Celebrating New Years in Los Angeles

Published on December 27, 2018

From epic concerts to a giant, illuminated countdown over the waters of the Pacific, LA offers a lot of great ways to celebrate the new year.

Being last in the contiguous US to ring in the New Year, LA and other west coast cities often get a bad rap for not having and really epic New Year’s Eve celebrations. We have listed places to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Los Angeles including some of the best-known locations as well as off-the-beaten path suggestions. With a city as large as Los Angeles, there are many places to sing Auld Lang Syne, raise a glass of bubbles, or take in the spectacle of midnight revelers. From lavish masquerades, to free and open parks, the City offers a range of celebrations for any budget. This list of the essential places to celebrate the New Year in LA is a good place to start your planning.

Santa Monica Pier – FREE

While the Santa Monica Pier doesn’t have any official celebrations or fireworks of its own, the Pier is a great spot to view the fireworks being launched along the coast from Point Dume to Palos Verdes. Head down early and go on any of Pacific Park’s 12 rides, including the famous Ferris wheel where you can see the coast and city skyline from 130 feet over the water. If you miss riding the Ferris wheel for midnight, you can watch the countdown in 90-foot tall numbers from the Pier below. If you can’t venture out, why not live-stream the Pacific Wheel lights as they count down to the New Year – beats watching a rerun of Ryan Seacrest in Times Square! Check out what Pacific Park did last year for the countdown on our Youtube channel.

Grand Park + The Music Center – FREE

Grand Park’s NYE party is the flagship celebration for the West Coast where families can get together for music, food, and photo booth fun. Watch the countdown be projected on City Hall. This is an alcohol-free event.

The Bungalow – $150+

Santa Monica’s NPR station and independent music champion, KCRW, presents a Casino Royale-themed evening at The Bungalow in Santa Monica. There is dancing, casino games, premium hosted bar and plenty of live DJ sets.

Marina del Rey – FREE

Catch one of two firework shows being put on in the Marina del Rey – the first show is at 8:59PM and the second is at 11:59, ringing in the new year.  Take a Hornblower Cruise, grab dinner at one of the waterfront cafes, or hang out at the Glow Party taking place in Burton Chace Park.

Prohibition NYE at Union Station – $185+

Prohibition NYE is in its 7th year at Union Station and celebrates the new year in Roaring Twenties-style with theatrical burlesque, live jazz ensembles and DJ sets, and a premium open bar.

Shoreline Village in Long Beach< – FREE

Here’s your opportunity to catch fireworks down in the South Bay. Shoreline Village will have live music, fire dancers, and refreshments available for purchase. Watch the fireworks at 9PM from the Nautilus Shell and another at midnight from the Queen Mary.

Westside Winter Wonderland – $50+

Ring in the New Year at one of the biggest parties on the Westside at 1212 Restaurant, which transforms into a multi-level club for the new year. The Westside Winter Wonderland New Year’s Eve Ball will ring in 2019 in style with music, dancing, hors d’oeuvres, and more.

 

Have different plans? Be sure to connect with us on social media to share your plans and recommendations for New Year’s Eve in Los Angeles.