Cheers to the new year! Here are the best places to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Orange County.
Edited by Whitney Lauren Han.
EVENTS
Boom Boom Room
Dec. 31. Dance all night to L.A.’s popular DJ Andrew Blunk and bring in the new year at Laguna’s iconic bar for LGBT+ and friends. Expect tray-passed hors d’oeuvres and bites plus a full bar with premium and top-shelf brands. 8 p.m. $40 cover, $10 drink tickets. 1401 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach. lagunabeachbest.com
Boots on the Beach
Dec. 31. Bring family and friends for an evening of celebration featuring live music, food trucks, full bars, craft beer and whiskey tasting, a cigar bar, plus country western merchandise available for purchase. Enjoy dinner before the concert at Newport Dunes’ waterfront restaurant, Back Bay Bistro. The VIP dinner package offers seatings at 6 p.m. and includes a special four-course dinner along with VIP concert seating. 6:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. $20 GA; $60 VIP seating; $125 VIP dinner and concert seating; Free ages 7 and under. Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort, 1131 Back Bay Dr., Newport Beach, 800.765.7661. newportdunes.com
DoubleTree by Hilton “Dancing Through the Eras”
Dec. 31. Don your favorite dance decade and celebrate the new year at the DoubleTree by Hilton. Enjoy popular mixer games, music played by Thee Champagne Band and DJ Robert Charles, prizes and more. For those dining before dancing, dinner will feature grilled herb chicken, seasonal vegetables, noodles, garden salad and tiramisu plus iced tea or lemonade. 21+. Doors open at 6 p.m. for dinner. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. $39 dance; $65 dinner and dance; $75 at door. 100 The City Dr., Orange, 714.622.4977. Tickets
Fireworks Aboard The Queen Mary
Dec. 31. Toast to 2018 aboard the majestic Queen Mary and ring in the new year with a night of captivating live entertainment, delicious food and spectacular drinks culminating with one of SoCal’s top fireworks display. Las Vegas style showgirls will kick-off the evening’s celebrations and a variety of​ ​live music will play throughout the night including top 40 hits from DJ​ ​Carisma on the Verandah Deck Gazebo and EDM favorites from DJ Cutt​ ​in the Queens Salon. 21+. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. $119. 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach, 877.342.0742. queenmary.com
Glamour and Gold
Dec. 31. Ring in 2018 with a full belly and champagne toast at Foundation Room in the House of Blues Anaheim. Enjoy the festivities with live entertainment from Michael Dean Band and DJ Red plus food and beverage packages. 9 p.m. $25 Entry-Only Admission; $80 Beverage Package; $225 VIP Package. House of Blues Anaheim, 400 Disney Way, Suite 337, Anaheim, 714.520.2398. houseofblues.com
The Golden Age of Hollywood at Chapter One
Dec. 31. Glam up for a night at The Golden Age of Hollywood party. While dancing the night away, enjoy special menu items, DJs tunes, a confetti canon and a midnight champagne toast. No cover charge. 227 N. Broadway, Santa Ana, 714.352.2225. chapteronetml.com
Hawaiian New Year’s Eve Bash
Dec. 31. Don your cheesy Love Boat costume and get ready for a night of music and dancing. Guests can enjoy themed cocktails, costume contests and giveaways all night long. Ship leaves at 6 p.m. $55. Ways & Means Oyster House, 21022 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 714.960.4300. wmoysters.com
The Lobby Lounge at Montage Laguna Beach
Dec. 31. The Lobby Lounge is open to New Year’s Eve revelers, hotel and local guests alike. The festivities start the new year off with resident pianist David Allen Baker providing entertainment throughout the evening, while guests dance the night away. Reserved private table patrons will enjoy a bubbly selection of Perrier-Jouet Champagne and a private server. 8 p.m.-2 a.m. $400. The Lobby Lounge, 30801 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.715.6420. montagehotels.com
Midnight Masquerade at Aqua Lounge
Dec. 31. Put on a mask and head to Aqua Lounge for the Midnight Masquerade Party where the most disguised partiers will light up the dance floor into the wee hours of 2018 with popular SoCal DJ Tirade. The night will feature surprise party favors and premium drinks—including Perrier-Jouët and Grey Goose Vodka. 9 p.m. $100. 690 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach, 949.760.4920. aqualoungenb.com
New Year’s Eve on the Beach
Dec. 31. Ring in the new year with DJ Dig Dug and DJ Ravi Drums on Bolsa Chica State Beach. Expect live music, dancing, photo booth fun, a full premium bar and midnight balloon drop. 7-11:30 p.m. $75 presale, $100 at the door. Bolsa Chica State Beach, 17851 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach. sealegs.com
The RANCH Saloon
Dec. 31. Grab your cowboy boots and celebrate the new year at The RANCH Saloon. Expect a live music performance by The Arnie Newman Band featuring Francelle, a DJ, balloon drop and toast at midnight. For those who get the dinner packages, guests can enjoy hors d’oeuvres followed by dinner and dessert. 21+. Doors open 6 p.m. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. $35 GA; $100 dinner and drink rail seating; $125 dinner and table seating. 1025 E. Ball Road, Anaheim, 714.817.4200. theranch.com
Resolution New Year’s Eve
