Girls get gussied up, everyone drinks (a lot)* and the anticipation is running high. Now, what to do? With every restaurant, resort and nightclub throwing some sort of New Year’s shindig, the night holds high expectations. But if not done right, you can fall into the trap of Amateur Night a New Year’s Eve gone wrong. To save you from the horrible fate of a rotten 2011, here are our top picks for the most glamorous night of the year. Now you’ll have more time to memorize the lyrics to Auld Lang Syne. Full details after the jump!

A NIGHT ON THE TOWN
Grab a group of your closest friends and head on out to these over-the-top celebrations.

W Scottsdale Carnaval:
Notorious for throwing some of Scottdale’s best parties, New Year’s Eve will be no different. Celebrating in the  Brazilian tradition of Carnaval, tickets to this sultry festival include a hosted bar in the Living Room from 7 – 9 pm. With a samba band, extravagantly dressed dancers and surprise entertainment all night, this is the “see and be spot” to ring in 2011. Want to stay and play? Round up a group of 4 and split the $499 room package, including a 1 night stay in their heavenly rooms; tickets, access to the hosted bar and goodies for the event are included. Fabulous! To book rooms or purchase tickets click here.

CityScape’s New Year’s Eve:
Phoenix has a Downtown? We kid, we kid. To celebrate in the heart of urban growth, ring in 2011 at CityScape with live performances by Ed Kowalczyk (you know, the lead singer of that band LIVE), Snake Burner and Metal Elvis. We highly suggest springing the extra $15 for RED Zone tickets as it includes Champagne. Give us Champagne and we’re sold on anything. The festivities begin at 7 pm and tickets are available here.

A SWANKY SOIREE
Celebrate like it’s going out of style

Mabel’s on Main New Year’s Eve Soiree 2011:
Nothing says New Year’s Eve quite like a swanky cocktail party. From 8 pm – close Mabel’s on Main will be hosting a chic and stylish get-together with passed Hors D’Oeuvres and a hosted bar from 8 ∼ 10 pm. Featuring a dimly lit atmosphere, and a Champagne toast at midnight, we’ll be sneaking into their private room after one too many vodka gimlets (just kidding). $60 admission. Call for Table Reservations, tickets or more information 480∼369∼3665

MercBar’s Toast the New Year In Style:
Since you won’t be celebrating in NYC (screw snow), why not ring in the New Year at the sister location of SoHo’s most infamous lounge. AZ’s very own MercBar will be partnering with Veuve Clicquot to host a celebration complete with an all inclusive bar and Hors D’Oeuvres.  With music, dancing and bubbly, this will be a night filled with glitter and glam. Even better, the Merc has partnered with the Ritz Carlton to provide party-goers a killer room rate ($119). Tickets are $125 per person or $200 per couple. For tickets or table reservations call 602-508-9449 or email Thomas@mercbar.com

ROMANTIC DINNER

For those who don’t want to just stay home.

J&G Steakhouse
If you haven’t visited J&G Steakhouse at The Phoenician, now is your chance. With jaw dropping panoramic views, enjoy a romantic candlelit dinner for two. Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten has whipped up an extravagant five-course tasting menu ($95 per person), including lamb chops and Chilean sea bass. With a complimentary glass of Champagne, this is the perfect intimate way to celebrate 2011. Taking reservations through 11 pm, for more information click here.

Editorial note: Please be safe, and remember to not drink and drive!

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