From elegant black tie affairs to massive dance parties, Los Angeles is ready to ring in 2013 with some of the best New Year's Eve events in the country. Read our round-up of the LA's top events to say farewell to 2012 and welcome the new year. And on January 1, 2013, join millions of viewers around the world and enjoy the 124th Rose Parade and the 99th Rose Bowl Game, the two biggest events of the Tournament of Roses.
In keeping with tradition, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) once again offers free rides on New Year’s Eve to provide safe transportation and reduce holiday traffic congestion. All Metro Rail and Bus lines are free starting at 9 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 31, 2012 until 2 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2012. Metro Rail and Metro Bus systems operate on a Sunday schedule on New Year’s Day. Metro Rail operates all-night service on New Year’s Eve for those staying out extra late and to encourage easy travel to the Rose Parade in Pasadena. However, free fares only apply until 2 a.m. Those traveling after 2 a.m. need to TAP to ride.
Please note that all events are scheduled for Monday, December 31, 2012 unless otherwise noted.
LOS ANGELES HOTEL PACKAGES FOR NEW YEAR’S EVE
This New Year’s Eve, raise a glass Los Angeles style, where the party extends from the streets of Downtown LA and Hollywood to the moonlit waters of Marina del Rey. It’s a night of celebration and revelry as residents and visitors alike begin the countdown to a new year and a new beginning. Slip through the velvet rope of some of LA’s hottest hotels or enjoy a culinary awakening over a fabulous dinner prepared by a celebrity chef. LA hotels offer all-inclusive packages that make the final night of 2012 memorable, effortless and stress-free. Read More →
CELEBRATE A MULTICULTURAL NEW YEAR’S EVE
Los Angeles has many qualities, but two of the most enduring are its rich diversity of global cultures and its ability to make even the most extravagant dream a reality. There’s no better time to combine these two attributes than New Year's Eve. LA offers dozens of opportunities to spend the entire last day of 2012 ringing in the New Year along with cities around the world. Read More →
DOWNTOWN LA
Kevin Hart at STAPLES Center
What better way to celebrate the end of 2012 and kick off the beginning of 2013 than with an evening full of laughter? Comedian Kevin Hart is well-known for his rapid-fire style, as well as his scene-stealing turns in movies like The 40-Year-Old Virgin and Fool’s Gold. Hart will have STAPLES Center rocking with big laughs starting at 10pm.
Nicky Romero & Zedd at Club Nokia
Located in the incredible L.A. LIVE entertainment complex in Downtown LA, Club Nokia welcomes two of electronic music’s rising young stars, Nicky Romero and Zedd, on Monday, December 31st. This New Year’s Eve show will continue the venue’s tradition of ringing in the New Year with a bang. Doors open at 9 p.m. Age 18 and over.
Idina Menzel at Walt Disney Concert Hall
Tony Award-winning actress, singer and songwriter Idina Menzel, star of Broadway’s Wicked and the original stage production of Rent, will ring in the new year at Walt Disney Concert Hall with her brand new live show. Two performances on December 31st, at 7 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
The Edison
Experience an Unparallelled Cabaret Ball at The Edison, featuring electrifying and unique performances by an eclectic group of artists. Step into 2013 at this popular Downtown LA nightclub with craft cocktails, live music and aerialists. Tickets include The Edison’s legendary Midnight Toast and New Year’s Party Favors. General Admission is $100. For table reservations, please call 213.613.0000. All guests must be 21 and over, and dressed in their finest New Year’s cocktail attire.
LA Loves Techno at Exchange
On New Year's Eve, veteran Los Angeles promoter Insomniac presents LA Loves Techno, taking place at the massive Exchange nightclub in the Historic Core of Downtown Los Angeles. LA Loves Techno is a must for fans of forward thinking dance music, featuring a select lineup of world class DJs: Sasha, Adam Beyer, Damian Lazarus and Art Department. Doors open at 9 p.m. Print-at-home tickets are $50 plus service fee, with a ten-ticket limit per customer. For bottle service reservations: 213.444.3388 or [email protected].
HOLLYWOOD
Markus Schulz at Avalon Hollywood
Globetrotting trance DJ Markus Schulz will be spinning at Avalon Hollywood, which will feature three rooms of music with multiple VIP areas. In September 2012, Schulz was named America’s Number One DJ by DJ Times magazine. 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Early Arrival Discount Ticket, with guaranteed entry before 11 p.m., starts at $65. VIP tickets start at $155 and include separate entrance, VIP lounge and open bar.
The Time of Your Life at Drai’s Hollywood
Drai’s Hollywood, the multilevel rooftop bar at the W Hollywood Hotel, offers a high-end, Vegas-style experience along with breathtaking views of the city on New Year’s Eve. General Admission tickets are $100 and include three hours of open bar, 9 p.m. to midnight. Express Entry with No Line / No Wait tickets are $150. Various dinner and table packages are available. 9 p.m. to 3 a.m.
