Early Las Vegas, before the age of the mega-resorts, was defined at the crossroads between Las Vegas Boulevard and Fremont Street. Landmark casinos like Binions and the Golden Nugget placated many a visitor. In an effort to recharge the downtown casino industry, city planners closed off Fremont Street to vehicles, tiled the street, added some planters and kiosks and covered the area with a roof. Fremont Street, with its definitive neon cowboy and cowgirl, has become somewhat of a gambling mall, and a great place to spend New Year's Eve.
Make reservations early. Any one of the hotel and casinos on or around Fremont Street will be more affordable than the casinos down at Four Corners on the Strip.
Note that Fremont Street doesn't shut down to revelers after a certain time. There are plenty of parking garages for visitors who aren't staying at the street's hotels.
Make reservations instead at any one of the resorts down on Boulder Highway. Boulder Highway has some of the best lodging bargains in Las Vegas.
Hire a taxi for a ride back to the room if planning to lodge at a hotel some distance from the strip. Vegas police are strict about giving DUI tickets this night.
Pay a nominal fee to party on the street that night, if you are not staying in a Fremont Street hotel. Price includes hats and other assorted party favors.
Eat at one of the casino restaurants soon after arriving. Later in the evening, the wait for a table is almost impossible.
Bring a bottle of champagne for the event. The concourse gets very crowded and bartenders are very busy. One should get drinks early and often, so as not to spend the last 30 minutes of the old year waiting for beverage service.
Find a location near a bandstand. There are several performances during the night by rock bands that have achieved a certain level of celebrity over the years.
Watch the Fremont Street Experience. The street's ceiling is one long marquee. The lights on the street will darken and the ceiling will come alive in a brilliant light show. Fighter jets or dolphins will race overhead for several minutes creating a general "wow" factor.
Notice that many of the casinos have extremely wide entryways with slots pouring out almost to the street. Claim a spot, gamble, and don't miss any of the shows.
Note that after the countdown, performed on the ceiling of course, the street immediately empties out and patrons clamor into the casinos to continue the party. Since these establishments are smaller in size, the clubs tend to fill up fast.
