Los Angeles is an underrated place to ring in the New Year. No, it's not Times Square but there are plenty of places to celebrate, and we even have our own ball drop. Here's a list of where to go and what to do for a rockin' L.A. New Year's Eve.
EVENTS
QUEEN MARY - AULD LANG SHINE
The Queen Mary’s New Year’s Eve extravaganza turns the docked luxury liner in Long Beach into a party worthy of old Hollywood. The ship's salons are done up in themes inspired by The Godfather, Urban Cowboy, Mambo Kings, Avatar and other films. DJ Carisma spins top 40 on the Verandah Deck Gazebo and DJ Cutt plays EDM on the Sports Deck. Other acts include country music act Stephen Wesley, magician Jon Armstrong and a kickline of Vegas showgirls. Tickets begin at $99.
UNION STATION - PROHIBITION NYE
Prohibition NYE bring a noirish vibe to the landmark downtown Art Deco train station. Events include theatrical burlesque, live jazz ensembles, nationally touring DJ’s, and a premium open bar featuring champagne and specialty cocktails. At midnight, there's a 60-foot ball drop. Advance tickets are $135.
GRAND PARK + THE MUSIC CENTER - N.Y.E.L.A.
A free, family-friendly (alcohol-free) event with three stages of live music, food vendors, 3D exhibitions, DJs and dancing. Gates open at 8 pm. On 90 acres, from The Music Center Plaza to City Hall. 50,000 attendees are expected.
RESTAURANTS
71Above
The tallest restaurant west of the Mississippi is the best place to see fireworks explode all over L.A. with Billecart-Salmon Champagne, passed hors d’oeuvres and food stations. The menu features poached oysters with uni and caviar, New York prime steak with truffle onion marmalade, poached lobster with creamed celery root, foie gras macaroon, and potato and truffle tart with creme fraiche. $250 per person.
Spago
Spago Beverly Hills still has openings in its 9:30-10 pm seating for a three-course menu, DJ and dancing that concludes with a 1 a.m. breakfast buffet. $280 per person.
Baltaire
Brentwood's gorgeous garden restaurant has seatings at 5:30 and 9:00 pm with live entertainment, champagne a "Midnight in Paris" theme complete with roaming caviar and cheese carts, and Chateaubriand carved tableside. $250 per person. Reservations: 424.273.1660 or email hello@baltaire.com
E.P. & L.P.
E.P. & L.P. goes Aspen Extreme with a prix-fixe dinner menu followed by kitschy high-altitude apres ski party on the rooftop complete with birch trees and antler chandeliers. The eight-course menu includes champagne ($95 per person before 7:30 p.m., $125 and up for later seatings).
With early and late seatings ($65 for the 5:30; $95 for the 8:30), chef Brandon Kida will serve a three-course Vietnam-inspired menu, with music and live entertainment in the Century City oasis.
