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Wondering what to do on New Year's Eve? Check out our top picks
One of the many options you have to ring in 2025? Celebrate New Year's Eve with D-Nice & Friends.
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I aspire to be a New Year’s Eve person. Really, I do. But I go out a LOT the rest of the year, checking out music and theater and art and all the things that make my job writing up the Best Things to Do in LA column each week so much fun. So when it comes to New Year’s Eve, unless it’s a can’t miss concert, I’m probably baking something elaborate, popping some bubbly, turning on my karaoke mic to my neighbor’s chagrin, and having a couple friends over.
And to be honest, I usually feel a sense of FOMO because despite not having a ball that drops in the middle of town, we are a pretty great New Year’s city. There’s shockingly less traffic than you might expect, rideshares are plentiful, and Metro is free. There are fireworks, concerts, and fun escapes not too far out of town. And we have the best restaurants in the world serving up incredible menus. Then there's the weather. OK, maybe I just convinced myself to go out this year, too.
Here are a few of my picks to ring in 2025. And if you’re more like me, feel free to drop a line if you need a karaoke playlist for your living room party.
Music picks
New Year’s Eve is a treasure trove of incredible music picks all across the region.
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New Year’s Eve with D-Nice & Friends
Disney Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., downtown L.A.
COST: FROM $109, MORE INFO
D-Nice was a household name during the Covid-19 pandemic when his Club Quarantine made Zoom parties cool (well, as cool as could be). Now he’s back and in-person again, bringing his party and famous friends to the LA Phil stage at Disney Hall for New Year’s Eve. Grand Park is sure to be crowded with the fireworks display, so be aware of traffic closures and take Metro if you can.
An evening with Gregory Porter
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Dolby Theatre Hollywood
COST: FROM $45, MORE INFO
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Grammy winning jazz singer-songwriter Gregory Porter brings his holiday tour to the Dolby in Hollywood to ring in the new year. The soulful baritone will perform with his band and is sure to be a joyful and chill way to start 2025.
112 & Blackstreet
Yaamava’ Theater, 777 San Manuel Blvd., Highland
COST: FROM $70, MORE INFO
No diggity, this is how to kick off the new year. Take a drive out to Yaamava’ to see icons of R&B 112 and Blackstreet perform their hits. You can stay overnight at the casino or drive back late. It’s only a little over an hour from downtown L.A.
English Beat
The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano
COST: $99.45, MORE INFO
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Brit pop fans will want to make the journey to San Juan Capistrano for the English Beat at the Coach House. Band founder Dave Wakling rose to fame in the 70s and 80s, touring with The Clash and The Police, and now makes California his home. The show features Wakling — The English Beat — and his ska-inspired backup band.
George Porter Jr.
The Venice West, 1717 Lincoln Blvd., Venice
COST: $66.65, MORE INFO
Regular Best Things to Do readers know The Venice West is one of my favorite local venues — and not just because I’m a Westsider. The space is small but it punches above its weight with big name headliners and a crowd that is intergenerational, low-key, and really there for the music. This New Year’s, the small stage will jam into 2025 with the New Orleans sounds of R&B bassist George Porter Jr. with Runnin’ Pardners supporting.
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Party picks
Want that traditional New Year's Eve party bash experience? Take your pick:
Roaring 20s Bash
Cosm, 1252 District Dr., Inglewood
COST: FROM $59, MORE INFO
If you haven’t been to the new 360-screen venue Cosm yet, here’s your chance. Put on your best flapper dress or top hat and head to the Roaring 20s Bash, featuring a DJ, an immersive experience that will transport you back in time to the 1920s, themed cocktails, and more.
Los Angeles New Years multi-party pass
Hop between Bootsy Bellows @ 755 N. La Cienega Blvd. and Poppy @ 9229 Sunset Blvd.
COST: $99, MORE INFO
Can’t decide which big party to check out? Dance all night at Boosty Bellows and Poppy with this all-access pass. Your ticket includes general admission entry into both parties in WeHo, featuring a range of music, DJs, drink specials, and more.
New Year’s Eve Metropolis Ball
Clifton’s Republic, 648 S. Broadway, downtown L.A.
COST: FROM $51.73, MORE INFO
Swing into 2025 with live music from Lizzy & Her Contraband (a jazz & swing band dubbed “one part Eartha Kitt, one part Ella Fitzgerald, one part Amy Winehouse” by NPR) in the newly renovated venue’s Brookdale Ballroom.
