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Best New Year's Eve Celebrations in Los Angeles

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(credit: AP Photo/Rob Griffith)

Don't waste another New Year's Eve on your couch with a bottle of flat champagne and cold microwave popcorn. Everyone is gearing up for the eve of a New Year. Bring it in with a blast of fun amongst your fellow Angelenos. Just make sure you keep it safe, of course. The Los Angeles Metro rail system will be free and fully operational between 9:00 pm on December 31st to 2:00 am on January 1st. Check which lines will get you where you need to go that evening, and most of all, have fun welcoming the New Year.

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(credit: Night Tap)

To celebrate new beginnings, Night Tap will host the New Year's Eve White and Black(out) Ball. For the online price of $60, you can spend the night at Santa Monica Bay Club dancing on two floors, both blasting live music, try your hand at winning many giveaways, and of course, enjoy the evening's open bar. If you wait until the night of, you'll have to shell out $75 for any available tickets. All proceeds will benefit Thinking About Tomorrow. Purchase tickets directly from Night Tap.

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(credit: Universal CityWalk/NBC Universal)

Save a few dollars this year and party on the cheap at Universal CityWalk's rocking New Year's Eve bash. With entry priced at $15 per person--children under four feet are free--this is probably one of the city's best bargains. The party starts at 9:00 pm, and with three stages of entertainment, including bands and a DJ, you're guaranteed to dance the night away. Check out the new "5 Towers" outdoor concert area that will shower you in an LED light show for the evening. Stay on the thrifty track and take the Metro if you can. Otherwise, general parking is $45 and valet is $55 per car.

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(credit: queenmary.com)

Hop aboard The Queen Mary if you're looking for a night spent on the water. Seven different parties with a range of vibes from 70s disco to a jazz trio band, along with three DJs, starting at 6:00 pm. There will be two fireworks shows--one at 9:00 pm and the next when the clock strikes midnight. General admission is $99 for admission to the parties. Parking, dinner and drinks are not included. Spring for VIP tickets priced at $199 and receive free parking for one car, open bar and special access to the VIP party on the ship's bow. Tickets can be purchased online.

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(credit: The Los Angeles Philharmonic)

The body moving sounds of the Portland ensemble, Pink Martini, return to Los Angeles' Walt Disney Concert Hall for another year of Brazilian, Cuban and Parisian sound fusion. There will be two shows--one at 7:00 pm for the early birds and another at 10:30 pm for the late night owls. This is a great way to bring sophisticated artistry to your New Year's Eve. Tickets range from $78-209 and can be purchased online.

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(credit: glow-bar.com)

Times Square New Year's Eve

Glow Bar in the Marina del Rey Marriott will bring the city vibe of New York's New Year to L.A in the newly revamped bar space. For $30, you'll dance the night away to several East coast-based DJs, including Johnny James, Junior Costa and Steve Elektro. New York food trucks and a champagne toast round out the evening. Glow Lounge will even construct its own ball, so you can take part in a shimmering countdown with fellow Angelenos. The party starts at 8:00 pm and shuts down at the bar's usual 2:00 am closing time. Call 310-448-4815 for more information and to purchase tickets.

Chrystal Baker is a the co-editor of The Duo Dishes and a freelance food and events contributor.

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