Tanja M. LadenAs Summer once said on The OC, “The way you spend your New Year's Eve is the way you're going to spend the rest of the year.” So, who wants to squander all of 2014 taking disco naps and getting DUIs? After all, New Year's Eve doesn't always have to be about getting drunk and club-hopping. (Although we've got suggestions if you want to do that, too.)
See also: New Year's Eve: The Best Club Parties in L.A.
Los Angeles is a huge city, with a number of opportunities to sing “Auld Lang Syne” without having someone simultaneously twerking on you. So here are five fun New Year's Eve events to help you celebrate in style.
RMS Queen Mary, Southampton. June, 1960; Credit: John Beniston / Wikimedia Commons
5. Passport to a New Year: Aboard the Queen Mary New Year's Eve Celebration
Is there a classier local landmark than the Queen Mary? Since sailing into Long Beach harbor in 1967, she's never left — and neither has her old-timey spirit. This New Year's Eve, the grand ol' lady is blasting to the past with a metaphorical voyage around the world, from Bombay, Rio de Janeiro, and New York City to Cherbourg, France and the ship's birthplace: Clydebank, Scotland. Both the music and cuisine will keep with the international theme, topped off by a glorious fireworks display to help ring in 2014.
$49 – $2,999. 7:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. Queen Mary, 1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach, 877-342-0742
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
4. New Year's Eve 2014 at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel
The Spanish-style Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel first opened in 1927, financed by film producer Louis B. Mayer and actors Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford. In 1929, it was the site of the inaugural Academy Awards ceremony, and it's since housed guests like Marilyn Monroe, who famously posed near the Roosevelt's swimming pool. (The pool now features an underwater mural painted by none other than David Hockney.) With this kind of pedigree, it's an ideal place to usher in the new year with a lineup that includes Natalia Kills, Devin Lucien, DJ Katarina and more.
$100 – $175. 8:00p.m. – 3:00 a.m. The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, 7000 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, 800-950-7667
Credit: Dover
3. El Cid's 50th New Year's Eve Celebration
Silver Lake's favorite flamenco-themed hideaway celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Before its current incarnation, it was the site where D.W. Griffith filmed scenes of Birth of a Nation (1915). Then it was a cafe designed to look like a jail (serious), then the Gateway Theatre and finally, it's evolved into the charming spot we know today. For NYE, El Cid hosts a “gypsy-style” celebration with flamenco shows. So bust out those wingtips and giant hair ornaments and time-travel to the Golden Age of Hollywood.
$25 – $75. 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. with a late-night show at 10:30 p.m. El Cid, 4212 West Sunset Blvd., Silver Lake, 323-668-0318
Credit: Courtesy LA Phil
2. Carnival at the Hall: New Year's Eve with Sérgio Mendes and Sheila E.
Brazilian music legend Sérgio Mendes is known for his exotic fusion of jazz, funk and bossa nova, and his sounds promise to turn even the grumpiest into optimistic revelers ready for whatever the new year has to offer. After more than 50 years in the music business, Mendes remains as relevant, working with artists like the Black Eyed Peas. Now, he shares the spotlight with Prince's erstwhile protégé, Sheile E., who's since become a Grammy-winning artist in her own right. See the two take the stage at the Walt Disney Concert Hall for a night of colorful music à la Carnival.
$70.50 – $197. December 31, 7:30p.m. and 10:30p.m. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Downtown, 323-850-2000
1. New Year's Eve LA at Grand Park
After officially opening to the public last year, Grand Park has become a hotbed of cultural activity, including music and performances. Now, the open-air promenade connecting Bunker Hill and the Civic Center, located between City Hall and the Music Center, is throwing the biggest NYE jubilee of all. The free, family-friendly event features live music from dublab, Fool's Gold and Myron & E of Stones Throw Records. Meanwhile, Charles Baker, Geoff McFetridge and Mike Murphy bring on the art installations, while cash-bars and food trucks cater to the crowds and Tribal BODY Markings by AMIR decorate their flesh. Along with all the art and live shows there will also be huge animated 3D projections. In conclusion, if 2014 is going to be anything like your New Year's Eve, you know it's gonna be good.
Free. December 31, 2013, 6:00p.m. – 12:30 a.m. Grand Park, 200 North Grand Ave., Downtown
See also: New Year's Eve: The Best Club Parties in L.A.
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