Even kids were able to join in the fun early in the evening for a family fair with face painting, live music and a fireworks display.
"It's safe and they have all the transportation free," said Yana Madrid. "It's great. It brings the community together."
In downtown L.A., plenty of sports fans packed L.A. Live, from Wisconsin and TCU fans to Lakers fans fresh off a nail-biting win at the Staples Center.
Wisconsin Badgers fans were getting fired up about their Rose Bowl game against TCU Saturday.
While some were ringing in the new year at the restaurants and nightclubs, Daniel Sneed was on one knee proposing to his girlfriend in front of hundreds of onlookers on the ice rink.
"We're going new and nothing but good times from here on out," said Sneed, who got an enthusiastic "yes" from his surprised girlfriend.
The Hollywood Palladium was crowded with partiers for its annual bash, which lasts until 4 a.m.
Los Angeles Police were trying to control a crowd at a rave event at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena. The "Together as One" event was expected to run past 2 a.m., according to promoters.
