Celebrate New Years In L.A.
We’re all just days away from 2019. All that’s left is to ring in the new year with a suitable blowout. Take your pick from our favorite raucous dance parties, elegant dinners, community celebrations, and even a few chill hangs for those who want to do something but not the whole thing.
Spanish Masquerade and Midnight Soiree at the Bazaar
The Bazaar by José Andrés celebrates the big night with a two-part affair. First comes a Spanish masquerade, a strolling dinner with a spread of tapas creations. When 10:30 p.m. rolls around, the party transitions to an upbeat midnight soiree with music and dancing. The events can be ticketed individually or together, and in food-only or open-bar options. The Bazaar, 465 S. La Cienega Blvd., Pico-Robertson. Tickets $145-$500.
TAO Group Presents NYE 2019
Each property within the TAO nightlife complex in Hollywood will be hosting an event, which you can book individually or opt for an “all access” pass which combines offerings. Avenue, TAO, the Highlight Room, and even Luchini Pizzeria get in on the fun (and Luchini is offering a $50 deal that includes an open bar and unlimited pizza). TAO Hollywood, 6421 Selma Ave., Hollywood. Tickets $50-$225.
!!! and Penguin Prison
!!! and Penguin Prison will make sure you’re dancing the night away at this fun, upbeat night. VIP tickets include access to a mezzanine level with seating, an exclusive bar, midnight bubbles, and VIP-only restrooms. The Regent Theater, 448 S. Main St., downtown. Tickets $22.50-$62.50.
Avalon NYE 2019 with Markus Schulz
German trance superstar Markus Schulz plays open to close at this party that will have you dancing right into the new year. If you’re looking for the perfect classic club night, this should do the trick. Avalon Hollywood, 1735 Vine St., Hollywood. Tickets $70-$150.
New Year’s Eve at the Varnish
Beloved cocktail boîte the Varnish is holding a disco-inspired NYE. In addition to a DJ spinning throwback tunes, your pre-paid ticket includes cocktails, beer, wine, and spirits, light snacks, a midnight Champagne toast, and a French Dip sandwich (how many other parties have that?). The Varnish, 118 E. 6th St., downtown. Tickets $350-$1,050.
Part Time Punks Annual New Year’s Eve Party
DJ Jose Maldonado of Sweet and Tender Hooligans leads the proceedings at this dance party, spinning your fave ’80s, ’90s, post-punk, and retro rock jams. At least one David Bowie sing-along will occur. Moroccan Lounge, 901 E. 1st St., downtown. Tickets $20.
The Streamliner NYE
The Streamliner, inside of Union Station, is opening up its historic doors to holiday revelers. Reserving a table (seats up to four) gets you a spot, bottle of bubbly, and a seafood tower. Additional items from the Imperial Western Beer Co. menu may be available a la carte. The Streamliner Bar, 800 N. Alameda St., downtown. Tickets $250.
Minimal Effort New Year’s Eve
Held at NYE and Halloween, the Minimal Effort event series has developed a loyal following. Join them for the latest outing featuring music from Sasha, Skream, Justin Jay, Will Clarke, and many more. Upgraded VIP tickets include an open bar and festivities carry on until 4 a.m. Belasco Theater, 1050 S. Hill St., downtown. Tickets $59-$159.
Queen Mary New Year’s Eve
All aboard the Queen Mary for a lavish New Year’s celebration. A vintage theme informs the proceedings, which will include live music, cirque performers, and a burlesque troupe. Unlike the ship’s other holiday events, this one is strictly 21+. The Queen Mary, 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach. Tickets $115-$290.
The Normandie Club and Walker Inn NYE
Book a spot at these Koreatown cocktail hotspots and your ticket will get you open bar, snacks, and a Champagne toast, all for one flat fee. For group and table reservations, email [email protected]. The Normandie Club, 3612 W. 6th St., Koreatown. Tickets $100.
Dita Von Teese’s New Year’s Eve Gala Show
Big name in contemporary burlesque and all-around paragon of glamour Dita Von Teese makes an appearance in L.A. for New Year’s Eve. Shimmy into 2019 with her, her trunk full of sparkling costumes, and a troupe of fellow burlesque all-stars. Orpheum Theater, 842 S. Broadway, downtown. Tickets $49-$225.
NYE Party at OUE Skyspace Los Angeles
Look into 2019 from the skyscraping downtown vantage point of OUE Skyspace. Your night includes an open bar, unlimited rides on the famous Skyslide, and a flute of bubbles when the clock strikes midnight. OUE Skyspace Los Angeles, 633 W. 5th St., downtown. Tickets $150.
