New Year's Eve 2026 falls on a Thursday, which is a regular ROUGE night. The 18+ co-ed variety show at The STRAT Theater plays Tuesday to Sunday at 9:00 PM, runs about 90 minutes, and has tickets from $49.99. A 9:00 PM curtain ends around 10:30, which leaves the last hour and a half of the year free for the fireworks. Confirm the December 31 showtime on The STRAT's ticket calendar, because holiday schedules can change.

What New Year's Eve looks like on the Strip

The Strip fireworks, known as America's Party, are an eight-minute display launched from the rooftops of about nine resorts, and The STRAT is listed among them. In recent years the Strip has closed to vehicle traffic in the evening, and some hotels have limited entry to their own guests near midnight. Downtown, Fremont Street holds its own countdown and fireworks. Check the official road-closure times closer to the date and plan to arrive early wherever you go.

Fitting a show into the night

Most New Year's Eve plans are built around midnight, so the evening before it is the open part. A 9:00 PM show fits between an early dinner and the countdown. Doors open 30 minutes before showtime, so a dinner reservation at about 6:30 or 7:00 PM leaves enough room to be seated before the lights go down.

Restaurants fill up fast on December 31, so book dinner early. If the Strip is closed to cars, decide how you will get to The STRAT before the evening starts.

Why ROUGE suits an adult New Year's Eve

ROUGE is the only adult show on the Strip with a true co-ed cast, so a couple or a mixed group has performers to watch on both sides of the stage. The production is about 90 minutes of acrobatics, aerial acts, comedy and dance in a reserved-seat theater with a full bar. It is strictly 18+, with valid photo ID required at the door.

Midnight at The STRAT

The STRAT is one of the fireworks rooftops, and the Tower's observation deck on level 108 looks straight down the Strip. Last year The STRAT sold a separate Party in the Tower for New Year's Eve, so check The STRAT's New Year's Eve listings before planning around midnight there. The Tower admission that comes with ROUGE tickets may not apply on December 31, so confirm that with The STRAT first. If you would rather watch from somewhere else, the rooftop bars guide covers the options.

The Tower admission offer

ROUGE tickets bought on The STRAT website, on Vegas.com, or in person at The STRAT box office come with free STRAT Tower admission, a $26.95 to $36.95 value. Details are in the STRAT Tower admission offer.

Booking

New Year's Eve week fills up early across the Strip, so book the show first and build the rest of the night around it. The seating guide covers the four seating tiers, when to book ROUGE tickets covers timing, and the holiday shows guide covers Thanksgiving through the new year. Check showtimes and book ROUGE.

Frequently asked questions

Is ROUGE performing on New Year's Eve?

December 31, 2026 is a Thursday, and ROUGE plays Tuesday to Sunday at 9:00 PM. Holiday schedules can change, so confirm the date at tickets.thestrat.com before you plan around it.

What time does ROUGE end?

The show runs about 90 minutes, so a 9:00 PM show ends around 10:30 PM.

Is ROUGE for adults only?

Yes. ROUGE is strictly 18 and over, and valid photo ID is required at the door.

Can I watch the fireworks from The STRAT?

The STRAT is one of the rooftops that launches the fireworks, and the Tower has views of the Strip. New Year's Eve access is arranged separately from show tickets, so check with The STRAT.