After a $20 million dollar renovation, the historic Palladium is back in the spotlight and ready for a dance music debut. Along with dance music vets Avaland, this landmark venue will host a NYE bash with trance/rock headliner Infected Mushroom, as well as an opening set by electro masters Flosstradamus (along with indie-dance awesomeness via local heroes Hyphy Crunk and DJ Paul V.). Presales from $40-$50, and walkups will ramp-up from $65- $100 as the night progresses. Tickets and info at http://www.livenation.com/venue/hollywood-palladium-tickets.

Gay men rejoice, there is no cover for this famous bar's NYE party. Dance to tunes by DJ Morningstar, and watch their first-ever ball drop at midnight (really? first ever?) with laser lights, LED screens and a confetti cannon. VIP tickets are $100 until December 15th, which includes a premium open bar, appetizers and private VIP areas. Call for group packages and VIP extras, such as private go-go dancers. VIP price $100 till the 15th, $150 at the door Dec 31.

In a quiet corner of Westwood Village you'll find the W Hotel's Whiskey Blue. The bar's red velvet ropes come out the 31st for a swanky NYE affair featuring DJ Still Will. Tickets are $65 in advance at wanttickets.com, or $75 at the door. Packages and bottle service available by calling 310-443-8232. Bonus: grab a room at the W and forget all about sobriety checkpoints!

Get into a mega-club state of mind at the Vanguard with "Epic NYE." DJ David Rockwell will be slinging Hip Hop, old-school, house and electro in this club's expansive main room. General admission is $40.00 which includes 4 areas of entertainment and music. Claimjumpers is providing a full dinner buffet for $60, and VIP tix are $110, which includes an open bar all night long and 2 separate VIP lounges. Got an entourage? VIP bottle service packages range from $500- $2,000. Buy tickets at clubzone.com (prices subject to change).

San Francisco's Om Records hosts an evening of house music featuring some big names such as King Britt, Jason Bentley, J-Boogie, Garth Trinidad and more spinning electronica. Unlimited drinks throughout the evening (plus the ubiquitous midnight toast). Poolside cabanas with bottle service for an additional fee. $175 pre-sale tickets or $195 at the door (open bar).

Chart-topping songstress Katy Perry is the belle of the ball at this event, which takes place behind Paramount's storied Melrose gate. An exercise in glorious NYE excess, four city "blocks" of the studio's back lot off of Melrose Ave. will be themed as different New York City experiences--featuring performances by Katy Perry, LMFAO, and a flurry of electro DJs such as Guns and Bombs and Pase Rock. General admission is $100.00, VIP starts $200.00 and includes open bar plus a private VIP area. And for the high roller studio execs among us, VIP group packages range from $1,000 to $10,000. Purchase tickets at www.gridlockla.com or at www.katyperrynye.com. This might just be the hottest ticket in town.

The Kress hosts a New Years Eve extravaganza, complete with 3 levels of dance music variety; Hip Hop, live music, Top 40 and more. Pre-sale tickets go for $125.00, which includes an open bar all night long and a champagne toast at midnight. VIP ticket packages are available for the restaurant, the rooftop and the nightclub. DJ Donald Glaude and others spin.

Looking for something a little classier than a crowded nightclub this year on NYE? Consider checking out beloved lounge band Pink Martini at Disney Hall. Two shows December 31: one at 7 p.m. and another at 10:30 p.m. Tickets ranging from $65 to $195 are on sale now at laphil.com. A limited number of $10 "rush" tickets for seniors and students will be made available two hours prior to performance (UPDATE: both shows are near selling out and these rush tickets may not be available).

This cavernous theater/danceteria remains one of Los Angeles' prime destinations for dance music. Dec 31, the Avalon has tapped a fan favorite to ring in the New Year, Holland's Sander Kleinenberg. Trent Cantrelle, Droog and Kazell round out the DJ-centric event. $40 advance tickets, $80 at the door.

The largest party in town is "Together As One." Now in its 11th year, this massive rave style event boasts a better-than-normal lineup this year, with Holland's Armin Van Buuren, Deadmau5, Junior Sanchez, Pendulum and others ringing in 2009 on three stages. $70/$150 at the door. Party goes until 4 a.m. Full lineup and more info at http://newyearsevela.com/2009/index.html

Hollywood Blvd.'s Ivar brings in DJ Echo to play mashups,.Hip Hop and R&B in the main room while DJ Vandal hits the Platinum patio with electro house. Tickets are $50 general admission ($100 for VIP/open bar) and are at www.wantickets.com/ivar. Call 323-465-4827 for table reservations and packages.

