TBT special guide to celebrating New Year's in the Baltics

  • 2002-12-19
Events in Tallinn

Shining Stars New Year's Eve party

Saku Suurhall, 104b Paldiski mnt., 7 p.m. - 3 a.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.) tickets from 13 euros to 32 euros, available through Piletilevi and Piletikivi ticket agencies www.ss.ee. This megaparty in Tallinn's grandest indoor arena promises "shining stars," hosted by Ivan Orav. The entertainment starts out with an hour of ballet performances, then Ivo Linna & The Rockin' Guys keep things hopping into the evening. After the indoor (yes, indoor!) fireworks display at midnight, the Finnish band Dingo will take the stage, followed by 2 Quick Start.

Rio - Serious New Year's Party

Harkujarve Centre, 2 Ventri tee, 8 p.m. - morning, tickets: 50 euros

For tickets phone Merike, tel. 052 71 622, or e-mail [email protected]

Don't worry if you can't find anything tropical enough to wear to this Brazilian theme party - accessories will be provided at the door to help you blend in. Your ticket gets you a welcome drink, midnight champagne, food all night, and of course "hot rhythms until morning." There will also be games and contests, including the election of a Samba King and Samba Queen, and fireworks on the lake.

Opium Club's New Year's Party

5 Merivalja, 9 p.m. - morning, tickets at 22 euros - 48 euros. Tel. 630 0123, www.opiumclub.ee

This spot next to Tallinn's favorite beach might not be the first place you'd think of to greet the new year, but the Opium nightclub promises an entertainment-packed evening with no less than six musical acts, as well as hot and cold snacks served all night.

Round the World Party

Nimeta Baar, 4/6 Suur-Karja, 8 p.m. - late, tickets: 13 euros Tel. 641 1515, www.nimetabaar.ee

Why celebrate New Year's once when you can do it seven times? This wacky party kicks off at 8 p.m. - New Year's in Islamabad - with free Pakistani food and continues with a different geographically appropriate drink give-away each hour as New Year's hits the next time-zone eastward (vodka for Moscow, Beefeater gin for London, etc). The hourly countdowns continue until 2 a.m. Entertainment by DJ Indrek, DJ Rob and the ever-erotic Galaxy Show Group.

Love, Peace and Happiness

Nimega Baar, 13 Suur-Karja, Tel: 6 209 299, admission: free

The prospect of free entrance to a popular downtown bar on New Year's is likely to attract a sizeable crowd to Nimega, so anyone who wants to guarantee himself a seat should drop by ahead of time and book a table. Table reservation costs 3.2 euros/person and comes with snacks and sparkling wine. DJ Sunny-Dee will keep the dancing going until the wee hours.

New Year's Latino Carneval

Club Havana

11 Pikk, tel. 640 6630, 9 p.m. - late, tickets: 19 euros

Shake those hips! This year, DJ Damaso from Cuba will be providing the music for Club Havana's Latino New Year's party. Guests are treated to a welcome drink and buffet at the beginning of the event. The entertainment program, which starts at 10:15 p.m., promises a lottery, "funky dances with the girls of club Havana," and other assorted wildness.

Gold Fever

Club Hollywood, 8 Vana-Posti, tel. 627 4770, from 10 p.m., tickets from 9 euros. The popular nightclub will host yet another of its dance parties, this one with a "gold" theme. Considering the age of the typical crowds here, a can of gold glitter spray probably won't go amiss.

Carnival Night

Radisson SAS, 3 Ravala pst., tel. 669 0023, ticket: 105 euros (almost sold out)

The Radisson SAS hotel will host the ultimate Russian party, featuring Lyudmila Gurchenko, superstar of Soviet-era films. The eternally young stage diva always puts on a good show. Tickets entitle guests to a buffet and a bit of alcohol.

Events in Latvia

Radisson SAS Daugava

24 Kugu iela, Riga (tel: 7061111)

A packed program in the banquet hall, including a sumptuous meal, live music, dancing and champagne at midnight. Price per person 35 euros. New Year's Eve at the restaurant costs 29 euros, including a meal consisting of five specially selected dishes, with live music, dancing and champagne. The midnight fireworks will be just a few meters away from the Radisson.

Reval Hotel Latvija

55 Elizabetes iela, Riga,

(tel: 7772222)

The tallest building in Riga has a whole range of events lined up. Skyline Bar has live music and dancers. Tickets cost 18 euros and include a midnight glass of wine. The Conference Center on the second floor is puting on a party for the whole family., with actors, musicians, a vast buffet and a special party just for kids. Tickets 29 euros for adults, 7 euros for children.

Kalku Varti

11 Kalku iela, Riga

(tel: 7224576)

The club is in two parts. Events begin downstairs at 10 p.m., admission 12 euros. Price includes: cake, champagne and mulled wine. Kalku Varti restaurant New Year's program begins at 10 p.m., admission 36 euros, includes buffet, champagne, mulled wine, cake. Program: Ainars Mielavs with his wonderful songs and acoustic guitar. Tickets must be bought in advance!

