We wouldn’t have believed it either, but somehow, 2017 turned out to be even worse than 2016. (And we think we know who’s to blame—let’s just say he drinks A LOT of Diet Coke.) So we couldn’t be more ready to kick this flaming diaper pail of a year out the door, as we ring in a 2018 that is most assuredly, undeniably, without question going to bring better, brighter things into our own lives, the lives of our loved ones, and the lives of our fellow citizens. That doesn’t mean it’s going to be easy. Next year will be a time for working hard, for fighting for what we believe in, and for standing up to the liars, cheats, bigots, and thieves who are trying to run this country into the ground.
But before all that, there’s time to forget your troubles for a night. New Year’s Eve is an occasion to dance and drink with friends (if you wanna), to dress up in your nicest duds (if you wanna), to laugh your ass off (if you wanna), and to remember all of the good things that happened over the past 12 months (yes, there were some). Look: We all realize that New Year’s Eve often deserves the bad rap it gets as an annual haven for screeching amateurs, douche-nozzle behavior, unfortunate drunkenness, and overpriced champagne toasts. So here are the Mercury’s handpicked, sure-fire, guaranteed ways to have a fantabulous time this December 31, and to introduce yourself to 2018 in the best way possible!
Most importantly? Be good to yourself this New Year’s Eve—you absolutely deserve it. Now check out the Mercury‘s guide to the best New Year’s celebrations in town!