The New Year’s Eve Plans You Didn’t Know You Needed: Los Angeles Edition
Raves, Parties, Dinner Reservations and Specialty Drinks that’ll keep the celebration going after the clock strikes 12.
- By: Amanda Coscarelli
There’s a lot of questions to ask yourself when you’re making plans for New Year’s Eve. What are you going to wear? Who are you going to be with? What are you going to be drinking? Who are you going to kiss? All very valid. See, the way I start the year has traditionally foreshadowed what the rest of the year is going to look like. If I pull an all nighter, I end up having a year full of sleepless nights. If I start the year driving, it usually means I’ll spend much of my year on the road. It’s like a twisted Cinderella story with either a curse or a blessing that’s cast at midnight. Needless to say, curating the perfect evening is a pretty big deal.
Luckily, New Year’s Eve in LA never fails me. It’s the one night of the year where the people of LA actually want to stay up past 2 a.m. It’s pregaming, dancing until you drop and then taking off your heels and making a barefoot trek to afters. It’s drinking enough to forget why you needed to, and leaving behind the worst of what you said while you were stuck in traffic all year.
But there’s one question more important than all the others: Where will you be? Don’t panic; we’ve got that one taken care of, and we’ll let you handle the rest. If you’re lucky enough to be in LA, here’s where you’ll want to drink, dance and dine on the most magical night of the year.
Where to Dine
Jade Beverly Hills
467 North Canon Dr, Beverly Hills
Ring in the New Year with something fresh and modern at Japanese-style restaurant Jade Beverly Hills. Indulge in a $150 prix fixe menu, complemented by a live band from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. and a DJ from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Darling
631 North Robertson Blvd, West Hollywood
Craving some Southern charm? Head to Darling for a New Year’s Eve dinner from chef Sean Brock. The $125 per person set menu includes dishes like hominy griddle cakes, heirloom cornbread, ember-roasted duck, and chocolate chess pie. To add to the ambience, a DJ will be spinning in the listening lounge all night long.
Saltie Girl
8615 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood
Celebrate at West Hollywood’s most stylish seafood spot, serving their full menu plus specials like wagyu and caviar; a trio of hand rolls with toro, king crab, and madai; and whole grilled Spanish turbot.
The Benjamin
7174 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles
Burger and martini hotspot the Benjamin will offer two seatings on New Year’s Eve. The first, priced at $145, comes with only the family-style tasting menu, while the second, priced at $175, includes caviar, Champagne, and a midnight celebration. Bonus: head upstairs to Bar Benjamin, where the party starts at 9 p.m. with a live DJ and a Champagne toast at midnight.
Where to Dance
Countdown New Year’s Eve presented by Insomniac
LA Convention Center 1201 South Figueroa Street, Los Angeles
Insomniac is transforming the Los Angeles Convention Center into a sprawling cosmic playground featuring four stages, the return of the renowned Red Light District, and a star-studded lineup leading an all-night odyssey from 7PM until 5AM.
New Year’s Eve at ZOUK Los Angeles
ZOUK 643 North La Cienega Blvd Los Angeles
Head over to the biggest nightclub in LA for an immersive Roaring 20s environment with champagne moments, dynamic chandeliers, golden confetti, and carefully curated surprise elements that reflect the pulse of the city’s nightlife scene.
The Gatsby New Year’s Eve 2026
Hotel Ziggy 8462 West Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood
This black-tie affair will showcase four incredible, completely remodeled party spaces in full Gatsby production. Indulge in specialty cocktails, dazzling visuals and celebrity DJs. Indulge in specialty cocktails curated by Flecha Azul Tequila & Aspen Vodka, specialty beer from Peroni, complimentary beverages from Vitamin Water and a complimentary midnight champagne toast as you welcome 2026 surrounded by LA’s most fashionable crowd. With celebrity DJs Atron, Dj Rico and Talon Reid spinning throughout the night, expect non-stop energy, dazzling visuals, and the intoxicating glamour only a Bond-inspired night can deliver.
Maxim New Year’s Eve 2026
Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel 7000 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles
Ring in 2025 with a dose of Old Hollywood glamour at the classic Hollywood Roosevelt. Don your best cocktail attire and walk the red carpet before exploring four rooms filled with top-notch music and live entertainment, breathtaking decor, photo ops, and exclusive party favors to take home. Dress to impress hundreds of Maxim models and expect celebrity appearances.
Moonlight Pier Pressure® L.A New Year’s Eve Party Cruise 2026
Entertainer Yacht 13755 Fiji Way, Marina Del Rey
Join VIP Nightlife this NYE aboard the Entertainer Yacht. With LA’s top DJs, an ultra-premium open bar, plus buffet-style dinner for all, and the gorgeous scenery of Marina Del Rey Harbor as your backdrop, your New Year’s Eve is sure to be an unforgettable experience. Watch the annual firework show dazzling above you as you drift into the new year in luxury.
Where to Drink
Dante Beverly Hills
225 North Canon Drive, Beverly Hills
Come for the drinks, stay for the views at this New York staple’s Beverly Hills location. Ring in the new year with glittering Hollywood Hills, live music and award-winning cocktails. Expect cinematic ambience and style.
The Tower Bar
8358 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood
For a chic and elevated experience above the city, head to The Tower Bar at the Sunset Tower Hotel. Indulge in their dinner menu or sip cocktails poolside with a sweeping view from Hollywood to the sea.
Skybar at Mondrian
8358 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood
Set high above the Sunset Strip, Skybar transforms into a shimmering, gold-lit night of elegance, energy, and music that feels electric. Slip into your sharpest cocktail attire and step into a magical atmosphere complete with a 4-hour premium open bar, cocktails and a soundtrack curated by Thurston.
