you are when you return.
And for the first time in a long time, Vegas and I are on good terms.