As we stuff our Santa hats, candy cane stockings and humiliating Christmas memories into the closets, it’s time to pull out those glow-in-the-dark 2015 glasses and miniature top hats — and create more humiliating memories.
We have the outfit and the props, but every year, we wrack our brains thinking: Where should I party? How should I party? Who should I party with? Whether your scene is bowties and champagne or reveling on the streets with Taiwan Beer, the Taipei Times has compiled a round-up of New Year’s Eve shenanigans in Taipei to match every budget and taste. Greater Tainan and Greater Kaohsiung get some loving too.
Taipei City
Photo courtesy of Andrew Ford
Taipei 101 fireworks
In 2012, Taipei, with its stunning firework display at the Taipei 101, was chosen as one of the top 10 destinations in the world to ring in the New Year. This year’s pop-star lineup at the square in front of Taipei City Hall (台北市政府) includes Chinese singer-songwriter Li Ronghao (李榮浩) and Show Luo (羅志祥). The official countdown party will be hosted by comedic duo Plungon (浩角翔起), as well as Ella Chen (陳嘉樺) and Selina Jen (任家萱) from S.H.E. The party officially starts at 7pm, but as usual, it’s best to get there as early as possible to avoid the stampede. 1, Shifu Rd, Taipei City (台北市市府路1號).
Room18 VIP rooftop party
Photo courtesy of Elroy Tay, Liquid Lifestyle Group
One of Taipei’s most (in)famous nightclubs, Room18 is throwing their ninth annual New Year’s Eve rooftop party. The conveniently-located Xinyi club promises a night of indulgence and bubbly on a luxurious open-air patio with views of the 101 fireworks. Starts at 9pm, presale tickets only for NT$2,000, bought on or before Tuesday. B1, 22, Songshou Rd, Taipei city (台北市松壽路22號B1).
Neon all Night at ATT Show Box
ATT Show Box has increasingly come to be a popular venue for themed parties. As the name suggests, you will be in the box, but it’ll be fun because the theme of the night is neon. They will, of course, be handing out neon glow sticks on the dance floor. Starts at 9pm, presale tickets for NT$1,500 bought on or before Tuesday, admission is NT$1,800 at the door. 7F, 12 Songshou Rd, Taipei City (台北市松壽路12號7F)
Bling on the New Year at the Grand Hyatt
For those seeking a change from the club scene, hotel parties are the new rave. Liquid Lifestyle Group has teamed up with DJ Dominik Hooker and Taipei’s Paris Nights to organize a night of bling, bowties and boas at the Grand Hyatt. Before the stroke of midnight, the private viewing area opposite the Taipei 101 will open its doors. There’s a free-flow bar until 11pm and an after-party at LMNT. Starts at 9pm, presale tickets for NT$1,200, admission is NT$1,600 at the door. Grand Hyatt Taipei (台北君悅酒店), 2, Songshou Rd, Taipei City (台北市松壽路2號).
Luxy
Not to be outdone by Room18, Luxy is hosting their own party with a rooftop view to catch the fireworks at Taipei 101. Swedish DJ duo DubVision will be spinning techno-house music and there’s an open bar until midnight. Starts at 9pm, admission is NT$1,000 before 11pm without drinks and NT$1,300 after 11pm including two drinks. 5F, 201, Zhongxiao E Rd Sec 4, Taipei City (台北市忠孝東路四段201號5樓).
Revolver
With affordable booze prices, live music in a chill ambiance and weekly life-drawing lessons with nude models, Revolver is becoming a popular alternative for a night out to the usual Xinyi haunts. Sissey Chao (趙一豪) and New Sunglasses (新墨鏡) are among the lineup for Revolver’s New Year’s Eve Party. Doors open at 8:30pm, starts at 9pm, admission is NT$300 at the door. 1-2, Roosevelt Rd Sec 1, Taipei City(台北市羅斯福路一段1-2號).
