The last day of the year typically comes with two questions attached, with the first informing the second.
Question one: Do you stay up to see midnight? Those who answer in the affirmative can proceed to question two: Do you stay in or go out?
There are numerous reasons to find a club or a restaurant or a house party on Dec. 31, but when it comes to LA, we like the one-of-a-kind offerings, or at least those celebrations with a unique air. Here are a few to-dos set to welcome 2013 in style:
Jeff Goldblum at Crustacean: Yep, that Jeff Goldblum. The "Jurassic Park" wisecracker will swing by the Beverly Hills restaurant for some snazzy singing on New Year's Eve. Will there be a movie anecdote or two thrown in? Even if not, you know this gentleman has some smooth tones.
Golden Stag: The theme of this fancy dress festivity isn't simply 1940s, but 1940s noir. Pretty perfect for LA, right? Making it even more perfect is the setting: the Park Plaza Hotel. Dames and gents'll get to play out a Chandler-esque storyline, or at least greet the new year in retro style.
Island Gala: Settings in which to welcome a fresh year don't come more spectacular (or saltier) than the iconic Casino Building on Catalina Island. It juts into the Pacific, so you'll likely see some moonlight on water action. It's year 40 for Catalina's New Year's Eve celebration.
Idina Menzel in Concert: We adore the Walt Disney Concert Hall's New Year's Eve celebrations. One reason? There are always two shows, which means you can catch the early performance and still make midnight elsewhere. And the second reason? Amazing performers, like Broadway star Idina Menzel.
Black & White Ball: There are glittery gatherings all over the city, it's true, but this KCRW gathering at the Viceroy Santa Monica defines the word "splashy." Not simply because you might sip Champagne next to a swank hotel pool; the whole affair is upscale cool. Party-goers'll be in their best duds, believe it.
Queen Mary Fireworks: For another ocean-close setting that's a wee bit closer for most SoCalers, make for the big boat in Long Beach. Fireworks, dinner packages, stay-over packages, and a veritable slew of performers will once again make the historic ocean-liner rock. (Not literally, of course.)