NYE at The LINE LA
3515 Wilshire Blvd.
Koreatown
COST: VARIES, MORE INFO
The LINE hotel is hosting three themed parties that you can decade-hop to. From 70’s disco vibes at Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, to 80’s nostalgia at Break Room 86 with vintage arcade games and a breakdance show, to futuristic energy at the Lobby Bar with live DJs and a midnight toast.
Midnight Mayhem Masquerade
The Abbey, 692 N. Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood
COST: N/A, MORE INFO
The Pink Pony Club, I mean the Abbey, is the “best gay bar in the world” everyday, but especially for your New Year’s festivities. Party-goers at Abbey’s Midnight Mayhem Masquerade, hosted by RuPaul’s Drag Race star Mayhem Miller, will dance the night away to beats by DJ Chris Cox at The Abbey and DJ Jace M at The Chapel, and toast the New Year with a complimentary glass of champagne at midnight.
Family-friendlier picks
If you have kids, New Year's Eve looks different. And thank goodness. All the fun and frivolity, without the morning-after regrets. Here are all the fun things you can do with the family:
Noontime confetti drop
Sloomoo Institute, 157 S. Fairfax Ave., Mid-City
COST: FROM $38.99, MORE INFO
Who needs to make it till midnight? Why not celebrate with the kids early? On December 31 and January 1, Lake Sloomoo is the venue for a noon — well, technically 11:59 a.m. — confetti drop. Then, enjoy the slime at the popular spot that bills itself as the world's No. 1 slime experience for kids.
'When Harry Met Sally' screening
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Alamo Drafthouse, 700 W. 7th St., Ste. U240, downtown L.A.
COST: $21.99, MORE INFO
Is there a better New Year’s movie than 1989’s When Harry Met Sally? I’ll have what she’s having at downtown’s Alamo Drafthouse at 3 p.m. (Note that this movie is rated R, mostly for all the talk about s-e-x so consider that if you have young kids in tow.)
Ojai Valley Museum New Year’s Eve Spectacular
Ojai Valley Museum, 130 W. Ojai Ave., Ojai
COST: $30 ADULTS, $15 KIDS, MORE INFO
Take everyone for a drive out to Ojai for the night to attend the Ojai Valley Museum’s fun-for-all-ages party. There’s a photobooth, projection art from Emily Allard, puppet karaoke, all-ages poker, oversized games, and more. Plus stay overnight and catch a movie at the newly reopened Ojai Playhouse on New Year’s Day.
Grand Park Countdown to 2025
Gloria Molina Grand Park, 200 N. Grand Ave., downtown L.A.
COST: FREE, MORE INFO
A 3-D lightshow, an all-female DJ lineup, and KCRW’s Novena Carmel hosting the countdown — what more can you ask for? Take a free Metro ride down to Grand Park and bring the whole family for the evening festivities.
Countdown to 2025 at the Anaheim GardenWalk
400 West Disney Way, Anaheim
COST: FREE, MORE INFO
Anaheim’s free New Year’s Eve celebration kicks off at 5 p.m. and features a vibrant dance party with live bands, DJs, and performances across multiple stages. Visitors can also explore a street fair with carnival attractions and food vendors.
Dining picks
New Year’s menus abound, from reasonable set menus to all-out splurges at some of the fanciest restaurants in town. Here are just a few picks to get the ideas flowing, but make sure to snag a reservation in advance!
De La Nonna x The Let’s Go!
710 E 4th Pl., Los Angeles
COST: $175, MORE INFO
Enjoy four courses at De La Nonna and then get groovy next door at The Let’s Go with drinks all night.
Tomat
6261 W. 87th St., Westchester
COST: $125, MORE INFO
Westchester newcomer Tomat is hosting a 7-course meal at $125 per person with optional wine pairing available and walk-ins welcome for rooftop cocktails.
Mélisse
1104 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica
COST: $599, MORE INFO
Major splurge alert! Santa Monica's two-Michelin-starred favorite Mélisse has a $599 tasting menu with seatings at 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
Love and Salt
317 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach
COST: VARIES, MORE INFO
Diners at Manhattan Beach Italian favorite Love and Salt can choose from the regular dinner menu or an à la carte “The Godfather” inspired menu. All guests will be greeted with a half glass of prosecco.
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