I strive to be a New Year’s Eve person. Really, I do. But the rest of the year I go out A LOT and check out music, theater, art, and all the things that make my job of writing the “Best Things to Do in LA” column every week so fun. So when it comes to New Year’s Eve, unless it’s a concert I can’t miss, I’ll probably bake something elaborate, make some bubbly, turn on my karaoke mic much to my neighbor’s chagrin, and invite a few friends over.

And to be honest, I usually feel a sense of FOMO because even though we don’t have a ball in the middle of the city, we’re a pretty awesome New Year’s city. There’s shockingly less traffic than you’d expect, rideshare options are plentiful, and the subway is free. Not far outside of town there are fireworks, concerts and fun excursion destinations. And we have the best restaurants in the world serving incredible menus. Then there is the weather. Okay, maybe I just talked myself into going out this year too.

Here are a few of my picks for 2025. And if you’re more like me, feel free to reach out if you need a karaoke playlist for your living room party.

Music selection

New Year’s Eve is a treasure trove of incredible music selections from across the region.

New Year’s Eve with D-Nice & Friends

Disney Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Downtown LA
COST: FROM $109, MORE INFORMATION

D-Nice was a household name during the Covid-19 pandemic when his club quarantine made Zoom parties cool (well, as cool as can be). Now he’s back in person, bringing his party and his famous friends to the LA Phil stage at Disney Hall for New Year’s Eve. Grand Park is sure to be crowded for the fireworks. So pay attention to traffic closures and take the subway if possible.

An evening with Gregory Porter

Dolby Theater Hollywood
COST: FROM $45, MORE INFORMATION

Grammy-winning jazz singer-songwriter Gregory Porter brings his holiday tour to the Dolby in Hollywood to ring in the New Year. The soulful baritone will perform with his band and ensure a happy and relaxed start to 2025.

112 & Black Street

Yaamava’ Theater, 777 San Manuel Blvd., Highland
COST: FROM $70, MORE INFORMATION

No problem, this is how you start the new year. Take a trip to Yaamava’ and see R&B icons 112 and Blackstreet perform their hits. You can stay overnight at the casino or drive back late. It’s just over an hour from downtown LA

English beat

The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano
COST: $99.45, MORE INFORMATION

Brit-pop fans will want to make the trip to San Juan Capistrano to experience the English beat at the Coach House. Band founder Dave Wakling became famous in the 70s and 80s by touring with The Clash and The Police and now makes his home in California. The show features Wakling – The English Beat – and his ska-inspired backing band.

George Porter Jr.

The West of Venice, 1717 Lincoln Blvd., Venice

COST: $66.65, MORE INFORMATION

Regular readers of Best Things to Do know that The Venice West is one of my favorite local spots—and not just because I’m a Westsider. The room may be small, but with big-name headliners and an audience that is cross-generational, reserved and really there for the music, it’s a real eye-catcher. This new year, the small stage will jam into 2025 with the New Orleans sounds of R&B bassist George Porter Jr. and support from Runnin’ Pardners.

Party tips

Want the traditional New Year’s Eve party experience? Make your choice:

Roaring 20s bash

Cosm, 1252 District Dr., Inglewood
COST: FROM $59, MORE INFORMATION

If you haven’t been to the new 360-degree venue Cosm, here’s your chance. Put on your best flapper dress or top hat and head to the Roaring 20s Bash with DJ, an immersive experience that takes you back in time to the 1920s, themed cocktails and more.

Los Angeles New Year’s card for multiple parties

Hop between Bootsy Bellows @ 755 N. La Cienega Blvd. and Poppy @ 9229 Sunset Blvd.
COST: $99, MORE INFORMATION

Can’t decide which big party you want to attend? Dance the night away at Boosty Bellows and Poppy with this all-access pass. Your ticket includes general admission to both parties at WeHo with a selection of music, DJs, drink specials and more.

New Year’s Eve Metropolis Ball

Clifton’s Republic, 648 S. Broadway, Downtown LA
COST: FROM $51.73, MORE INFORMATION

Swing into 2025 with live music from Lizzy and her contraband (a jazz and swing band described by NPR as “one part Eartha Kitt, one part Ella Fitzgerald, one part Amy Winehouse”) at the venue’s newly renovated Brookdale Ballroom.

