We've rounded up some of L.A.'s best holiday parties happening this week and into the first few days of 2022! Arranged in no particular order, each Christmas- or New Year's Eve-focused event promises to offer a lot more than photo opportunities and pretty lights. From Now Santa Monica's Holiday Mixer to Newport Beach's Christmas Boat Parade to live entertainment that pays homage to Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas, we're pretty sure you'll find something that suits your fancy.
Scroll through the list and check back often for updates and additions.
Starting Wednesday, December 15
113th Annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade (Newport): A moment of gratitude for living where the weather allows boat rides at night with little more than a hoodie or pullover. We recognize that this list is supposed to include parties and events that offer more than pretty lights, but the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is special and gets a pass. You'll know why once you see it for yourself. For the last 113 years, our Mediterranean climate has allowed boat owners to deck out their ships in holiday lights and set sail without the hurdle of "real" winter weather. Over 100 decorated yachts and ships parade around a 14-mile circuit in Newport Harbor.
When: Wednesday, Dec. 15 to Sunday, Dec. 19 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Balboa Fun Zone, 600 East Bay Ave., Newport Beach, 92661
Tickets: Free admission
Starting Thursday, December 16
Ugly Sweater Party at Tropicana Pool (Hollywood): The iconic hotel invites you to join in kitschy holiday fun at its annual ugly sweater party. There will be food, drinks, DJs, classic movie scenes, a complimentary Christmas cocktail provided by Slane, and an ugly sweater contest where the prize for first place is a complimentary stay at the hotel! Also rejoice in the fact that all cover charges will be donated to HIT Living Foundation, a nonprofit dog rescue organization. Sign us up!
When: Thursday, Dec. 16 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, 7000 Hollywood Boulevard, L.A., 90028
Tickets: Admission is $20; buy your tickets here
Starting Friday, December 17
Beetle House's Christmas Nightmare (Hollywood): For those of us who didn't get enough Halloween excitement in October, the lively, Tim Burton–inspired dinner theater featuring nightly shows, cocktails, and imaginative fare, Beetle House, will be entertaining Angelenos to a night of Jack, Sally, and Oogie Boogie's escapades. Besides live entertainment, expect a DJ, prizes, and more.
When: Friday, Dec. 17 at 10:30 p.m. to Saturday, Dec. 18 at 2 a.m.
Where: Beetle House LA, 1714 North Las Palmas Ave., L.A., 90028
Tickets: General admission is $10 and VIP is $20; score yours here
Way 2 Sexy Holiday Party (Hollywood): Any Drake fans in the house? We thought so. Avalon Hollywood is celebrating the Canadian rapper at Drake Night with sexy holiday sweaters, holiday cocktails, holiday decor, and tons of Drake. See you there!
When: Friday, Dec. 17 at 10 p.m. to Saturday, Dec. 18 at 2:30 a.m.
Where: Avalon Hollywood, 1735 Vine St., L.A., 90028
Tickets: Admission is $14; get tickets here
Now Santa Monica Holiday Mixer (Santa Monica): Now Santa Monica is back with a brand new mixer planned this weekend! They're offering exclusive access to Cult with food and drink specials listed here! Now Santa Monica is a neighborhood organization celebrating the spirit of community. If you live north of Wilshire or just love Santa Monica, they'd love your company at this year's Holiday Mixer. Whether you're going to make new partners in friendship, romance, or business, you won't want to miss this party!
When: Friday, Dec. 17 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Cult, 1460 3rd St. Promenade, Santa Monica, 90401
Tickets: Free admission
Starting Saturday, December 18
Santa Monica Pub Crawl (Santa Monica): The largest holiday crawl on the west coast returns for its thirteenth year! The Crawl invites Angelenos to participate in two routes around Santa Monica to experience drink and food specials at some of the city's best spots, including the Victorian, Jameson's Irish Pub, Ye Olde King's Head, and more. Proceeds from the event benefit the Westside Food Bank so you can let loose and indulge in all of the $5 to $8 food and drink deals while knowing you're supporting a good cause. Oh, and best costume wins a prize, so show up in something Santa would be impressed by.
When: Saturday, Dec. 18 starting at 5 p.m.
Where: Cabo Cantina, 1240 3rd St. Promenade, L.A., 90401
Tickets: Admission is $20 to $25; grab yours here
The Very Very Ugly Christmas Sweater Day Party (Venice): Kick off 2021's holiday season at the Venice Winter Fest in the Boozy Garden at The Mar Vista for The Very, Very Ugly Christmas Sweater Day Party! Enter into the ugly sweater contest, take pics with Santa, partake in fun games and enjoy live music from Klean, Bisön, and more. You'll also be able to shop local brands for anyone on your nice list while sipping on a cocktail and living your best life.