Spend the night incognito at the Masquerade Ball,a joint event sponsored by Club Nacional and Holly's. DJ EQ and DJ INS work the main room with Hip Hop, mashups and R&B. DJ Damu kicks it old-school at Holly's with hits from the 80's and 90's. Masquerade attire is highly suggested. General admission is $40, which includes complimentary passed hors d'oeuvres and midnight champagne toast. Tix at www.wantickets.com/nacional. Call 323-962-7712- for table reservations and packages.

TV host/comedian Zane Lamprey of "Three Sheets" hosts an evening of drinking, dancing, games, prizes and a gourmet midnight buffet to soak up some of the open bar imbibery. Tickets go for $209, with VIP tickets available for $509 which includes an exclusive dinner with Zane beforehand, access to the VIP lounge, private open bar, and VIP giftbag. Go to http://www.zanelamprey.com/ for more info and links to purchase tickets.

Celtic rockers Young Dubliners headline NYE at Saint Rocke, Hermosa Beach's stylish live music venue/restaurant. A $100 ticket includes the live performance, cocktails for the evening, passed hors d'oeuvres and buffet station from 8-11. The first 50 to buy tix will receive an autographed poster and an exclusive meet-n-greet with the band. Call 310-372-0035 for more info and reservations.

Hollywood's upscale hangout, the Philippe Starck-designed S Bar hosts a 400-person intimate New Year's party in conjunction with Katsuya restaurant.Guests will dine on a Katsuya buffet dinner, drink signature concoctions from a top shelf open bar, and dance to DJs in a Katsuya room-turned-dancefloor. Tickets are $175, but subject to increase at any time.

Looking for a mid-sized venue to ring in 2009 in the OC? Sutra looks like the spot this year, with a nice $100 package that includes a four-course dinner. Call 949-722-7103 for dinner reservations, or just $50 to gain entrance to the club (KPWR's Eric D-Lux and Danny Love spin mostly hip-hop). From 7 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Looking for a classy alternative to a club? Consider the Edison, where dressed-up revelers will get down to live music from Abney Park (and DJ Imagica). The vaudeville cirque act Lucent Dossier will also be giving festivities here a different vibe than other venues in town (think NYE 1938 over NYE 2008). $175 tickets available from the Edison's website.

Les Deux is the place to be if you want to party with ShockG, yo! The former Digital Underground member will perform his hits "Humpty Dance" and "I Get Around", while patrons enjoy a premium open bar and passed appetizers from the Dolce restaurant group. Tickets are $175 a piece, purchased at www.clubzone.com.

Opera will be readying the red velvet ropes for NYE, along with adjacent club, Crimson, for a stylish bash. Tickets are $75 with premium open bar tickets going for $150.

The Hyatt Regency's watering hole, X Bar will get Xtra swanky with beats by DJ Raymond Dominguez, premium organic cocktails, and passed appetizers by executive chef Manfred Lassahn. A $20 fee covers the champagne toast and party favors, but is waived for all those (and all members of their parties) that reserve bottle service. Call 310-551-3248 for reservation information.

Hollywood's historic Roosevelt opens its doors to revelers with a DJ set by Bloc Party's Kele Okereke, Perry Farrell, Andy Klein, Mei Lwun and other VIPs TBA. Ticket price ($100) includes complimentary champagne toast and appetizers served from 8-10pm. Call 323-769-8898 for table and bottle service.

Celebrate in style at Marina del Rey's seafood mecca, Shanghai Red's, with two rooms of music featuring a live performance of funk, rock, Rn'B, and Latin by the Westside Crew, as well as DJs spinning disco, indie, hip hop and house. $35.00 admission includes the OCT (obligatory champagne toast), appetizers and a midnight fireworks display. For $105.00, a lavish buffet is included, with mouth-watering seafood, chicken, porkloin , prime rib, lamb, turkey, and much more. Call (310) 823-4522 or go to http://bravosocialcollective.com for required reservations.

Rock out with DJs LA Riots, Matie Safer (the Rapture DJs), CongoRock, Dances With White Girls, and Themjeans at the Viper Room. $100 gets you in the door and drinking all night long from the open bar.Go to www.viperroom.com to purchase tickets, as door prices are not guaranteed.

