Pop the Champagne and cue Auld Lang Syne, because it’s time to say goodbye to the madness that was 2020 and celebrate a new year in style. While all in-person events are cancelled in Los Angeles, here are some of the best COVID-friendly alternatives to celebrating New Year’s Eve in Los Angeles.
N.Y.E.L.A
Grand Park is still set to host a virtual New Year’s Eve event, with Steve Aoki headlining an evening of performances that includes artists from his local Latin music label, Dim Mak En Fuego, including AQUIHAYAQUIHAY, Andrekza and BIA, plus in-between-sets mixes from 2DEEP. For more information, visit www.nyela.grandparkla.org.
South Coast Botanic Garden’s GLOW
This inaugural, after-hours light installation isn’t specifically a New Year’s Eve event—but it’s a beautiful space for visitors to wander around outside and marvel at the majesty of the garden’s lights. For more information, visit www.southcoastbotanicgarden.org.
Genever’s Cocktail-to-Go
This LA-favorite, craft cocktail bar is ensuring that people enjoy a deliciously boozy New Year’s Eve—even if it’s just from the comfort of their home. The bar will offer four drink options that serve between one and six people. For more information, visit www.geneverla.com.
Park ‘N Rave Concert Series
Enjoy a midnight rave at the NOS Events Center in San Bernardino via this drive-in concert series from Insomniac Events—the folks behind EDC and Beyond Wonderland. For New Year’s Eve, they’ll be hosting a special event to celebrate the holiday, which is said to include two surprise sets from deadmau5. For more information, visit www.insomniac.com/parknrave/.
Two Bit Circus Remote Celebration
This gaming emporium has a reputation for hosting incredible Thursday game nights, and they’ve upped the stakes for their special New Year’s Eve celebration. Participants should arrive—via Zoom, of course—decked out in sparkles and should be prepared for a virtual night of community and competition. For more information, visit www.twobitcircus.com.
Snoop Dogg’s Virtual NYE Special
This free and completely virtual event is an ode to the eclectic, unforgettable and LA-centric nature of Snoop Dogg. And while the entertainer might be the main draw of this TV special, the event is also set to include crazy stunts, live performances and an epic countdown to the New Year, from a lineup that includes Rosario Dawson, Cody Rhodes, Bert Kreisher and so many others. For more information, visit snoopnye.com.