If you’re considering the possibility of getting out of the house for New Year’s Eve, Albuquerque has a few happening that might be enough to lure you into the open. All of the events listed below require masks, and many are asking for proof of vaccination. So if you’re gonna mingle—be it in large or small groups—be sure to stay safe. And grab a cab or rideshare, if you’re gonna drink. Let’s end this year on a positive note, everybody!
Start Early
If you’ve got kids (or you just like going to bed early), staying up until midnight can be a chore. A couple of local institutions are here to help with early celebrations. Albuquerque Museum (2000 Mountain Rd. NW) hosts New Year’s Eve Before Dark. From 10am to 2pm there will be a number of family-friendly activities. Create a New-Year-inspired artwork. Tour the museum galleries. Admission is free. Across town, Electric Playhouse (5201 Ouray Rd. NW) is offering NYE in London. Thanks to time zones, England celebrates New Year’s Eve quite a bit earlier than us. Show up at Electric Playhouse from 4 to 6pm to watch a livestream of the countdown in London. There will a magic show for the kids. Plus, everybody can play in Electric Playhouse’s high-tech interactive games and art spaces before sundown. Regular day passes (adults $18, children 12 and under $15) get you in the door with no additional charge for the holiday festivities.
Dance It Up
If you’re in the mood to shake what your mama gave you come NYE, then there are plenty of local places offering up motivational DJ sets. If you like dancehall and reggae, Moonlight Lounge (120 Central Ave. SW) gives us NYE 2022 : Enter the Dancehall from 9pm to 2am. This 21+ event offers a night of rockers and classics with Rootz Rocka, DJ La Ruda and Selecta Deecee. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door. Launchpad (618 Central Ave. SW) gets all dark and moody with New Year’s Emo. Scene to be Seen spins an emo-filled soundtrack from 9pm to 12:30am. Tickets are $15. If you prefer a little jazz to ring in the new year, Tractor Brewing Wells Park (1800 Fourth St. NW) has Gin & Jazz: New Years Eve Edition from 7pm to midnight. Pretend it’s the 1920s with MumboJumbo Jazz Band at 7pm and the incredible Swing Magique from 10 to midnight. Admission is free. Sister (407 Central Ave. NW) is also traveling back in time for the night, but not quite as far as Tractor. Sister’s Flashback 80’s NYE Party goes from 8pm to 1am with DJ Brad Cole giving us the most danceable pop and new wave hits of the 1980s. Electric Playhouse (5201 Ouray Rd. NW), meanwhile, travels to the future for its evening, adult party. Hello Future! NYE Party runs from 9pm to 2am. The dress code is “future fashion,” and DJs Aaron Bliss, Atmoze, Eldon and Xkota spin the best house, electro, dubstep and more. Tickets are $23.99 in advance, $29.99 at the door or $49.99 for VIP passes
Go Upscale
If you want to spend the night in luxury, there are a few places in town offering luxe party accommodations. The National Hispanic Cultural Center (1701 Fourth St. SW) is playing host to an Opera Concert and Champagne Celebration. Maestro Anthony Barrese will lead the Opera Southwest Orchestra. And for the fourth year running, select members of the Albuquerque Youth Symphony will be sitting side-by-side with the beloved Opera Southwest Orchestra for a portion of the concert. There will be two performances, at 2 and 7pm. A New Year’s Eve party after the evening performance will be held just across the plaza from the Journal Theatre at La Fonda from 9 to 11pm. Tickets are $15 for students and $59 for adults. Canvas Artistry (1 Central Ave. NW, Suite 3A) has organized a New Year’s Eve 2022 Dinner & Dance w/ Hillary Smith. Hotel (at Hilton Garden Inn), limousine, dinner and dancing packages are available for $460 per couple or $335 single. The entire event runs from 6pm to 1:20am. Crowne Plaza Albuquerque (1901 University Blvd. NE) hosts a traditional New Year’s Eve Masquerade. This 21+ event features a champagne toast, a balloon drop at midnight, tons of prizes to win plus music by DJ Big Worm. Tickets are $35.