Light Up: My Picks for the Best NYE Parties in Los Angeles
Light Up: The Best LA NYE Celebrations
My picks on what NYE parties are worth it in Los Angeles
New Year’s Eve is coming, Los Angeles and now (early December) is the time to start planning, buying your tickets before they price gouge you or worse, sell out!! Los Angeles is hectic during NYE, so unless you are going to your local hole-in-the-wall locale or staying in, plan ahead! Already early bird discounts are sold out (it is currently early December).
There are many kinds of NYE celebrations. You can stay home in your PJ’s, watch the ball drop on and curate your own best-of-2023 playlist! It is chill, cozy, and amazing! You can plan a small gathering, invite your closest friends, stay-in together and celebrate the countdown with wonderful potluck food, and pigs-in-a-blanket! So many wonderful and amazing options - I fully support them.
Loew’s Hotel in Santa Monica, NYE 2022
The Godfrey Hotel, Roof Top in Hollywood
The Drinks Line on NYE in Los Angeles
Thus, I have spent countless hours researching and comparing the latest and greatest LA events for those who do not want to be homebodies, and who also enjoy a special nice out! So what’s it gonna be, let’s get into it.
Glitz and Glamour NYE Gala at Hotel Figueroa
The Hotel Figueroa is a historic landmark in LA with gorgeous tiles, tons of stucco and hacienda vibes (my favorite location is by the pool!). Four-hour open bar. DJs and performers. Currently, tickets have an early bird discount and 10% off so it’s $99.00
Harvard and Stone in Hollywood
Harvard and Stone is actually one of my favorite bars because it has an old school, New Orleans vibes, and usually has a rotating list of musicians (some of whom I adore!). I do feel a complete immersion in another time and place! Admission lets you enjoy a rotating list of DJs, a midnight champagne toast. Music - they’re saying it’s going to range from classic rock and roll, indie, and electro rock (all good in my book). I love how off-beat they are compared to mainstream options :) Admission costs you a very reasonable $30.00. (Cash bar)
Break Room 86 in Koreatown
great 80s-themed bar with video games, ecletic vibes. Private karaoke rooms for rent. B-Boys are going to be performing a breakdance. Open bar all night (~5 hours). $75.00 (this is the cheapest open bar I have seen, yall). Get it before it’s gone.
The Godfrey Hotel in Hollywood
Five hour premium open bar. Rooftop vibes, 360 degree views, and a pool (although I won’t be swimming lol, but good for photos). DJs (unclear who, but I know I’ll have fun lol) and a photo booth. Doors open at 9p. $90.00
The Blind Barber in Culver City or Highland Park
Another IMHO, off-beat bar! I love how you literally enter thru a barber shop into a dimly lit, compact space. I love how it doesn’t feel overwhelming, but like you just got let into a speakeasy. So I’d say this is as speakeasy as LA gets. No matter how many times I go, I still do not tire of it! 5-hour, premium open bar. DJs. They’ll be spinning Top 40, Hip Hop. Midnight champagne toast, yes. $90.00
The Blind Barber
E.P. & L.P. in West Hollywood
I might be partial to E.P. L.P. because I used to work across the street. This was the preferred happy hour bar because it had a rooftop, and you could snag a seat around a firepit. The vibes are beautiful people and out for a good time - and I never tire (just a time and a place for everything). Sometimes it can feel frat-party-esque, but I’ve never had it good off the deep end. Point is, I love the roof top, and the food downstairs (while the chef has changed several times) is usually pretty good! Of course when they are throwing a NYE party, I will recommend. For entry alone, starts at $30.00. 2-Hour Open Bar Option starts at $80.00.
NYE in Los Angeles (Silverlake/Echo Park)
How did I decide on this list?
For my humble list, I’m prioritizing fun factors that amp up the confetti because NYE is a special occasion that deserves all the sparkle, joy, and helps end the year on a proverbial bang! I am choosing those that have the following themes in common:
Going out - at a venue, bar, rooftop in Los Angeles #citylife and because I do like a good night out (and NYE is the perfect excuse with great events all around us)
Music & dancing - because I like dancing on beat and off-beat, I like DJ’s, and I like feeling one with the music!
Alcohol - while not required for one to drink alcohol on NYE (or any day for that matter), many people celebrate the occasion with some libation (champagne??) - all of these places will be selling alcohol as that brings in the $$$ for these venues!)
EventBrite Ticket - from my research and many years in LA, most venues use EventBrite, so highly recommend you buy your ticket in advance so you are less stressed. Last minute planning in LA on NYE vastly reduces your options so be a planner for once! I also like that the venue is planning their NYE event far enough in advance, to the point they release tickets - so you know you’re walking into a special something-something!
Price - Currently tickets are available and are priced at ~$100.00 or less! $100 will usually get you a 4-5 hour open bar, entry, and some kind of performers/entertainment. After much searching, I can definitively say, there is no open bar available for less than $100 bucks. If you do not want an open bar tickets can be as low as $20-$30, but there are few as many do not post on EventBrite, as this is such a low price point and they sell out immediately.
About Linhda
Linhda loves being a tourist in her own city and sharing her 10+ years of Los Angeles knowledge with others!
She is an avid bike-to-work cyclist (aka commuter), and has recently taken up roller skating. If you have any LA questions drop her a line and/or say HELLO! She loves meeting new peeps. Cheers.
