Hollywood New Year’s Bash: Your Ultimate Guide to Ringing in 2024
Forget Times Square crowds and overpriced dinners. This New Year’s Eve, trade the concrete jungle for the shimmering oasis of Hollywood. Where dreams dance on celluloid screens and champagne bubbles like applause, prepare for a night bathed in the glow of neon and bursting with the energy of a thousand premieres.
This guide is your ticket to an unforgettable Hollywood countdown, curated for every kind of reveler, from the red carpet-ready to the underground art enthusiasts. So, brush off your sequins, loosen your inhibitions, and get ready to paint the town (and your Instagram feed) with a brushstroke of unforgettable memories.
Sunset Sizzle:
As the sun dips below the Hollywood sign, ignite your night with a fiery farewell at Mama Shelter’s rooftop bar (6500 Selma Ave). Perched above the Sunset Strip, this vibrant oasis boasts panoramic views, pulsating beats, and a cocktail menu designed for Hollywood royalty. Raise a toast to the setting sun with their “Sunset Siren”, a heady mix of tequila, Aperol, grapefruit, and a whisper of agave, as the sky melts into hues of orange and amethyst.
Spotlight on the Strip:
No Hollywood New Year’s Eve is complete without a stroll down the iconic Sunset Strip. From the rock ‘n’ roll haven of Whiskey a Go Go (8901 Sunset Blvd) to the glamorous speakeasy vibes of The Blind Rabbit (1147 Vine St), the Strip pulsates with endless possibilities. Pop into The Roxy Theatre (9009 Sunset Blvd) for a live music extravaganza, or join the dancefloor frenzy at The Viper Room (8822 Sunset Blvd) where legends were born and memories are made. For something truly unique, slip into Employees Only (718 Santa Monica Blvd) – a hidden gem behind a vintage clothing store facade, serving up award-winning cocktails in a clandestine atmosphere.
Glitterati Gala:
If your inner star craves the red carpet treatment, don your finest attire and head to The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel (7000 Hollywood Blvd). This historic landmark, birthplace of the Oscars, throws a legendary New Year’s Eve bash in their iconic Blossom Ballroom. Dance the night away to live music, savor gourmet bites, and raise a glass of Veuve Clicquot as the clock strikes midnight under a shower of fireworks.
Beyond the Boulevard:
For a more alternative experience, dive into the vibrant depths of Silver Lake. The Silverlake Lounge (2909 Sunset Blvd) offers a laid-back vibe, delicious cocktails, and a mix of indie music and DJs, perfect for shaking off the glitz and glam. If you’re craving something truly bohemian, head to The Satellite (1200 N Alameda Blvd) – a haven for underground bands and artistic souls, where your New Year’s resolution might just be to join a mosh pit.
Fuel Your Festivities:
Hollywood’s nightlife is a tapestry of vibrant bars and dazzling cocktails. Here are five venues to ignite your New Year’s Eve bar crawl:
1. The Spare Room: (707 S Hill St) This Hollywood institution is a haven for bowling enthusiasts and cocktail connoisseurs alike. Grab a lane, unleash your inner champion, and toast to strikes with their “Hollywood Highball”, a potent blend of bourbon, ginger ale, and a touch of citrus.
2. Mama Shelter: (6517 Hollywood Blvd) Escape to a Parisian oasis in the heart of Hollywood. This rooftop bar boasts panoramic city views, a vibrant DJ scene, and a menu of French-inspired cocktails. Sip on their “Midnight in Montmartre”, a bubbly blend of champagne, elderflower liqueur, and rosemary, for a touch of Parisian elegance.
3. The Edison: (108 W 2nd St) Step back in time at this Art Deco speakeasy. Hidden behind a bookshelf door, The Edison transports you to the roaring twenties with live jazz, burlesque performances, and handcrafted cocktails. Indulge in their “Speakeasy Sour”, a tart and refreshing blend of gin, lemon juice, egg white, and a touch of absinthe, for a taste of the forbidden.
4. The Abbey: (692 N Robertson Blvd) Immerse yourself in the heart of West Hollywood’s LGBTQ+ scene. The Abbey is a vibrant bar with a spacious patio, live music, and a diverse cocktail menu. Share their “Rainbow Punch”, a fruity and festive blend of vodka, rum, tequila, and tropical juices, for a toast to inclusivity and joy.
5. Wonderland: (1737 N Vermont Ave) Enter a whimsical wonderland at this immersive cocktail bar. From Alice in Wonderland-themed decor to playful cocktails served in teacups, Wonderland provides an escape from reality. Sip on their “Mad Hatter’s Tea Party”, a sweet and sour concoction of gin, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, and edible flowers, for a touch of whimsical magic.
Beyond the Bars:
Hollywood’s New Year’s Eve isn’t just about cocktails and crowds. Catch a live show at the iconic Comedy Store or the Dolby Theatre. Dance the night away at the Avalon or the Fonda Theatre. Or, for a truly unique experience, take a guided ghost tour and explore the spooky side of Hollywood’s history.
Remember: Hollywood is a city of dreams, so dress to impress! Ditch the sweatpants and embrace the glitz and glamour. Be respectful of the locals and fellow revelers, and leave no trace in this magical city.
So, grab your sequins, your best dancing shoes, and your sense of adventure. Hollywood awaits, ready to paint your New Year’s Eve with the colors of dreams and unforgettable memories.