When: Saturday, Dec. 18 from 1:00 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: The Mar Vista, 12249 Venice Blvd., L.A., 90066
Tickets: Free admission
Yuletide Cinemaland (Montecito Heights): Partying not really your thing? This one's for you. Street Food Cinema has compiled a series of outdoor holiday screenings at Heritage Square! Apart from Victorian home tours, piano sing-alongs, food trucks, holiday treats, strolls through a twinkling light tunnel, and sips of hot cocoa, Angelenos can watch movies like Elf, Home Alone 2, A Christmas Story, and more.
When: Saturday, Dec. 18 to Sunday, Dec. 26 at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Where: Heritage Square Museum, 3800 Homer St., L.A., 90031
Tickets: General admission is $40 and children between ages 5 and 12 are $16; buy tickets here
Püre Presents: Deck The House (Arts District): The Püre family is coming together one last time before 2021 comes to an end to celebrate another year of amazing dance music experiences! Wrap up the year by dancing and getting cozy at Püre's holiday-inspired, open-air house music party at Wisdome LA. Enjoy music by Travis Dagz, Codiss, LikeWise, Jay Loez, and Nate Covst. The event will also provide guests with warm holiday drinks and cookies, vendors and activities, a food truck, and a premium bar. All ages welcome!
When: Saturday, Dec. 18 from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Wisdome LA, 1147 Palmetto St., L.A., 90013
Tickets: General admission is $35 for tier 2, $45 for tier 3, and $50 for VIP; buy tickets here
Starting Friday, December 31
No Vacancy's 8th Annual New Year's Eve Soirée (Hollywood): Ring in the new year right at No Vacancy's eighth annual New Year's Eve party while dressed to the nines in your best Roaring Twenties attire. Expect a full open bar, a photo booth, a garden courtyard, and special live performances (including a burlesque show) all in one of Hollywood's last pristine nineteenth-century Victorian mansions.
When: Friday, Dec. 31 at 9 p.m. to Saturday, Jan. 1 at 2 a.m.
Where: No Vacancy, 1727 North Hudson Ave., L.A., 90028
Tickets: Open bar tickets are $100 each; get them online here
Santa Monica Proper Hotel New Year's Eve Party (Santa Monica): Head to Santa Monica Proper to ring in 2022 with a night of open-air DJ sessions, endless Champagne, and celebrations from the stunning rooftop lounge. Book a private table or VIP cabana for your group and make a night of it — admission includes hors d'oeuvres and chef-driven snacks, a three-hour designated bar package, and a special sparkling wine toast at midnight.
When: Friday, Dec. 31 at 9 p.m. to midnight
Where: Calabra, 7th St. Santa Monica, 90401
Tickets: General admission is $225 and the table package is $325; buy tickets here
New Year's Eve Glitz & Glamour Countdown Party (Downtown): Elevate your last evening in 2021 atop the InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown's 73rd floor at Spire 73 – the tallest open-air bar in the Western Hemisphere. Enjoy a special countdown celebration along with champagne toast, late-night treats, a live DJ, festive cocktails, and a special a 'la carte menu.
When: Friday, Dec. 31 at 10 p.m. to Saturday, Jan. 1 at 2 a.m.
Where: Spire 73 at InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown, 900 Wilshire Blvd., L.A., 90017
Tickets: Admission is $175; buy yours here
Epic NYE 2022 at W Hollywood (Hollywood): The W Hollywood Hotel is throwing a New Year's Eve party unlike any other. Enjoy top 40, house, and hip hop spun by some of Cali's best DJs while sipping on something from one of the rooftop's three bars. The W Hollywood Grand Ballroom will be open with a dance floor and loft overlooking Hollywood Boulevard! Just be sure to choose now whether you'll be partying in the ballroom or on the rooftop as there is no access between the two.
When: Friday, Dec. 31 at 8:30 p.m. to Saturday, Jan. 1 at 3 a.m.
Where: W Hollywood, 6250 Hollywood Blvd., L.A. 90028
Tickets: General admission to the ballroom is $40 ($75 for VIP), and to the rooftop is $50 ($85 for VIP); buy your tickets here
NYE at Skybar at the Mondrian (WeHo): Orlove by Night has proudly taken over the iconic Skybar at the Mondrian this New Year's Eve as they ring in 2022 in extravagant fashion. Expect dance music by DJ Eric Sharp while appreciating original art installations and the backdrop of one of L.A.'s premier venues. Enjoy a premium open bar for four hours, a midnight Champagne toast, NYE party favors, and more.
