It's no news that 2016 wasn't exactly a walk in the park. Between countless deaths of beloved public figures, election woes, natural disasters and heightened social unrest, the shit really hit the fan in 2016. It seems that just about everyone agrees, too. But you know what they say ... once you've hit rock bottom the only way to go is up. So we're not complaining that it's finally time to go out with a bang and kiss 2016 goodbye.
Lucky for us, there are plenty of New Year’s Eve events in LA to ring in 2017 and wipe the slate clean. Whether you’re looking for a fancy dress up ball, an all-night dance party, or a family-friendly countdown in the heart of the city, we've got just the right New Year's Party for all of your ball dropping and champagne popping needs.
A Dream Disco: New Year’s Eve at The Theatre at Ace Hotel
The Ace Hotel’s annual New Year’s Eve party is one of the liveliest events in town. If you choose to start early and get the VIP treatment, you’ll feast on a special three-course dinner alongside an open bar. For those just looking to dance (or save a handful of cash), you can show up a couple of hours before the clock strikes twelve and shake the night away to special guest DJ Cooper Saver spinning disco, funk, house and soul tunes.
Deets: The Theatre at Ace; Tickets for VIP dinner (8 p.m.) and dance party with two-hour open bar are $200; Dance Party (10 p.m. - 2 a.m.) are $30. More info and tickets HERE.
Image courtesy of Ace Hotel Downtown Los Angeles
Dance Yourself Clean at The Teragram Ballroom
The Teragram Ballroom is one of LA’s newest destinations for music lovers. Not even yet two years young, the venue (owned by the same good people behind the Bowery Ballroom in New York) has been booking the coolest bands and artists you've probably never heard of (yet). On NYE, the Teragram will be hosting the ultimate Dance Yourself Clean indie dance fiesta—an event series founded in Seattle as an homage to LCD Soundsystem. Avoid the Top 100 hits and celebrate at the Teragram where great music is a guaruntee and there are no frills or fancy dress up shenanigans. The organizers have also promised lasers and “loads of fog.” Get weird.
Image courtesy of @danceyourselfclean
Gatsby's House at the W Hollywood
It should come as no big surprise that several New Year’s Eve happenings are going down in Hollywood. Equipped with some of the best party-friendly hotels in the city, Hollywood is a magnet for those looking to have a good time well into the wee hours of the morning. If you’re feeling like a flapper or you “have a man in England who buys you clothes,” The W’s Gatsby party is surely the one for you. Already in its fourth year, this event hosts various rooms with different all sorts of music so you can wander around can wander around until you find the right feels.
Image Courtesy of W Hollywood
Roaring 20s at The Fonda Theatre
OK, it’s no news that Roaring 20s parties aren’t exactly few and far between when New Year’s Eve rolls around, especially since Leo’s Gatsby remake in 2013. The spacious theater at The Fonda in Hollywood will be fully decked out with flapper dancers, cigarette girls, photo booths, DJs and even a ball drop. Presented by Delightful Dream Events … what could possibly go wrong?
Deets: The Fonda Theatre; 9 p.m. - you’re kicked out; Semi-formal attire required; Tickets range from $75-$200; Get them HERE.
Image courtesy of The Fonda Theatre
Classic Hollywood at The Hollywood Roosevelt
Around since 1927, the legendary Roosevelt Hotel has somehow remained both classy and cool despite being located smack dab in the middle of perhaps the least classy and cool place on earth: the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This NYE, The Roosevelt is hosting a classic celebration in “Old Hollywood” style. There will be multiple venues within for all sorts of shenanigans with live DJs spinning, poolside tables, and plenty of VIP options for private parties.
Image courtesy of Jake Setser
Masquerade Ball at the Sofitel
Looking for some mystery this NYE? Head to the Sofitel in Beverly Hills for their Masquerade Ball party where you’ll be able to hide your face and dance with other masked guests also looking for that thrill of the mysterious and unknown.
Image courtesy of @cindykarmoko
Cabaret Ball at The Edison
For those of you want something a little … different, this one’s for you. For a truly unique ringing in of the new year, expect aerialists, stilt walkers, dancers and more at The Edison in Hollywood. Come dressed to impress and ready to get your “Cirque du Soleil” on. Don't worry, plenty of drinks will be on hand to loosen you up.
Image courtesy of The Edison
Prohibition NYE at Union Station
Roll down to Alameda for some burlesque and bubbly! The already Art Deco Union Station will be extra stylin’ this NYE with an appropriately themed Prohibition Era gala. Chicago’s Autograf will be headlining and there will also be live jazz and other music courtesy of KCRW. Watch a few episodes of Boardwalk Empire to get in the spirit.
Deets: Union Station; 9 p.m. - 2 a.m.; Tickets start at $165; More info and tickets HERE.
Image courtesy of Prohibition NYE
NYE 2017 at The Viceroy Santa Monica
Here’s an event for the westside crowd. The Viceroy in Santa Monica is notorious for throwing some unforgettable NYE bangers. This year is no different, with a classy affair in the Black and Gold Soiree. A black tie dress code is enforced, so come looking prim and proper. KCRW DJs Raul Campos and Travis Holcombe will be spinning and the ticket includes an open bar and decadent hors d'oeuvres. This party sells out every year, so hop on tickets quickly.
Deets: Viceroy Santa Monica; 9 p.m. - 1:30 a.m.; Tickets start at $155; Get them HERE.
Image courtesy of The Viceroy
N.Y.E.L.A. at Grand Park + Music Center
Well sheeyit, if this isn’t one big, beautiful Angeleno experience to remember, then we don’t know what is. Most NYE parties will cost you a pretty penny, but if you want to celebrate without breaking the bank and still have a good time, Grand Park’s annual N.Y.E.L.A. celebration is the way to go. Although it’s a free event, there’s no shortage of music, art, food and fun times to be had. There’s even a large-scale art installation and lightshow to marvel at. This family-friendly event brings Angelenos from all walks of life right into the heart of DTLA to say solong to 2016.
Deets: Grand Park and The Music Center; 8 p.m. - 1 a.m.; FREE
Image courtesy of @stoprobsassi
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Tatiana Ernst is a freelance writer specializing in food and drinks. Born and raised in LA, she’s captivated by city life all around the world, making her an avid traveler. When she isn’t trying out new spots to eat, she’s capturing the ever-changing landscape of the street with film photography. Follow her on Instagram at @tatiana_ernst and check out her website HERE.
Header image courtesy of Prohibition NYE
