1. Nevada became a state on October 31, 1864, but December 31 was the day when the state's first legislature officially convened in Carson City in 1864.

2. On December 31, 1926, the iconic El Cortez hotel and casino opened in downtown Reno. The El Cortez became famous for its luxurious accommodations and high-stakes gaming, and it remains a popular attraction today.

3. In 1946, legendary bandleader Tommy Dorsey headlined a New Year's Eve performance at the Mapes Hotel in Reno. The sold-out show featured Dorsey's hits including "I'll Never Smile Again" and "Boogie Woogie."

4. December 31, 1852 marked a particularly severe cold spell in the Nevada Territory. Temperatures dropped to -30°F in some areas, and it was so cold that even whiskey froze solid in its barrels.

5. New Year's Eve is celebrated throughout the state with numerous events and parties, but one of the largest and most popular is the America's Party in Las Vegas. This annual celebration features world-class entertainment, extravagant fireworks shows, and a massive street party that attracts more than 300,000 revelers each year.