Last-Minute NYE: Find Festivities Fast

Fireworks, light shows, tunes, cheer: SoCal welcomes 2016.

New Year's Eve, far more than any other holiday, teeters on the "go out or stay in?" divide in people's minds.

It's an occasion that can be marked well either way, whether you're indulging in a Netflix binge (after donning your pajamas at 5 p.m.) or you're wearing a paper tiara and blowing a horn.

If you've been planning on the former, and your friends are begging for the latter, there's still time to put a New Year's Eve together that involves going out somewhere and counting down with a crowd. You probably should change out of your pajamas -- that may be the hard part -- and wear something fancy and/or warm, depending on where you're heading. 

Here are some of the biggest bashes around Southern California...

N.Y.E.L.A.: This party has become the party in just a space of three years, attracting some 50,000 revelers to Grand Park downtown. Thank the no-admission aspect for its popularity, for sure, and thank the fact that the Red Line stops close to the action (no parking/driving required). But let us also applaud its pleasures, from the 3D light shows (City Hall will be joined by Dorothy Chandler Pavilion and the Hall of Records this year) to the live tunes and many food options. Bundle up, though, right? Right.

Queen Mary: For a splashier affair -- and we do say that, with a nudge, given that you're right on the ocean -- there is the legendary ocean-liner of Long Beach, which not only does it up with a dress-up kind of night, but there are over-the-water fireworks to welcome 2016 with a glittery show. DJs, cocktails, party favors -- gotta have that tiara -- and other tony touches mark this ticketed event.

Clifton's Cafeteria: One of California's most famous eateries -- and perhaps the most famous cafeteria in the world -- re-opened in September after a multi-year refurbishment. So are they greeting the new year with an extra-special gelatin dish? A bit more than that: Burlesque icon Dita Von Teese is headlining a fancy-feathers bash at the Broadway landmark. Ever said hello the coming year at a cafeteria while attending a burlesque show? This could be a first for a lot of partiers. (And, yep, this is ticketed.)

The Scene

Want to find new things to do in Los Angeles? The Scene's lifestyle stories have you covered. Here's your go-to source on where the fun is across SoCal and for the weekend.

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Union Station: There are some glammed-up, history-soaked places around our region, but few compare to our main train station, or our train station's not-seen-too-often Fred Harvey Room. KCRW is taking it over on Thursday, Dec. 31, 2015, for Prohibition NYE. You can bet, from the name, that the theme is the 1920s, so dig out the flapper costume you wore on Halloween four years ago (surely you still have it). And surely you know this shindig comes with a ticket, so flapper this way now.

Angel City Brewery: Want to revel indoors, but not pay a cover to do so? If you're over 21, and you're looking to raise a "specialty toast" among other brew buffs, the suds stalwart of the Arts District could be your party place. Food'll be for sale -- dumplings, yes -- and party favors'll be handed out to the first 150 people to show. Best leave those pajamas on the bed, arrange your ride (or Metro pass), and make for the no-cover revelry lickety-split.

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