When: Friday, Dec. 31 at 8 p.m. to Saturday, Jan. 1 at 2 a.m.
Where: Skybar at the Mondrian, 8440 Sunset Blvd., WeHo, 90069
Tickets: General entry is $145, upper hut VIP for 4-6 guests is $1,250, and window VIP for 4-6 guests is $1,250; scroll through more options here
The World is Yours NYE 2022 at Hotel Figueroa (DTLA): The iconic Hotel Figueroa is hosting a huge New Year's Eve party, and you're invited. The hotel will be transformed into a breathtaking event space with festival-quality stage production and captivating entertainment throughout the night – including world-class DJs, fire dancers, aerialists, and live musicians. Stay for an epic midnight countdown with complimentary champagne toast and more.
When: Friday, Dec. 31 from 9 p.m. through Saturday, Jan. 1 at 2 a.m.
Where: Hotel Figueroa, 939 South Figueroa St., L.A., 90015
Tickets: $100-$7,500; buy online here.
The Bungalow Santa Monica NYE 2022 (Santa Monica): The Bungalow Santa Monica is ringing in the New Year with a premium hosted bar, small bites and sweets stations, and casino games. DJs Kayper and Graham Funke will be performing throughout the night.
When: Friday, Dec. 31 from 9 p.m. through Saturday, Jan. 1 at 2 a.m.
Where: The Bungalow Santa Monica, 101 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, 90401
Tickets: $119-$6,500; buy online here.
New Year's Eve at Dragonfly (Hollywood): One of L.A.'s most popular nightspots is hosting an electrifying NYE party. There will be a five-hour open bar, a state-of-the-art sound system, and a DJ. There will also be a complimentary champagne toast.
When: Friday, Dec. 31 at 9 p.m. through Saturday, Jan. 1 at 2 a.m.
Where: Dragonfly Hollywood, 6510 Santa Monica Blvd., L.A., 90038
Tickets: $80-$7,000; buy online here.
New Year's Eve at Bootsy Bellows (WeHo): The star-studded club Bootsy Bellows is pulling out all the stops for a New Year's Eve party. Grab a holiday beverage from the five-hour premium open bar and let loose on the dance floor.
When: Friday, Dec. 31 at 9 p.m. through Saturday, Jan. 1 at 2 a.m.
Where: Bootsy Bellows, 9229 Sunset Blvd., WeHo, 90069
Tickets: $90-$7,000; buy online here.
Hollywood New Year's Eve Party 2022 – Gatsby's Hideout (Hollywood): Celebrate the Roaring 20s with a Gatsby-themed New Year's Eve party. The underground shindig will feature a LED wall with a countdown video, festive party favors, and a fully staffed bar.
When: Friday, Dec. 31 at 9 p.m. through Saturday, Jan. 1 at 2 a.m.
Where: The Hideout, 1562 North Cahuenga Blvd., L.A., 90028
Tickets: $75-$3,000; buy online here.
2022 Poppy New Year's Party (WeHo): This nightlife destination Poppy is also hosting a fun party for New Year's Eve. Indulge in a five-hour premium open bar and dance the night away to an epic DJ setlist. Raise your glass to the New Year with some complimentary champagne.
When: Friday, Dec. 31 at 9 p.m. through Saturday, Jan. 1 at 2 a.m.
Where: Poppy, 755 North La Cienega Blvd., L.A., 90069
Tickets: $90-$6,000; buy online here.
1 Hotel West Hollywood Rooftop New Year's Eve Party (WeHo): Celebrate 2022 on the stylish Harriet's Rooftop. There will be a live DJ spinning dynamic mashups, a five-hour premium open bar, and more.
When: Friday, Dec. 31 at 8 p.m. through Saturday, Jan. 1 at 1:30 a.m.
Where: Harriet's Lounge at 1 Hotel West Hollywood, 8490 Sunset Blvd., WeHo, 90069
Tickets: $160-$5,000; buy online here.
Universal Studios Hollywood's Eve (Hollywood): Ring in the New Year at Universal Studios Hollywood's festive Eve event. Included in the price of theme park admission, Eve invites guests to spend the day and party by night while enjoying the theme park. Celebrate with multiple party areas featuring music, dancing, photo ops, drinks, and more.
When: Friday, Dec. 31
Where: Universal Studios Hollywood, 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, 91608
Tickets: $134; purchase them here.