Saints or Sinners at Hollywood Roosevelt
It’s a simple question: “Are you a Saint or a Sinner?” Find out at the 10th Annual Saints or Sinners New Year’s Eve Ball at the Hollywood Roosevelt. Angelic or devilish costumes are encouraged for the event, which features a live performance by Eva Simons (singer with Afrojack, Will.i.am and Zedd), DJ Adam Auburn, and much more entertainment. Saints or Sinners will span the entire property, including Teddys, the Blossom Ballroom, the Tropicana Pool and the Historic Lobby. Midnight toast and noisemakers included with admission. Doors open at 8 p.m. Tickets are $110 per person. VIP tickets are $185 and include 2-hour sponsored open bar, priority entrance and exclusive access to Teddy’s. Online tickets available at Flavorus.
Hyde Behind the Mask at Hyde Lounge
A safe haven and secret hideaway for Hollywood royalty, Hyde Lounge is hosting Hyde Behind the Mask, a black-tie Eyes Wide Shut masquerade ball on New Year’s Eve. Accept this unique opportunity to join the bacchanal and be a part of a night that is sure to carve out its own chapter in Hollywood lore, a veritable feast for the senses and a chance to spend the night with Hollywood's elite. VIP presale with hosted bar, $85.
Countdown 2013 at Infusion Lounge
Join your host Metta World Peace of the Los Angeles Lakers for Countdown 2013, taking place at Infusion Lounge in Universal CityWalk Hollywood. Featuring an open vodka and champagne bar until 10 p.m., multiple VIP areas, dinner menu, midnight ball drop and champagne toast. Two levels of music, with five DJs spinning Top 100 and hip-hop. General Admission presale tickets are $40, with various bottle service and VIP packages available. Doors open at 8 p.m.
Solid Gold NYE 2013 at Playhouse Hollywood
“Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but gold is an infinite love affair!” Playhouse Hollywood invites you to Solid Gold NYE 2013, featuring Cedric Gervais and DJ Eye. $100 ticket includes premium open bar all night and midnight champagne toast. Various Gold and Platinum packages for groups include bottle service and VIP Balcony or Main Level table reservations. Doors open at 10 p.m., 21 and over. Proper attire is required for entry, so dress to impress and forget about baseball caps and shorts.
WEST HOLLYWOOD
Masterbeat NYE 2013 (Dec. 29, 2012 - Jan. 1, 2013)
Masterbeat presents its 13th annual New Year's Eve weekend in Los Angeles, taking place at multiple venues from Saturday, December 29th to Tuesday, January 1st. The weekend kicks off on Saturday, December 29th with LAUNCH, an all night dance event at West Hollywood's biggest nightclub, The Factory. Masterbeat will take over both rooms with DJs Giangi Cappai from Italy and Alyson Calagna. Then, on Sunday, December 30th, the party moves Downtown when Masterbeat presents WE Party: Fast Food at The Belasco, featuring DJ Brett Henrichsen spinning on LA's biggest sound system, multiple floors, VIP balconies and more. The main event will go off on New Year’s Eve at the historic Mayan Nightclub in Downtown LA, which will be reinvented by Masterbeat with signature 3D LED walls, full color argon lasers and DJ Rosabel taking you on a musical journey into the future. Finally, the party continues at First Dance, Masterbeat’s world famous afterhours that kicks off at 4 a.m. at Arena Cafe, featuring tribal legend DJ Paulo. Individual event tickets start at $45, a VIP Weekend Pass is $250. Tickets available at www.showclix.com/event/3734238.
Vintage Trouble at The Roxy
In its list of the 25 Best Live Acts of 2012, Paste magazine ranked Vintage Trouble number 5, describing the LA-based quartet as “one of the most energetic touring bands of the year, taking stadium-sized riffs and smashing them into intimate clubs.” On New Year’s Eve, Vintage Trouble brings its signature “live-wired, straight-shootin, dirty-mouth'd, pelvis-pushing juke music” to The Roxy Theatre in West Hollywood. Led by sensational frontman Ty Taylor, the band is currently on a North American tour with The Who. Vintage Trouble will be supported by The Tonight Show singer Sy Smith and KCRW DJ Jeremy Sole. General Admission starts at $25, with well and premium open bar VIP ticket options. All tickets include a midnight toast. “Guys in suits and gals in gold” attire requested. Tickets are on sale at Ticketweb.
