Holiday festivities are here

It has been a huge year and with NYE around the corner, the sun is out and the man in the red suit has made sure his sleigh has been serviced. To help you with whatever preparations you are making over the Christmas and New Year period, the Star Observer has provided a taste of what is coming your way.

NSW

DNA POOL PARTY

December 21

The Ivy

This year’s event will be held on December 21 at the Ivy Pool Deck from 12pm to 6pm. There will be DNA cover models, music by DJs Alex Taylor, Dan Slater and NYC’s Bobby Blaze as well as a special pole dancing performance by Blue Phoenix.

ARQ – NYE

December 31

Arq nightclub

World-renowned DJ Moto Blanco from the UK, who has inspired DJs all over the world with his remixes, is Arq’s special guest and is not performing anywhere else with his special brand of sexy house tunes from 9pm. But that’s not all. The very next night, the team at Arq will welcome Bobby Blaze from 10pm. Everyone at one of Australia’s premier nightclubs is excited to be bringing two nights of fun to say goodbye to 2013 and bring on 2014 – in style of course.

CELEBRATION NYE 2014

December 31

Circular Quay

Come out and escape to the glittering gay oasis on a rooftop nestled far above the madness of NYE at Circular Quay. It is Sydney’s only gay and lesbian New Year’s Eve party on Sydney Harbour, and slap-bang right in the middle of the fireworks roof-top action.

NYE AT IVY

December 31

The Ivy

The Ivy will be the ultimate New Year’s Eve destination this year with an epic Lost and Found event announced, featuring a smashing line-up of international DJs, including the legendary Danny Tenaglia, Bicep, Cyril Hahn, Will Saul and a host of home-grown talent.

NYE – CHUNKY 2014

December 31

Midnight shift

It’s time to celebrate. Time to let your furr down and rain in what is set to be one of the biggest year’s ahead for Harbour City Bears. HCB are bringing back not just a NYE favourite, but also the club’s longest-running dance party. That’s right, Chunky is back. Bigger and better than ever.

NYE MASQUERADE

December 31

Stonewall Hotel

Once upon a time upon on an enchanted road called Oxford St, there was a world of magic, full of glitter and wonder, that awaited inside the doors of Stonewall Hotel. New Year’s Eve 2013 is set to send you off into another world just as wild and wacky as when Alice stumbled upon in Wonderland. Discover a hidden Wonderland where it’s as mad as Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, and who knows? You may even come across the Queen Of Hearts.

KIKI AT IVY

January 2

Part II from the team that brought you Daywash unfolds pool-side at the ever-fabulous Ivy Pool. As the first official Kiki of the year, it comes fully-loaded with cabanas, cocktails, a sunset pash and a seriously hot crowd that will shake’n’bake the day from noon to midnight. As the song goes, “this Kiki will be mmmmarvelous!” So slip, slop (but never slap) high upon a rooftop oasis that captures the word “exclusive” and delivers it in style.

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VICTORIA

CHRISTMAS NIGHT

December 25

The GH Hotel

After you’ve spent the day doing the family thing, come and join your other family at the GH for its annual Christmas Day party. This year they’ve got three great drag shows featuring the infamous Candee Claus, plus Rita, Paris, Missy La’Minx and Amelia Mole. They’ve also got resident DJ Mark Robbo rocking it out with your favorite anthems. Doors open at 8pm and entry is free, so you’ve got no excuse not to celebrate Christmas with them.

WET ON WELLINGTON MARATHON

December 25 – January 6

From 3pm on Christmas Day until January 6, the team at Collingwood’s Wet on Wellington will be there to welcome you day and night, opening 24 hours for that period in a Christmas and New Year special.

BOXING DAY BEARS

December 26

The Laird

The Laird and VicBears proudly present Boxing Day Bears 5: Pooch Appeal 2013. Now in its fifth year, Boxing Day Bears gives you the chance to feel good while having fun. And in 2013 it’s really going to the dogs, because the 2013 beneficiary will be Lort Smith Animal Hospital. The best part is that it’s easy for you to help out. While you’re out doing your groceries and Christmas shopping, grab some quality wet or dry pet food and pop it aside. Or maybe you’ve got some leads, collars or other pet accessories that are in good nick. Bring them in on the day, then kick back with a beer and bask in that warm afterglow of giving.

BOXING DAY UNWRAPPED

December 26

Club 80

Open everyday through the holiday season from noon. Whether Club 80 is your first stop or your last stop, they are always there with a welcoming smile. And on Boxing Day you can really cool off as it becomes a clothes-free zone.

NYE GH

December 31

The GH Hotel

The GH is always a great place to be when the clock ticks over to midnight and we welcome another year, full of promise and excitement. And in keeping with tradition, the GH is excited to announce that they will open the doors for free this NYE to say thank you for your support through such a great year. So head down to the GH this New Year’s Eve. There’ll be three great shows, plus three amazing DJs from 8pm until 3am. Plan to head down early as it will reach capacity.

NEW YEAR’S EVE: INFERNO

December 31

The Laird

Burn baby burn. New Years Eve at The Laird is sure to be a scorcher. Okay, enough of the clichéd stuff. New Year’s Eve is always a big one, and this year will be no different. With no cover charge, regular bar prices, awesome DJs and custom lighting and décor, you can’t go wrong. Oh and of course there’ll be a midnight countdown. The bar opens at 5pm for the early starters, with the party kicking-off at 9pm and going right through to 3am with DJs Charles Fenech and Jayson Leahy.

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QUEENSLAND & NORTHERN NSW

TROPICAL FRUITS

Lismore

December 31 & January 1

Last year’s Tropical Fruits New Year Festival was a sell out, and if ticket sales so far are any indication, 2013 is set to be another bumper year. Party-goers looking for an experience that is different from anything you may find in the capital cities have found their New Year Shangri-La at this world-class three-party event in the stunning hinterland setting of Lismore, in the Northern Rivers of NSW. Yes, three parties on NYE, a pool party and then the much-loved recovery on New Year’s Day. Tickets for each event can be purchased individually or together with the ever popular three party pass.

GAYBUSTERS

December 31

Hotel Wickham

Head to Hotel Wickham for its GayBusters NYE party, which will be hosted by Miss Synthetique and features shows starring Sasha Trajik-Mole, Iona Toyboy, Taylorette and Adam & Dale. DJs on the night include Sammy Superstar, ACraig, Chris Banks, and Nedd_e_Bear. Party starts at 9pm. $10 entry, but members are free.

BEACH PARTY

December 31

The Beat

It will be the 30th time The Beat megaclub has seen in a new year and to celebrate, a party-goer this New Year will win a brand new car. The theme will be a Beach Party, so everyone can take advantage of what promises to be a hot night. Brisbane six-piece band Tucan will lead the live entertainment schedule for the event, playing a mix of soulful, funky sounds guaranteed to get you up and dancing. Brisbane’s best DJs will also be playing in the venue, covering everything from classic disco tunes plus all the latest hits.

NYE AT SPORTSMAN

December 31

Sportsman Hotel

Featuring the spectacular New Year’s Eve Show PROUD, as well as DJ Merlin spinning the tunes in the Lounge Bar and the White Wolf After Party in the Downstairs Bar.

NYE AT CLOUDLAND

December 31

Cloudland

Come celebrate New Year’s Eve in the enchanted garden as Cloudland transforms into a captivating and fascinating world of wonder and amazement. Cloudland has commissioned some of the most extraordinary and curious entertainers for the event including human statues, stilt walkers, fantasy characters and acrobatic forest creatures. The event will also feature a games room with croquet, badminton and boules readily available for all guests.