New Year’s Eve at The LINE LA

3515 Wilshire Blvd.

Koreatown

COST: VARY, MORE INFORMATION

LINE Hotel hosts three themed parties that you can come to for decades. Of 70s disco vibes Kiss kiss bang bangcontributes to 80s nostalgia Break room 86 with vintage arcade games and a breakdance show to futuristic energy in Lobby bar with live DJs and a midnight toast.

Midnight Mayhem Masquerade

The Abbey, 692 N. Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood
COST: N/A, MORE INFORMATION

The Pink Pony Club, I mean the Abbey, is the “best gay bar in the world” any day, but especially for your New Year celebrations. Partygoers at Abbey’s Midnight Mayhem Masquerade, hosted by RuPaul’s Drag Race star Mayhem Miller, dance the night away to beats from DJ Chris Cox at The Abbey and DJ Jace M at The Chapel and toast the New Year with a free glass of champagne at midnight.

More family friendly choices

If you have children, New Year’s Eve looks different. And thank God. All the fun and frivolity, without the morning-after regrets. Here are all the fun things to do with the family:

Confetti drops at lunchtime

Sloomoo Institute, 157 S. Fairfax Ave., Mid-City
COST: FROM $38.99, MORE INFORMATION

Who has to make it to midnight? Why not celebrate with the children early? There will be a confetti drop at Lake Sloomoo on December 31st and January 1st at 12pm – technically 11:59am. Then enjoy the slime at the popular spot that bills itself as the world’s best slime experience for kids.

Screening of “When Harry Met Sally”.

Alamo Drafthouse, 700 W. 7th St., Ste. U240, downtown LA
COST: $21.99, MORE INFORMATION

Is there a better New Year’s film than the one from 1989? When Harry met Sally? I’ll have what she has at the Alamo Drafthouse downtown at 3 p.m. (Note that this film is rated R, mostly because of all the talk about sex, so keep that in mind if you have small children in tow.)

New Year’s Eve spectacle at the Ojai Valley Museum

Ojai Valley Museum, 130 W. Ojai Ave., Ojai
COST: $30 ADULTS, $15 CHILDREN, MORE INFORMATION

Take everyone on a night drive to Ojai to attend the fun-filled party for all ages at the Ojai Valley Museum. There’s a photo booth, projection art by Emily Allard, puppet karaoke, poker for all ages, oversized games and more. Plus, stay the night and catch a movie at the newly opened Ojai Playhouse on New Year’s Day.

Grand Park Countdown to 2025

Gloria Molina Grand Park, 200 N. Grand Ave., Downtown LA
COST: FREE, MORE INFORMATION

A 3D light show, an all-female DJ lineup, and KCRW’s Novena Carmel hosting the countdown – what more could you ask for? Take a free subway ride to Grand Park and bring the whole family to the evening’s festivities.

Countdown to 2025 at the Anaheim GardenWalk

400 West Disney Way, Anaheim
COST: FREE, MORE INFORMATION

The free Anaheim New Year’s Eve celebration begins at 5 p.m. and features a lively dance party with live bands, DJs and performances on multiple stages. Visitors can also explore a street market with carnival attractions and food vendors.

Food tips

New Year’s menus abound, from cheap menus to lavish treats at some of the city’s fanciest restaurants. Here are just a few tips to get the ideas flowing, but be sure to reserve in advance!

De La Nonna x The Let’s Go!

710 E 4th Pl., Los Angeles
COST: $175, MORE INFORMATION

Enjoy four courses at De La Nonna, then indulge in all-night drinks at The Let’s Go next door.

tomato

6261 W. 87th St., Westchester
COST: $125, MORE INFORMATION

Westchester newcomer Tomat hosts a seven-course dinner for $125 per person with optional wine pairings and hospitality for rooftop cocktails.

Melissa

1104 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica
COST: $599, MORE INFORMATION

Big splurge alert! Santa Monica’s two-Michelin-star favorite Melissa offers a $599 tasting menu with seating at 5:30 and 8:30 p.m

Love and salt

317 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach
COST: VARY, MORE INFORMATION

Guests at Manhattan Beach’s favorite Italian restaurant Love and Salt can choose between the regular dinner menu or a “The Godfather”-style à la carte menu. All guests are welcomed with half a glass of Prosecco.