Art Nerd New York’s Picks for an Over-the-Top, Artsy New Year’s Eve

In a city where hundreds of interesting happenings occur each week, it can be hard to pick and choose your way to a fulfilling life. Art Nerd‘s philosophy is a combination of observation, participation, education and of course a party to create the ultimate well-rounded week. Jump ahead for Art Nerd founder Lori Zimmer’s top picks for 6sqft readers!

Closing out the year is either a reason for total, over the top indulgence, or an excuse to drink champagne at home with close friends and welcome a fresh start. This year, we’re leaning toward the former, using the tail end of 2015 as an excuse to seek out the artful magic that New York City holds. I’ve gotten into the game myself, co-producing an elaborate Surrealist Ball at the beautiful Roxy Hotel that will bring my wildest dreams of Magritte and Dali to life, a party fit for an Art Nerd.

There are also some other incredible-sounding events slated for this Thursday, including You Are S0 Lucky, which provides ticket buyers a 72-room manor to explore, followed by four floors of DJs in an undisclosed location. Shanghai Mermaid channels 1920s Hollywood at a downtown Manhattan location transformed into a center of hot jazz, while Sleep No More’s McKittrick Hotel continues their narrative decadence with the King’s Masquerade. Over-the-top Queen of the Night is hosting a Bond-themed black tie gala complete with sumptuous dinner and after party. Or for something more low key, take the opportunity to check out the private dining club Parlor for glamorous drinks and dancing.

The Surrealist Art Ball ↑
The Roxy Hotel, 2 Avenue of the Americas, Tribeca
December 31, 9:00pm-4:00am, tickets starting at $149
A night inspired by Dali, Magritte, and Man Ray, hosted by me and a host of luminaries! In the vein of Marie-Hélène de Rothschild’s Surrealist Ball in 1972, expect to step into a Surrealist Tableau, with costumed performers, a Rockettes kick line at Midnight, music, dancing and Surrealist visuals. Tickets include premium open bar with seating options and food all night. Wear fancy dress on the bottom, and a Surrealist inspired head piece (a fox mask, a banana on your head, a lobster, anything goes).

Shanghai Mermaid- “Old Hollywood” ↑
121 Fulton Street, Manhattan
December 31, 9:00pm-4:00am, tickets starting at $78
Shanghai Mermaid’s year-round parties offer a glimpse back in time, complete with New Yorkers you wish you saw more of, clad in elaborate vintage costumes that look plucked from an Erte drawing. General admission tickets will include hot jazz and burlesque, but tables, cocktails and snacks will cost you. Wear your finest Old Hollywood glamor, or expect to be frowned upon (or not let in).

The King’s Winter Masquerade ↑
McKittrick Hotel, 530 West 27th Street
December 31, 6:00pm, tickets starting at $150
The fictional hotel housing Sleep No More hosts a royal masquerade, with live music all night and open bar. Lots of options for a fantastical evening are available, including a sumptuous feast, admission to Sleep No More, access to a private bar, and even late entry for those who have to work. Wear your royal best in black, silver or gold.

You Are So Lucky ↑
Secret NYC location
December 31, 7:00pm-4:00am, tickets starting at $144
Perhaps the most elusive of New Year’s Eve parties, the experience starts with a trip to a Gilded Age mansion with 72 rooms for guests to explore, followed by four floors of DJs and dancing at the adjacent four-story former school for Catholic nuns. Tickets include transportation from a central meeting point and one bottle of champagne to share. Wear festive clothing with a masquerade mask.

Ritual: a New Year’s Celebration in Four Movements ↑
Parlor, 286 Spring Street
December 31, 7:00pm-4:00am, tickets starting at $60
The private dining club tucked away near the Holland Tunnel opens its doors for an exclusive evening to sample the cocktails, sounds and tastes of Parlor. Tickets range from late entry, open bar, to seated coursed meals, and the legendary House of Ninja will be present for all of your voguing needs. Wear black tie with a costume edge, and masks will also be available.

Queen of the Night New Year’s Eve ↑
Diamond Horseshoe at the Paramount Hotel, 235 West 46th Street
December 31, 6:30pm, tickets $450
The decadent, fantastical dinner theater experience amps it up for New Years, with performances all night, a sit-down dinner, open bar until 2:30am, and a James Bond-themed dance party with the Queen herself. Wear your black tie best with a bit of ’60s drama.

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Lori Zimmer is a writer, curator and founder of Art Nerd New York, an off-beat art history guide to the city. Lori also recently released her first book through Rockport Publishers, The Art of Cardboard: Big Ideas for Creativity, Collaboration, Storytelling, and Reuse. Follow her on Twitter @LoriZimmer and @ArtNerdNY