Desperate and Dateless?

New Year’s Eve in Los Angeles may be a big, groggy snoozer of a night, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do.

If all other plans fall through, here are a few suggestions for finding the party:

Make a Toast. The very particular magic of New Year’s Eve works best when people connect with one another. So says Todd Lyons, who wrote a book on New Year’s Eve traditions and throws her own bashes every year, handing guests crazy masks and noisemakers (including an accordion) and turning off Dick Clark. One key bonding ritual--the classic toast. Gather your friends and propose a toast to the future, to each other, to whatever.

Grab Some Cement. Never seen the Rose Parade up close? Spend New Year’s Eve camping out with hundreds of others in Pasadena to save a front-row float-watching spot. Bring chairs, pillows, blankets and breakfast and join a street party unlike any other. Make a fire (if it’s not windy) and--why not?--a toast.

Be at Peace. Do your part in ending the war by watching stand-up comedians (Bill Bronner, Doug Ferrari, others), listening to folk duo the Boners and announcing your resolutions at an open mike (prizes for the most meaningful and/or funniest). All this and more at the 22nd New Year’s Eve Peace Party at the Church at Ocean Park in Santa Monica, sponsored by and benefiting Alliance for Survival. Tickets are $20.02 and include a dinner buffet and champagne. (310) 399-1000.

Be Quiet. Take in a romantic double feature from early last century at the Silent Movie Theatre, 611 N. Fairfax Ave., L.A. Along with Clara Bow in “It” (1927) and Buster Keaton’s “Seven Chances” (1925), there’s live music, “decadent” desserts and champagne. Tickets are $50, and while reservations aren’t required, if you want one, call (323) 655-2510.

Go to an Actual Rave. Now’s your chance. The all-ages Together as One event, with dozens of DJs on an all-night-long bill at the Los Angeles Sports Arena, could be just the sort of sweaty head trip you’ve been missing all these years.

Sit on a Hill. Take in some of L.A.’s best features--city lights and the ocean--after a short hike into Pacific Palisades. Organizers of the 12th annual Welcome in the New Year Hike & Festival ask that you bring food to share, a musical instrument (if you like) and $7. Besides hiking there’ll be singing, glowing light sticks and more. Meet at 10 p.m. at the intersection of Chastain Parkway East and Via Las Palmas, in Palisades Highlands. Call (310) 479-5717 for details.

Pick Up a Spare or Two. Most bowling alleys are open on New Year’s Eve, and some, such as Mar Vista Bowl in Venice, even break out the fancy flashing lights, door prizes and champagne. “Bowling centers,” says manager Mark May, “are traditionally a great place to do New Year’s parties.” Hey, if you say so. Lanes close at 12:30 a.m., so maybe line up a raging “after-party” (or at least a way-early breakfast) at a nearby diner.