If your idea of New Year’s Eve involves more than a crowded bar or watching the Times Square ball drop on TV, Southern California delivers plenty of ways to ring in the new year in style. From historic landmarks transformed into immersive party spaces to waterfront ballrooms and rooftop celebrations, some of the best New Year’s Eve parties in SoCal, lean hard into glamour and a true “go all out” kind of energy.
Queen Mary Masquerade Ball — Long Beach
Few New Year’s Eve celebrations in Southern California feel as transportive as the Queen Mary Masquerade Ball. Held aboard the iconic ocean liner permanently docked in Long Beach, this annual event turns the ship into a multi-deck playground of music, performers and old-world glamour. Guests arrive in cocktail attire (masks encouraged) and wander through themed rooms featuring live jazz, cabaret-style acts, magicians, DJs and plenty of spaces to dance, mingle and explore.
- When: Dec. 31, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.
- Tickets: General admission starts around $170 and includes access to entertainment zones, a complimentary glass of champagne on arrival and fireworks viewing. (VIP tickets are already sold out.)
- What to expect: Live entertainment, themed rooms, roaming performers, a welcome glass of champagne and access to one of the best fireworks views on the West Coast. General admission tickets do not include food, additional drinks or parking.
- Accommodations: Overnight hotel packages are available. See the Queen Mary website for details.
Everything That Glitters — Balboa Bay Resort, Newport Beach
If classic coastal glam is your vibe, Everything That Glitters — the New Year’s Eve celebration at Balboa Bay Resort — has earned its reputation as one of the best New Year’s Eve parties in SoCal. Hosted in Newport Beach’s Grand Ballroom, this event pairs elevated style with live entertainment, dancing and a champagne toast at midnight, all set against sweeping waterfront views.
- When: Dec. 31, 8:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.
- Tickets: General admission starts at $215 per person. Group discounts are available. Learn more.
- What to expect: Dance music, a balloon drop at midnight and a festive atmosphere with a semi-formal crowd ready to sparkle by the water. This is the kind of party where cocktail dresses, statement jewelry and bold heels feel completely appropriate — and expected.
- Accommodations: Hotel rooms must be booked separately. See the Balboa Bay Resort website for details.
NYElectric Rooftop Party — Andaz San Diego
For fun with a view, the NYElectric 2026 Rooftop Party at Andaz San Diego delivers a high-energy way to close out the year. Held atop the hotel’s rooftop pool deck in the Gaslamp Quarter, this party mixes skyline views, DJs, a premium open bar and a social vibe that’s both glamorous and easy to join.
- When: Dec. 31, 8:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.
- Tickets: General admission tickets start around $92.20. VIP options are available, offering ultra-premium drinks, appetizers and more relaxed lounge-style spaces for groups.
- What you get: Four hours of premium open bar, DJs in multiple music zones, plenty of room to mingle and a rooftop midnight countdown with city lights as your backdrop.
- Accommodations: Hotel rooms must be booked separately. See the Andaz San Diego website for details.