“Welcome to the Jungle” at The Castaway
A wild jungle theme takes over two ballrooms at the recently-restored Castaway. Festivities include live entertainment, dancing, light fare, and open bar. Come earlier and dine in the restaurant’s dining area, where you’ll be serenaded by a jazz combo and sip a bottle of Vueve Clicquot included with every two dinner tickets. The Castaway, 1250 E. Harvard Rd., Burbank. Tickets $125-$238.
Venetian Masquerade Ball at La Peer Hotel
Hide behind your most mysterious mask for this elaborate Venetian ball. Viale dei Romani chef Casey Lane will prepare a spread with dishes including caviar blini and wood-grilled scallops to nibble while you whirl around and sip on Prosecco throughout the night. La Peer Hotel, 627 N. La Peer Dr., West Hollywood. Tickets $50-$200.
Poppy & Petit Taqueria NYE ’19
Super-stylish nightclub Poppy and modern Mexican restaurant Petit Taqueria–both from the nightlife experts at h.wood Group–team up for this shindig. Expect five hours of open bar, dancing to DJs playing a mix of genres, and complimentary bubbles to accompany the midnight countdown. A deeply discounted ticket allows entry to the party after 12:30 if you plan to pre-game elsewhere. Poppy, 755 N. La Cienega Blvd., Hollywood. Tickets $39-$104.
Riot! at the Disco NYE 2019
Want to ring in 2019 by partying like it’s 2003? Grab your favorite Hot Topic garb for this throwback party at which DJs will play tines from the likes of Panic! at the Disco, Fall Out Boy, Good Charlotte, and more. Catch One, 4067 W. Pico Blvd., Mid-City. Tickets $10.
Pink Martini at the Walt Disney Concert Hall
With a program that draws on Brazilian samba, ’30s Cuban dance music, and Parisian café-inspired tunes, Pink Martini will make sure you sashay into 2019 in the jazziest way possible. The group plays two sets, ticketed separately, at 7:00 and 10:30. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., downtown. Tickets $84-$221.
Family-Friendly Celebrations
Grand Park and the Music Center Present N.Y.E.L.A.
DTLA’s favorite NYE party returns. Live music includes Aloe Blacc, Maya Jupiter, and Georgia Ann Muldrow, and the DJ stage features an all-female lineup of selectors. This year, the final moments before midnight will be marked with a 3D digital projection countdown on the west side of City Hall. Attendees are allowed to bring food that fits in a backpack or tote bags, but the event is 100 percent alcohol free, so don’t try to smuggle that flask in your pocket. Grand Park and the Music Center, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown. Free.
Marina del Rey New Year’s Eve Fireworks & Glow Party
The New Year rings in twice at this family-friendly fete: New York City’s ball drop will be shown at 9 p.m. for those who want to wrap-up early, followed by a second countdown at midnight. Both “midnights” will have their own fireworks shows. Before 9, a “Glow Party” goes down with DJs, robots, bubbles, and food trucks. Burton Chace Park, 13650 Mindanao Way, Marina del Rey. Free.
Disneyland New Year’s Eve
Disneyland stays open late to host a NYE celebration that’s sure to delight all ages. There will be a nighttime parade, live performance, and fireworks show to mark the occasion. The day can be one of the busiest of the year for the park, but if you’re up for it, it should make for a memorable experience. Disneyland, 1313 Disneyland Dr., Anaheim.
Special NYE Dinners
Beauty & Essex
If there were ever a perfect time for a “clubstaurant” to shine, it’s New Year’s Eve. Combining some of the atmosphere of a nightclub with a more civilized seated meal, Beauty & Essex will have an a la carte menu from 5 to 8:30 p.m., after which they’ll switch to a ticketed, fixed-menu package including midnight Champs. Beauty & Essex, 6421 Selma Ave., Hollywood. Tickets $175.
Casablanca New Year’s at Cecconi’s
Throw it back to the Old Hollywood glam of the 1940’s with this Casablanca-inspired dinner party (and yes, vintage attire is encouraged). Sip cocktails from the era, along with a six-course meal including beef filet with cipolline and risotto dusted with a table-side shaving of white truffles. A later seating includes a midnight toast and some on-theme props. Cecconi’s, 8764 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood. Tickets $95-$140.
Catch LA
Known for attracting a celeb scene, Catch LA puts together a decadent four-course dinner including some of the kitchen’s greatest hits. Look for truffle sashimi, A5 Japanese Miyazaki Wagyu beef, and other fancy fare. The evening seating includes an after-dinner reception with DJ and midnight Champagne. Catch LA, 8751 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood. Tickets ($95-$150).
E.P. & L.P.
Celebrate the coming year with a six-course fixed menu featuring chef Louis Tikaram’s signature Australian-Fijian fusion cuisine. After dinner, head to the rooftop for a masquerade party that continues into the night. E.P. & L.P. 603 N. La Cienega Blvd., West Hollywood. Tickets $125 ($75 for rooftop party only, without dinner)..