Image of the 2014 DLBA Celebration, courtesy of the DLBA. 

Of course you’ve heard about that popping party downtown, complete with sublime views of those Queen Mary fireworks and the sounds of Houndmouth, Saint Motel, ZZ Ward and Vintage Trouble, as well as guests such as OK Go’s Dan Konopka and Tim Nordwind’s project Xia Xia Technique, FMLYBND, Miles Tackett & The 3 Times and DJ Sovern-T. This year’s DLBA New Year’s Eve Celebration follows last year’s record-breaking NYE concert and party, when 12,000 people packed Pine Avenue to attend the Fitz & the Tantrums concert and another 1,500 crowded closer to the waterfront for a spectacular view of the fireworks. Don’t you want to mingle with the who’s who of Long Beach? Click here for tickets to tonight’s festivities.

What’s that? You’re a child of possibility, and you want more options, besides braving the crowds in DTLB or sipping wine in your house, watching the festivities from your television? We’ve got ‘em for you.

Start the year off at Fuego for a New Year’s Eve Dinner Party or New Year’s Day Brunch. The well-known, Mayan-inspired hotel and cafe nestled on Queensway Bay is cooking up a gourmet four-course dinner and party package for interested NYE celebrators, with an up-close view of those Queen Mary fireworks. First seating is cued up for 9:00PM, with free champagne, dancing and party favors till 1:00PM—a precursor to a New Year’s Day brunch on Saturday, from 7:00AM to 2:00PM. Tomorrow’s brunch features such treats as an omelet station, melt-in-your-mouth brioche french toast, steel cut oatmeal, boysenberries and fruit, as well as complimentary wine and sparkling cider to toast to the new year. To participate in the dinner and party package, call 562-481-3910 or click here.

Next door to Fuego, the timeless Queen Mary New Year’s Eve party is set to go off. You’ll have to be ready to cough up your change, though, as this one’s a bit pricey, costing $99 for the “Cabin Class” Boarding Pass, which includes admission to the ship and access to the “Cabin Class” decks, salons bars and more, featuring live bands, strolling entertainers and DJs, with a viewing of The Queen Mary midnight fireworks from the lower decks. For a more upscale experience, pick up a “First Class” Boarding pass, coming in at $249 per person. Your top-of-the-line ticket will buy you exclusive admission to “First Class” and “Cabin Class” decks and the usual entertainment, with the bonus of three complimentary cocktails, party favors, and the best view in the house of the fireworks. All ticketed guests must be at least 21 years old. Click here for tickets.

Ok, say you want to steer far from the crowds of downtown. There are other specials and parties a’ brewin in Long Beach, in addition to that house party your friend is throwing so you can hang out in your pajamas and watch the fireworks. For one, Yardhouse is offering a midnight toast, along with its regular menu. Those without plans are encouraged to drop by, as the restaurant is seating people on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Also, Restauration’s got quite the multi-course NYE dinner menu and after-hours party planned. Chewy octopus, spiced pork belly, gnocchi and creamy panna cotta? We’re in. The event has two seatings – one from 5:00PM to 7:30PM and one from 8:30 to 10:00PM. If you’re still down to party at the space, grab a swag bag and a few more appetizers (think spicy popcorn and parmesan churros) till the clock strikes midnight.

Cheers, and Happy New Year!