LA's new eco-friendly playground, Ecco, is ready for clubland primetime with their NYE blowout featuring DJ Lady Sha spinning hip hop and rock, while co-owner Danny B, Vamper and Jav-Rock provide electro beats on the patio. A general admission ticket ($50-80) includes passed appetizers and champagne toast, while a VIP pass ($150-200) buys an open bar, private VIP hangout, and use of poker and blackjack tables. Go to www.wanttickets.com/ecco for tickets, or call 323-464-2065 for details on table packages.

Feeling strapped for cash this NYE? Well Miss Kitty, who throws parties at the Dragonfly, has a gift for those on a budget this year: a Dec. 31 bash with no cover charge at all. The theme this year for Miss Kitty's NYE soiree? "Retro sex circus." That means flapper girls, circus freaks, carnies, dirty clowns, ringmasters, 1920s fashions and "dandies." But "general speakeasy sexiness" is the move here, and theme dress is not required, organizers say. Get here early to ensure entry, as you can bet many young party-goers will not be in the mood to spend $100 on a cover change during a recession.

A good option for those seeking a less crowded NYE, this still popular WeHo bar is offering a simple, no cover evening that will likely rival parties with $75 and up door fees. DJ Pesce provides the soundtrack, and it's worth reserving a table. Table requests to winstonsbar@gmail.com and you must now at least email the bar to get on the (no cover) list.

Party at The Standard, that (in)famously hip-and-happening Hollywood haunt, in their lush Purple Lounge with soulful songstress Noelle Scaggs and Computer Jay on the decks. Or, if you'd rather brave the winter chill and plop down poolside, you can enjoy live performances by Le Le from Amsterdam and the Netherlands, along with Valida, Royal Rumble, and more. Purple Lounge tix are going for $40, and poolside tix are $25 in advance, $35 at the door.

This chain Mexi-joint trades in it's casual frat-vibe for a more upscale evening this NYE with the Black and White Affair. Actually, this looks to be quite a good deal; $39.99 gets you a four course meal of Sharkeez's coastal Mexican cuisine, AND a bottle of champagne for your table. Cover charge may vary by location, so go to www.sharkeez.net for detailed information.

The Honey Collective has whipped up a little NYE affair at the Blue Velvet Lounge featuring Djs Rashida and EQue and complimentary Hennessey cocktails. Entry is $25 with RSVP to honeycollective@yahoo.com.

The mod-tastically designed Area is one (or was, anyway) of LA's most celebrity-studded clubs, and this NYE they promise the chance to rub shoulders with the ever-soulful recording star Robin Thicke. Thicke will count down the seconds to midnight, with beats provided by DJ Serafin. Get your $125 pre-sales at www.wantickets.com/area.

What better "so-LA" way to ring in the new year than perched atop Hotel Angeleno at West Restaurant and Lounge, enjoying its sleek design and panoramic views overlooking the 405. Playboy's Playmate of the year Brande Roderick hosts, and DJs Miss Lisa and Ravi Drums provides the soundtrack Tickets are $200, but that includes gourmet hors d'oeuvres, open bar, a champagne toast, party favors, and a continental breakfast served at 2 a.m. More info at www.newyearseve.com or call the hotel.

Looking for somewhere to be both scandalous AND anonymous? Try the "Black Tie and Lingerie Masquerade Ball" at One Sunset (let's take a wild guess at which gender gets to wear what). Presales can be purchased at www.wantickets.com,for $100 (or $125 at the door) which includes passed appetizers, all-night open bar, champagne toast and party favors. Bottle service packages can be reserved by calling 310-657-0111.

Is a top-quality slab of red meat a must-have in your NYE plans? STK, the sultry modern steakhouse that eschews vowels, is hosting a Black and White Ball. This NYE event comes all the trimmings, with two seating times for their gourmet 5-course dinner menu, champagne toast, Djs and dancing. Reservations are, of course, compulsory, and can be made by calling 310-659-3535.

Abkar, the "where every gay man knows your name" Eastside hangout is throwing a cozy little dance party with no cover. They'll provide the midnight champagne, and the dance music by DJ Mike Glass. Plus, those "horrible little noise makers and funny hats." You bring your best dance moves and fiercest friends. Game on.