Karaliskas Bites

Bluza Klubs

(Royal Bee Blues Club)

34a Dzirnavu, Riga

From 8 p.m., show starts 10 p.m. A party with a carnival theme. Dress code: carnival, preferably as a bee. Program includes Latvian Blues Band, DJs and New Year's lottery and games. Admission 9 euros, discount for good costumes. Includes champagne, buffet and midnight fireworks.


Cetri Balti Krekli

( Four White Shirts)

12 Vecpilsetas, Riga,

(tel: 7213885)

From 8 p.m., admission 6 euros. Program includes Asmana big band, Normunds Rutulis. Expect a totally Latvian crowd, with only homegrown music. You are warned. No sports shoes.


Cita Opera

(A Different Opera)

21 Raina bulv., Riga,

(tel:7213885)

From 10 p.m., admission fee: 9 euros. Price includes table and champagne.

Program: Ingus Ulmanis and Voitiskis hosting, dance group Dzirnas, midnight fireworks, and erotic program after 1:30 a.m. Until the early hours. Tickets should by bought in advance.

Austrumu Robeza

(Eastern Border)

8 R.Vagnera iela, entrance from Gleznotaju iela, Riga, (tel: 7814202)

From 9 p.m., 9 euros per person. Price includes menu selection for same amount. Events include the charming Latvian New Year's tradition of melting hot pewter, pouring it into cold water and seeing your future in whatever form it takes. An intimate and pleasant place, tickets should be bought in advance.

Pulkvedim Neviens Neraksta

(Nobody Writes

to the Colonel)

26/28 Peldu, Riga, (tel: 7213886)

Guests expected at 10 p.m.

Party program: DJ Gex Terror, acoustic guitar and voice performances, and artists improvise music. This place never disappoints, so it's sure to be packed. Expect good music. DJ Martins Smits spins downstairs.

Admission: 3 euros

Pupu Lounge

14 Marstalu, Riga. Party starts at 10 p.m., admission 24 euros, price includes three dishes, and plenty of bare breasts. Music by Dj Raitis until the early morning.

Nautilus

8 Kungu iela, Riga, (tel: 7814477)

DJ Vandy and DJs from club Power Zone.Starts 10 p.m. and tickets cost 42 euros. Price includes table, buffet, drinks and show. Expect a hardcore crowd to dance like there's no tomorrow. Also expect a severe case of tinnitus.

La Rocca & Studio 69

Brivibas 96, Riga

Two clubs at the same place. A ticket for La Rocca costs 16 euros. It will probably be thronged with technophiles, but should make for an enteraining night. Expect a young and highly enthused crowd. Starts 22:00. Studio 69's night starts at 21:00. Table, buffet, drinks, live msic and strip shows included in the 30 euro ticket price. Tickets can be bought on the night.

Events in Vilnius

Brodvejus Pub

4 Mesiniu, Vilnius (tel: 2107209)

From 8 p.m. Masked Ball party, with live music, comedy, prize giveaways. Chinese and European cuisine on the menu. A very popular, laid-back place, so it's advisable to buy tickets in advance. Tickets from 20 euros.

Ritos Sleptuve

(Rita's Hideout)

8 Gostauto, Vilnius (tel: 2626117)

From 8.p.m. Celebrate New Year Spanish style. The music and menu is on a Spanish tip, which may be a good thing since no one celebrates New Years better. Ticket cost around 37 euros per person, and should be bought in advance. Price includes cold dishes and a hot dish.

Jazz and Rock Cafe

15 Sv. Mykalojaus, Vilnius (tel: 2611397)

Program starts at 9:30 p.m. A mixed line up includes a concert by the Brazaiciu Quartet and the Latin Power Band. Tickets range from 30 euros to around 86 euros. Price includes meal with dessert and a limited choice of alcoholic drinks.

Amerika Bar

3 Sv. Kazimiero, Vilnius (tel: 2312687)

From 9 p.m. There's a live concert, along with ballroom dancing, so be on your toes. Games, surprises and Santa, who pressumably has nothing to do, are all promised. Tickets around 9 euros, but anyone reserving a table must eat, so don't bring your own food.

Neringa Restaurant

23 Gedimino pr., Vilnius (tel: 2618133)

From 9 p.m. Live concert with Lithuanian music stars, Sweet Dance Show Ballet, Galina and Ricardas dancing duet. Tickets around 86 euros per head (small hall and 115 euros large hall). Price includes six cold dishes, Two hot dishes, dessert, cake, fruit and alcohol.

Karolina Club

Justiniskiu 64, Vilnius

From 9 p.m. A packed program includes Santa Claus and Snow White, disco and live music, and a sports dance couple, whatever that is. The celebrations are spread out in three halls, with prices ranging from 14 euros. Ticket reservation: 2705135