The Wall
Arguably one of Taipei’s best live music venues, The Wall stays true to its Taiwanese post-rock roots with a lineup that includes The Roadside Inn, Green!Eyes, HiJack, Forests (森林合唱樂團), HiJack, Punkhoo (胖虎) and more. If you shun pop-stars and techno beats, this party is for you. Starts at 8pm, single presale tickets for NT$500, presale tickets for two at NT$600 and admission is NT$800 at the door. 200, Roosevelt Rd Sec 4, Taipei City (台北市羅斯福路四段200號B1).
Sappho Live
Live jazz club Sappho Live promises a snazzy, swinging night of live music from the swing band Jelly Roll Affair and performances from world-class swing dancers Jeong Woo and Crystal Lee who hail from South Korea. Swingers can also watch the 101 firework display from the street outside the door of Sappho. Starts at 8pm, live music starts at 10pm, presale tickets for NT$600 and admission is NT$700 at the door and includes one drink up to the value of NT$200. B1, 1, Alley 102, Anhe Rd Sec 1, Taipei City (台北市安和路 一段 102巷 1號 B1).
Brass Monkey (Fuxing)
The popular sports bar frequented by expats are throwing their own neon pop-music party at the original Fuxing North Road (復興北路) branch. The theme of the night is tacky fluro and the best dressed will win a bottle of Moet champagne. Fireworks will be shown on the big screen and there will be a professional photographer taking free portrait photos for all the fluorescent fashionistas. Starts at 9pm, admission is NT$300 for ladies including one drink and NT$450 for men including two drinks. 166, Fuxing N Rd, Taipei City (北市復興北路166號).
Elephant Mountain
Do not fret if you don’t feel like trudging to a club or bar this year. Happy troopers can camp out at Elephant Mountain (象山) which provides some of the most underrated views of the Taipei 101 fireworks. Better to stock up on six-packs from 7-11 although when nature calls, use the “bathroom” at your own risk. Get there as early as possible. The start of the trail is on Songren Road (松仁路) near Lane 150, Xinyi Rd (信義路150巷).
Greater Tainan
Tin Pan Warehouse Wig Out
Zipping down south to Greater Tainan, gastro pub Tin Pan Alley is throwing a Warehouse Wig Out Party. DJ Twohands, a local DJ who frequently spins at the venue will be leading partygoers into the New Year with some hip-hop, soul, funk and reggae. The dress code is warehouse cool and big wigs. Starts at 9:30pm, presale tickets are NT$300 and admission is NT$400 at the door. 28, Beimen Rd Sec 2, Greater Tainan (台南市北門路二段28號)
Armory
Tainan is really raving this year from tin pans to armory. A fixture in Tainan’s expat and local pub scene alike since the early 2000s, this armor-themed bar which has been involved in charity events and in organizing art shows will be throwing a New Year’s Eve “Shine-tastic” party. The DJ lineup for the night include Babble On, Inaudible, Moro, Lil-k. Starts at 10pm, admission is NT$150 and includes one drink. Ladies get in for free. 82, Gongyuan S Rd, Greater Tainan (台南市公園南路82號).
Greater Kaohsiung
Mayday Concert
After a “controversial” and tearful statement in support of the Sunflower movement during a concert at New York’s Madison Square Garden in March this year, the outspoken alternative rock-band Mayday (五月天) lights up the stage at the Kaohsiung World Games Stadium (國家體育場) on New Year’s Eve with their “Light Up Hope” concert. Starts at 9pm. Admission is NT$480 to NT$3,880 depending on seating tickets. 100, Shiyun Blvd, Greater Kaohsiung (高雄市世運大道一段100號).
Dream Mall and E-Da World celebrations
Finally, the Kaohsiung City Government will be holding their own fireworks at the two usual locations, Dream Mall (夢時代廣場) and E-Da World (義大世界). As always, get there as early as possible and use the “bathroom” at your own risk. Some of the better views might be along the Love Pier (真愛碼頭) or onboard a cruise ship. In case you’re prepared to brace the crowds though, Dream Mall (夢時代廣場) is at 789, Zhonghua 5th Rd, Greater Kaohsiung (高雄市中華五路789號) and E-Da World (義大世界) is at 12, Xuecheng Rd Sec 1, Greater Kaohsiung (高雄市學城路一段12號 ).
Happy New Year’s to everyone in Taiwan. Stay safe, stay dry and stay sane.
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