WHAT ARE YOU DOING NEW YEAR'S EVE?

Byline: Fred Shuster Staff Writer

Just because New Year's Eve falls on a normally s-l-o-w Sunday doesn't mean you don't need a game plan before venturing onto the Ventura Freeway.

With two weeks to go, the countdown has begun for revelers to work out their strategy for the year's biggest night out.

Area events range from specials at bars and restaurants to on-set parties at the Universal and Paramount lots, Brazilian action at the Queen Mary and huge open-air mega-events downtown.

Locally, Universal Citywalk will have free events, live concert performances and DJs, and the telecast of Time Square's ball drop will be shown on its giant outdoor astrovision screen.

Here are some suggested New Year's Eve events.

Big timers

The Paramount Pictures lot morphs into the Big Apple, with replicas of Soho, the Lower East Side and Little Italy, at this killer all-nighter headlined by the Killers. Entertainment also includes go-go dancers, video games, fireworks, DJs and a Ferris wheel, hosted by the newly single Carmen Electra. 5555 Melrose Ave., Hollywood. $100 general. [phone]; www.clubzone.com/events/event42507.html.

The New Year's Eve Ball at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel has a Vegas-style casino, burlesque, strolling musicians and various floor shows, so boredom is out of the question. Wolfgang Puck caters, and bars will be well stocked with the top-shelf stuff. 1755 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood. $125-$150. [phone];

www.renaissancehollywood.com.

A Brazilian New Year's Eve celebration at the Queen Mary asks attendees to wear white -- symbolizing peace -- at this festive party. Dancers will perform alongside samba bands, and DJs will spin a variety of Afro-Brazilian beats until 3 a.m. 1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach. $35-$60. [phone]; www.braziliannites.com.

New Year's Eve Gala 2007 at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion is a semiformal affair aimed at the Asian crowd. Hors d'oeuvres and desserts, 10 bars and surprise performances set the stage for the countdown to midnight. 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown. $70-$100. [phone]; www.nyegala07.com.

New Year's Eve Rocks

The Flaming Lips and Gnarls Barkley at USC's Galen Center. The two seemingly diverse bands share a similar psychedelic world view. 3400 S. Figueroa St., downtown. $55 [phone]; upcoming.org/event/125941.

Top DJs Paul van Dyk, Danny Howells and Christopher Lawrence spin techno, trance and hip-hop until 4:30 a.m. at the Los Angeles Sports Arena. This global dancefest is an all-ages event with light show and -- they're kidding, right? -- an indoor fireworks show. 3939 S. Figueroa Blvd., downtown. $40-$100. [phone];

www.newyearsevela.com/2003/1-together.html.

Mega-DJs Sasha & John Digweed, Ferry Corsten and Armin Van Buuren build a soundtrack for seven acres of high-NRG partying. Ferris wheel on site, along with an expected 10,000 people. Between Eighth and Figueroa streets, downtown. $80-$150.

[phone]; www.giantclub.com.

The Avalon club in Hollywood will be decked out as a space-age circus -- right up until noon on New Year's Day. Headlining trance DJ Eddie Halliwell doesn't even start until

4:30 a.m. 1735 Vine St., Hollywood. $50. [phone];

www.avalonhollywood.com.

Sipping Into '07

Reasonable, local and definitely cool, Bar Coda has its annual bash, with DJs, champagne, party favors and some of the best dance music in town. 5248 Van Nuys Blvd., Sherman Oaks. $25 with reservations, $50 on the night. [phone]; www.barcoda.com.

Hip nightspot Clear hosts its first New Year's Eve party, with party favors, hors d'oeuvres, champagne and top DJs. 11916 Ventura Blvd., Studio City. Call for prices. [phone]; www.clearlounge.net.

Latin and dance tracks at the Bird Cage Restaurant's artsy semiformal New Year's Eve party. Music, dancing and a prix fixe menu with a dozen courses. 11282 Ventura Blvd., Studio City. $150-$225. [phone]; www.toprestaurants.com/california/birdcage.htm.

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