If you need plans to pop a bottle of bubbly at midnight or just enjoy a home celebration with family, then see what's happening nearby on New Year's Eve.
Noon Year's Eve Balloon Drop at Kidspace Children's Museum
Before you head out for evening festivities, ring in the "noon" year with the kiddies at Kidspace Children's Museum in Pasadena. The festivities, which begin promptly at 10 a.m., include plenty of music, sparkling cider and dancing. Kids can make their own party hats and noise makers before enjoying a live music performance at 11:30 a.m. Be sure to arrive early, the balloon drop is at noon sharp!
Kidspace Children's Museum is located at 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena. Event is free with admission.
Make a New Year's Eve Wish at the Oak Circle Wishing Tunnel
The Oak Circle Drive Wishing Tunnel is a tradition started by local Russ Wassell in 1982 and continues on New Year's Eve in Sparr Heights. The 15 feet tall and 50 feet long tunnel is loaded with bright lights for people to pass through. Try holding your breath when you make a wish! This is a great alternative for local families and friends on New Year's Eve.
Oak Circle Drive Wishing Tunnel is near two blocks south of Honolulu Avenue, near Rosemont Avenue, in Sparr Heights.
Pop Bottles of Wine, Bubbly at the
A deejay will spin dance music starting at 9 p.m. until as late as people are standing at the in Montrose. Champagne and wine is available at midnight, including Pol Clement, which is more of a sparkling wine from outside the region of Champagne, France. Most wines and champagnes run about $5 a glass with tastes from France, Argentina, Italy and a St. Helena Cabernet from Napa Valley.
The Wine Cave is located at 2427 Honolulu Ave., Montrose. Call (818) 541-6690 for questions.
Feast the Night Away at
An alternative to pix fixe menus, Taylor's Steakhouse is offering normal dining and seating on Dec. 31. Dine your way into the new year with a good ole' fashioned steak dinner with family and friends. The restaurant offers a group table for private functions, but call now to reserve your space.
Taylor's Steakhouse is located at 901 Foothill Blvd., La Canada Flintridge. For reservations, call (818) 790-9668.
Toast to Live Music at
Shelby Beef and Chinese Chicken Salad servings start at 4 p.m. on New Year's Eve at New Moon Restaurant. Live music will perform from 7 to 10 p.m. and the bar and lounge will stay open until the clock strikes midnight.
New Moon Restaurant is located at 2138 Verdugo Blvd., Montrose. To make a dinner reservation, call (818) 249-4393.
Gauchos Village: 2012 New Year's Eve Party
Samba your way to 2012. This Brazilian extravaganza features a decadent dinner with 12 cuts of Brazilian barbecued meats, special seafood buffet, traditional Brazilian Mesa de Frios and gourmet dessert bar. With special guests Katio Moraes and Angelo Metz, guests will be able to dance the night away (or at least until 3 a.m.).
Gauchos Village is located at 411 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale. Tickets are $75. Purchase your tickets online HERE.
Have an Indoor Picnic, Watch the Ball Drop at Midnight
If you're wiped from 2011 and you want to take it easy starting in 2012, then this is an idea for you and your loved ones. Bust out blankets, pillows and relax the night away. Prepare finger foods, including vegetables and hummus dip, cheese, crackers or fruit. Or, make a family meal and feast on the floor - just pretend you're camping or at a local park. Pick out your favorite movie from 2011 a redbox at
