In the city that has something going on every night, New Year's Eve is no exception... if you plan on sticking around.
It is often said that there is literally something to do and something going on in L.A. every night of the week. This statement doesn't reign more supreme than on New Year's Eve... that is, if you plan on staying in L.A. Believe it or not, for most L.A. residents, NYE is a time to get away from the chaos and the "scene" and relax with friends outside the thirty-mile zone. The most popular destinations for those getting out of LA are the mountains and the beaches. One of the more trendy things people do is to grab a group of friends, rent out a house or hotel rooms and head up to Big Bear or Mammoth. If you decide to go to Mammoth, two of the popular parties to check out are New Year's At Canyon Lodge, and New Year's at Hyde. While you're bound to see people you know from L.A. there, it also makes for a great experience to enjoy each other's company far away from Sunset Strip or Hollywood Blvd. For those heading to Big Bear, and looking to truly immerse yourself in the winter spirit, check out Big Bear's signature NYE event, the Snow Summit Torchlight Parade and New Year's Eve Party. At 7 pm, hundreds of skiers carry torches and wind their way down Snow Summit's Miracle Mile. After the parade, the lights are turned on and the mountain opens for night skiing, ending with a celebration at the Bullwheel Bar.
If snowboarding isn't your thing, you can follow the masses the other direction to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Again, most heading down there from L.A. will rent a house and get a good group of friends to ring in the new year on the beach, beer in hand. Be sure to check out the Nowhere Bar in downtown Cabo -- always known as the party spot, this place truly comes alive on NYE. Another hot party to attend is the Disco Fever party at Nikki Beach, where you can break out your best 70s gear and toast the new year with a kiss from a person in a fake afro and bellbottoms.
Now, for those of you who decide to stick around L.A. for NYE, there is no shortage of parties and cool happenings. Virtually every nightclub will be open on NYE with its own party, unique theme and enough promoters to create a crowd amongst themselves. If you want to truly enjoy all the happenings at some of the biggest clubs, pick up a Hollywood VIP pass. Club crawls have become the trendy thing in Hollywood, and with a single ticket, you get access to between five and eight of the hottest New Year's Eve club parties.
Sound like too much to take in and would rather commit to one place? Then here are some of the better options out there: Big Bang New Year's Eve with Cobra Starship and Lupe Fiasco hosted by Mario Lopez and Extra TV at Hollywood & Highland. Definitely will be an amazing party, but buyer beware, the Cobra show is only available for VIP ticket holders. Another fun option is Cleopatra's New Year's Eve Ball at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood. The theater's courtyard will be tented and heated, and inside the Egyptian theme will continue. A bit outside the normal Hollywood club scene, the Queen Mary in Long Beach hosts its annual New Year's Eve throughout the ship. Your ticket includes access to seven entertainment venues including four live music venues, including a dueling piano's room, and Disco Lounge.
In the city that has everything, New Years Eve is one night that truly caters to that. So whether you decide to stay in town, or get outside of L.A. and enjoy the great destinations around it, you're bound to run into some familiar L.A. faces.