Never mind the chilly weather, this hipster hideout near LAX is ringing in 2009 in classic L.A. style--by the pool. Custom Hotel's $100 NYE includes appetizers in both the Bistrotek restaurant portion of the hotel and the Hopscotch lounge poolside (plus open bar from 9 p.m.- 2 a.m.), two areas of Djs, champagne toast and party favors. Table service and VIP are available for $125, and $150, respectively, and all can be bought at wantickets.com. Call 877-287-8601 for more info.

If you are looking to spend NYE in more relaxed version of Hollywood luxury, Palihouse Holloway hotel is a respite from forced action and attitude. Executive Chef Brendan Collins (of Palihouse's The Hall restaurant) will prepare a gourmet five course dinner accompanied with a midnight champagne toast. Cost is $125 per person. Email kpsalms@palihouse.com for reservations, or go to www.palihouse.com for more information.

For the past fifteen years, this party has been the place to be in the OC. Around 5,000 are expected at this event, which features fashion shows, DJs and a play-for-fun casino on the VIP level. Free "NYE Jams compilation CD" to first 2500 arrivals. Upscale attire required. $75/$175 (VIP) via newyears.com.

Citrus' chef Michel Richard is manning the passed appetizer/dessert menu at Social this NYE, which boasts such culinary concoctions as Crab "Robaire", Tuna Tartar, Mini Reuben Sliders and Chocolate-Pear Napoleon. All tickets include appetizers, desserts, 2 drink tickets and full access to multiple rooms of DJs and dancing. Plus, Social will kick off 2009 with a midnight show of aerialists, dancers, pyrotechnics and confetti cannons. Advance tickets are $100 (it actually come to $130 after fees) through www.daskproductions.com, or $150 at the door. Call 310-281-8440 for more info, or 323-874-0716 to reserve VIP tables.

If you are going out stag, just remember: the bigger the club, the higher your chances are of meeting a hottie come midnight. This three-story venue (the old Globe) turns into a masquerade ball where everyone will be wearing masks. Revelry includes a massive balloon drop, finger foods and complimentary champagne toast. Tickets are $25, but Downtown dwellers get in for $20, just call ahead to get your discount.

Get lost in a sea of colored lights and hot bodies at this Hollywood club's NYE bash. Most of the action is on the dance floor, so you chose the wrong party if you are not prepared to boogie. General admission tickets are $60, but VIP packages are available for all you Rockefellers out there.

Brad Gluckstein's new Conga Room will be hot Wednesday evening, with veteran world music heroes the Gypsy Kings playing its particular blend of pop-inflected rumba catalana and danceable Romani folk at a rowdy New Year's Eve show. 11 p.m. $150. General admission tickets only (VIP is sold out) and the $150 does not include open bar.

Stalwart reggae band The Wailers can't bring back Bob, but even with only a few of the original members left, will nonetheless rock steady with a performance of "Exodus" in its entirety at the Roxy. Should be very "irie" indeed on the Sunset Strip Wednesday. 8 p.m. $76.50. (310) 278-9457

Snoop Doff, a.k.a. "The Doggfather," in the final installment of a surely raucous spate of year-end shows, will regale the crowd with gin-and-juice-soaked oldies, plus newer, more silky cuts that find the reality TV star in a Roger Troutman-inspired loverman mood, defined by an unprecedented concern for his lady's pleasure. 9 p.m. $115 (no open bar). (323) 848-5100.

'90s grunge stars Stone Temple Pilots, led by mercurial frontman Scott Weiland, run through the classics for New Year's. 8:30 p.m. $75-$125. (213) 480-3232.

High above the Hollywood & Highland complex is the megaclub The Highlands. NYE at Higlands includes a DJ set by Eric Cubiche, a burlesque show by "The Ladies in Lace," a three-course meal by Wolfgang Puck (dinner is extra, call club for details) and more. General admission$40/$75 for VIP at wantickets.com.

If you live near Venice, you probably know this bar as the Red Garter. But in late 2007, new owners gave the dark nightspot a new name -- and a sexy makeover. The Garter is celebrating their one-year anniversary Wednesday, with an open bar from 7 to 10 p.m. Call the club for more details.

Looking for a more intimate bar to ring in the New Year? This neighborhood favorite is hosting a few bands Wednesday (The Lincoln Bedroom and Ryan Harrison) and will likely be packed with cheery locals.

After helming the stretch of Second Street between Broadway and Hill for decades, the old Redwood Saloon has been reincarnated as a pirate's paradise. Wednesday, the bar hosts a "night of Americana," with Mike Stinson, Dave Gleason and West of Texas.