BEVERLY HILLS
Jeff Goldblum at Crustacean Beverly Hills
Actor and musician Jeff Goldblum, famous for his comedic and quirky performances in blockbuster movies like Independence Day, Jurassic Park and many more, will ring in 2013 with an intimate jazz performance at the award-winning Crustacean Beverly Hills. The New Year’s Eve festivities start at 5 p.m. and continue after the ball drops. Goldblum has garnered critical acclaim and delighted audiences with his stylish jazz, witty banter and humorous stage presence. He is scheduled to play two sets on New Year’s Eve, with the first beginning at 9 p.m. Crustacean offers an a la carte dinner option from 5 to 7 p.m., followed by a second seating starting at 9 p.m. that features a gourmet four-course prix fixe menu and a champagne toast at midnight. Seating in the concert section, located on the main floor of the restaurant, is $250 per person. Guests can also enjoy Goldblum’s performance and the four-course prix fixe menu from the balcony section for $185 per person. Pre-countdown festivities in the bar and lounge includes two cocktails, dessert and a glass of champagne at midnight, for $75 per person. Seating for all three sections is limited, an early RSVP is recommended. RSVP to Liz Dean at 310.205.8990, extension 202.
WESTSIDE
The Grand Ball - A Black Tie Affair at Greystone Manor
Welcome 2013 in style at Greystone Manor, which is hosting "The Grand Ball - A Black Tie Affair" as an homage to the nostalgic era of Golden Age Hollywood glamour and decadence. Clink your champagne glasses at the stroke of midnight and dance all night to the eclectic music of Greystone’s resident DJ, Devin Lucien. $150 VIP Presale includes a hosted premium bar, appetizers and NYE party favors all night. VIP Fast Pass is $200, and various group ticket packages are available. Doors open at 10 p.m., 21 and over.
SANTA MONICA
The Annual All-New One-Time-Only New Year’s Eve Revue!
The Santa Monica Playhouse’s annual New Year’s Eve shows usher in 2013 and also celebrates the Playhouse’s 50th anniversary. Featuring an all-new evening of audience favorite songs, dances, comedy and other delights culled from five decades of Santa Monica Playhouse productions, and includes a complimentary buffet supper, champagne, party favors, hats and the chance to win special prizes. The late show at 9:30 p.m. gives the audience the chance to ring in 2013 in the theatre with members of the Santa Monica Playhouse Actors’ Repertory Theatre. The early-bird 6 p.m. celebration offers everything that the later show does, plus a great way to celebrate New Year’s Eve with the entire family and get home at a reasonable hour, or to kick off an evening of after-theatre dining and celebrating. Tickets are $39.50 for the 6 p.m. performance, $49.50 for 9:30 p.m. Discounts available for students, teachers, seniors, the military and groups of ten or more. Special discounts available for the 6 p.m. performance for young people age 12 and under.
The Black and White Ball at Viceroy Santa Monica
Ring in the new year at The Black and White Ball, taking place on December 31st from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. at the Viceroy Santa Monica. Featuring a premium hosted bar and decadent hors d’oeuvres from Whist Executive Chef Tony DiSalvo, with KCRW DJs spinning poolside: Jason Bentley, Anthony Valadez and Valida. Black and white attire requested. Ages 21 and over with ID. $150 Limited Presale tickets are available until December 21st. General Admission tickets are priced at $175 and available after December 21st. Tickets at the door are $200 (if available). Cabanas are available for reservations starting at $350. Cabana reservations can be made by calling 310.260.7507.
BEACH CITIES
Hornblower Cruises
Celebrate 2013 with Hornblower Cruises, on board some of the most beautiful yachts on the West Coast. Hornblower Cruises offers two New Year's Eve cruise options in Marina del Rey: a Cocktail Cruise Celebration and a Gala Dinner. The Cocktail Cruise boards at 9:30 p.m. and cruises from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. The 3-hour cruise includes a boarding glass of champagne, cash bar, passed trays and displayed appetizers, DJ and party favors. Price is $95 per adult, with discounts for Seniors and Military. The Gala Dinner boards at 8:30 p.m. and cruises from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. The 4-hour cruise includes a boarding glass of champagne, cash bar, 4-course seated dinner, DJ and party favors. Price is $135 per adult, with discounts for Seniors, Military and children 4-12; children 3 and under are free.
New Year’s Eve at the Queen Mary
New Year’s Eve aboard the historic Queen Mary is one of Southern California’s favorite traditions. Start your night with a "Farewell to 2012" dinner, then stroll the decks enjoying live music performances and DJ sets. From a casual dinner to a gourmet five-course meal, the Queen Mary offers New Year’s Eve dinner packages that will satisfy any appetite. The live music genres include 80’s covers, disco, funk/soul, dueling pianos, jazz and lounge, while DJ Lithuanian Prince and DJ Dennis Owens will be spinning the hottest tunes. The evening reaches its grand conclusion with a spectacular fireworks display over the Pacific Ocean.
General Admission tickets are $109 and include admission aboard the ship, all on-board entertainment, party favors and a viewing of the midnight fireworks show. Royal VIP Tickets are $249 and include everything that General Admission offers, plus exclusive access to VIP Decks, open beer and wine bar, hors d'oeuvres, dessert, and the best views of the fireworks.