The year 2016 was quite the roller coaster, with some highs for a segment of the population, and many lows for others. What better way to forget the lows of this year than to celebrate the end while welcoming the blissfully blank slate of 2017? The Post rounded up the highlights of Long Beach events scheduled for New Year’s Eve.
Celebrate Hollywood on the Queen Mary
Think you know your Hollywood films? Then step aboard The Queen Mary and enjoy the sights and sounds of movie-themed parties and celebrations on New Year’s Eve. Guests will experience themed parties with Hollywood titles such as The Godfather, Avatar, Mambo Kings and more that will fill up six venues on the ship on December 31.
The Queen Mary on New Year’s Eve will also feature live entertainment, music and dining. Tours and attractions, including CHILL, are open on NYE. The celebration will commence on the Queen Mary from 8:00PM to 1:00AM, with a fireworks showcase at midnight. Guests must be 21 years and older to attend. General admission starts $99. For more information or a full listing of events and attraction aboard the Queen Mary on NYE, click here. The Queen Mary is located at 1126 Queens Highway.
Dive Deep into the Aquarium of the Pacific’s Party
As if 2016 wasn’t fishy enough, you wouldn’t want to miss the party at the Aquarium of the Pacific, presented by Night Dive, on NYE from 8:00PM to 1:00AM. Guests can dance the night away at the aquarium’s Great Hall or grab some drinks from the cash bar and chill with the fishes in the galleries. Guests must be 18 or older to attend, and 21 years of age to purchase alcohol on site. General admission starts at $24.95 and $19.95 for members. For more information, go here. The aquarium is located at 100 Aquarium Way.
Party it Up in Downtown Long Beach
Once again, the Downtown Long Beach Alliance (DBLA) is bringing you back its NYE celebration in downtown on Pine Avenue starting at 8:00PM to 2:00AM. The celebration will feature performances by St. Paul and The Broken Bones, replacing Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings following the death of lead singer Sharon Jones, Citizen Cope, Cut Copy DJs, HIRIE and more. General early admission begins at $40 through December 25 and $50 afterwards. For more information, visit DBLA. For ticketing info, visit here.
In the mood for sea voyages? The 21+ NYE Firework’s Cruise might do the trick. As the name implies, guests must be 21 years or older to attend. Boarding will begin at 9:30PM at dock #2 of the Rainbow Harbor Marina (adjacent to Aquarium of the Pacific) at 100 Aquarium Way. Guests will cruise through the harbor and enjoy live music, an open bar, dance and a fireworks show aboard a VIP yacht. For ticketing info, click here.
If you’re looking for something a little more extravagant in cruising the Long Beach harbor, then you should check out the Speakeasy Fireworks NYE Cruise. This cruise, aboard the Catalina Duke Yacht, will feature a 1920s theme, so expect individuals to be dressed in flappers and other 20s themed attire. Parking will be available at the Queen Mary lot. Check-in to the yacht begins at 10:00PM and boarding begins at 10:30PM. It will depart at 11:00PM and return at 1:00AM. For more information, click here. The yacht is located at 1046 Queens Highway.
Live Performances
Looking for a more laid back atmosphere where you can chitchat with friends and enjoy some upbeat music? Join The Thrills as they perform at Malarkey’s Grill for a NYE celebration starting at 8:00PM to midnight (you can still catch some fireworks if you leave early). More details here with more information coming soon, RSVP today. Malarkey’s is located at 168 North Marina Drive in Los Alamitos Bay Landing.