Two popular crews that regurlarly host evenings at the Echo, Hang the Djs and Club Underground, will both host (and spin britpop and post-punk faves) Wednesday. The Blood Arm will perform a set, as will a "special guest." 18 and up. Downstairs from the Echo at the Echoplex, it's irie, mon, with Dub Club's NYE (Ranking Joe performs).

Silverlake indie rockers and the fans who love them will come together Wednesday to catch The Henry Clay People and Pity Party (and others). $3 Dewars specials and champagne toast at midnight. $12.

Looking for a good value this NYE? Consider Dakota (formerly the Temple Bar), which is offering $50 tickets (includes two free drinks), live music by J Davey and DJ Step 1 (hip-hop). Or, opt for $100 tickets and it's open beer bar all night long. Tix at ticketweb.com or call 310-393-8200.

Has it been a long time since you've rocked and rolled? Then get thee to the Whisky Wednesday, where Led Zeppelin cover band Led Zepagain will bring down the house. Tickets available at the door for $25.

This 11,000-square-foot club, inside Anaheim's Garden Walk project, has tapped Australian DJ Dirty South to light up NYE. $45 general admission/$55 VIP. Pre-sale tickets at giantclub.com or at the door. More info at 714-776-HEAT.

El Guapo has cheesy, fratty and sporty in spades and sometimes there's nothing wrong with that. We love their NYE special, which might be the best deal in town. $50 gets you open premium bar--all night. Plus appetizers. They also promise a DJ and are even throwing in "party hats." But you must buy tix before Wednesday at: http://www.elguapocantina.com/newyearseve.html. There will be a limited number of tickets at the door, but those will go for $100.

This year, the gay-friendly Here Lounge will be transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with real snow, ice sculptures, low lying fog and a midnight blizzard. In addtion, there will be photo booths, shot stations with ice luges, and a complimentary buffet from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Some of the biggest names in male"adult entertainment" will be go-go dancing, heating the place up to ward off any potential frostbite. Admission is free from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., and $10 thereafter. Go to www.herelounge.com for more info and VIP booth rental.

Home for the "Hollywood" set, Ritual rings in 2009 with a Brazilian Carnaval bash, complete with Brazilian dancers and Carnaval-themed floor show. 4 different DJs will be playing hip hop, 80's, rock and house in the expansive club as well as the lush patio area. General admission is $60, and open-bar VIP tickets are $100. Go to www.ritualsupperclub.com for more details.

Bump and grind the night away at The Factory nightclub, a West Hollywood mecca for gay nights such as Popstarz and Cherry Pop. Resident Djs Mike Bryant and 4Play will be playing dance, pop, and 80's hits in two different dance rooms. At midnight, there will be a $2,000 cash balloon drop and champagne toast. Go to www.factorynightclub.com for discount $25.00 tickets.

The good people at Little Radio have come up with a musical alternative to the glut of "DJ-spinning-Top 40" parties with Bank Run 2009. Sub Pop darlings the Beachwood Sparks headline the evening, along with Crystal Antlers, Restavrant, DJ Kumah, Port O'Brien, J-Logic, and the Natives. Hipster heaven, indeed. $20 general admission, $40 for VIP. Go to www.littleradio.com for more info and to purchase tickets.

Formerly at the Lot, this party will now take place at the Wiltern. Wilshire Blvd. is now where you want to be this NYE for Travis Barker and DJ AM, playing together for the first time since their near-fatal plane crash. Their innovative turntables-meets-live percussion set will be streamed live to 10 different cities across the country. $150 tickets include a 5 hour premium open bar, champagne reception, passed appetizers and food stations. Go to www.newyearsnation.com for more info and online purchases.

Starting at 8 p.m., Seven Grand will be festive with complimentary hats and noisemakers. Take in some live jazz from the Bill Wysaske Trio or dance to DJ Jason Kramer (KCRW). A $40 cover includes a complimentary glass of LeTourment Absinthe and a midnight champagne toast. Cedd Moses' other downtown bars (Broadway Bar, Cole's etc..) all feature no cover Wednesday evening except the members-only Doheny.

Celebrate NYE in downtown Santa Ana at this intimate bar's third annual NYE bash with DJs Julian, Christian Santiago and others. Free Champagne toast at midnight. $15 at the door.