Dec. 31. Get ready for the biggest New Year’s Eve musical festival in Orange County. The event is taking over two hangars with a carefully handpicked lineup of entertainers featuring an infectious combination of today’s most trending dance music artists and live acts. 21+. 8 p.m.-1:30 a.m. $50-$150. OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa, 949.734.0041. resolutionnyeoc.com
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DINING
Andrei’s Conscious Cuisine & Cocktails
Dec. 31. Start the year off with Andrei’s special New Year’s Eve menu. Guests will enjoy a three-course prix-fixe menu, fun party favors and complimentary champagne toast at midnight, a DJ playing all of the decades and more. Call to make reservations and for times. $89/person and $30 wine pairings. 2607 Main St., Irvine, 949.387.8887. andreisrestaurant.com
Bad to the Bone BBQ
Dec. 31. Bad to the Bone BBQ will ring in the new year with a boot stompin’ celebration complete with a prix-fixe dinner, live music and countdown. The night will begin with cocktail hour followed by dinner and champagne toast to celebrate the East Coast ball drop at 9 p.m. Classic rock and country cover band The Big Fat Steve Band will perform throughout the night. $50-$125. 5:30-11 p.m. 31738 Rancho Viejo Road, San Juan Capistrano, 949.218.0227. badtothebone-bbq.com
Beer Belly Long Beach
Dec. 31. Start your night off with a three-course chef’s dinner with menu items like Italian chop salad, buffalo chicken cheesesteal, BLVD burger, baby back ribs and more. Enjoy music played by DJ Desirable D, various drink specials, Jameson specials and complimentary bubbly. 8 p.m. $25 dinner, $20 cheese and charcuterie plate. 255 Long Beach Blvd., Long Beach, 562.436.2337. beerbellyla.com
The Blind Pig Kitchen + Bar
Dec. 31. Ring in the new year in style at South County’s Blind Pig Kitchen + Bar. Themed as a masquerade party, The Blind Pig will have live music, food and drink specials to complement the dinner menu and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight to ring in 2018. To reserve a table, please call the restaurant. 31431 Santa Margarita Pkwy., Rancho Santa Margarita, 949.888.0072. theblindpigoc.com
Bruno’s Italian Kitchen
Dec. 31. Celebrate 2018 like a true foodie and indulge in soul-satisfying Italian cuisine at Brunos Italian Kitchen in Brea. Indulge in a three-course menu, a midnight countdown and party favors at the popular Italian restaurant. The special three-course menu will be served after 8 p.m. as well as regular bar menu all night. 210 W. Birch St., Brea, 714.257.1000. brunosbrea.com
The Bungalow Huntington Beach
Dec. 31. Dance the night away with sand between your toes at the Bungalow Huntington Beach. Guests can enjoy the premium open bar, music by DJ Max V and more. 8 p.m. $125+. 21058 Pacific Coast Hwy., Suite 240, Huntington Beach, 714.374.0399. thebungalow.com
Cha Cha’s Latin Kitchen
Dec. 31. Ring in the new year with live Latin music, dancing and margaritas at Cha Cha’s Latin Kitchen. Cha Cha’s will be celebrating in style with a midnight countdown and a complimentary glass of champagne. The energetic Latin-inspired restaurant offers a lively and fun atmosphere with hand-shaken cocktails to enjoy all night long. 13126 Jamboree Road, Irvine, 714.408.7819; 110 W. Birch, Suite 7, Brea, 714.255.1040. chachaslatinkitchen.com
Del Frisco’s Grille Irvine
Dec. 31. Indulge in a three-course prix-fixe menu featuring Del Frisco’s Grille Irvine’s signature chef-inspired dishes and a celebratory prosecco toast at midnight. Featured menu items include cheesesteak eggrolls, artichoke beignets with sweet basil dressing, coffee-braised pork shank with house-brewed coffee jus and bacon-collard greens and nutella bread pudding. See website for reservation times. $53 (gratuity and tax not included). 772 Spectrum Center Dr., Irvine, 949.341.0376. delfriscosgrille.com
EATS Kitchen + Bar
Dec. 31. Folks should get ready for deliciously good fun at the New Year’s Eve dinner party that’s not to be missed. Grab your friends or a New Year’s date and head to EATS Kitchen & Bar for live music and NYE specials like champagne and oysters, surf and turf, grilled whole branzino and suckling pig porchetta along with the regular dinner menu. 5-9:30 p.m. 17900 Jamboree Road, Irvine, 949.225.6780. eatskitchen.com
Farmhouse
Dec. 31. Farmhouse owner and executive chef Rich Mead has prepared a special New Year’s Eve menu for the end of the year celebration. Enjoy a champagne toast on the beautiful terrace overlooking the scenic garden below with gourmet bites and a festive photo booth to capture the memory. Each ticket purchased includes a glass of champagne, a signature NYE cocktail and a selection of highly curated cheese and charcuterie with an assortment of crudité. 6-10 p.m. $50. Farmhouse at Roger’s Gardens, 2301 San Joaquin Hills Road, Corona del Mar, 949.640.1415. farmhouserg.com
K’ya Bistro Bar
Dec. 31. Located in the historic, coastal La Casa del Camino hotel in the heart of Laguna Beach, K’ya Bistro Bar is the ideal destination to celebrate NYE. Enjoy a complimentary champagne toast at midnight, live music and tray-passed appetizers throughout the night. 10 p.m.-midnight. 1287 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.376.9718. kyabistro.com
The Loft at Montage Laguna Beach
Dec. 31. Dine in for one of two seatings at The Loft to kick off the new year. The first seating will feature a festive four-course holiday tasting menu served by chef Michael Campbell and his team. The second seating celebration will include a sumptuous five-course holiday tasting menu, complimentary midnight toast, party favors and live music. First seating 5-7 p.m.; $125 adults; $40 ages 4-12. Second seating 8-10 p.m.; $200 adults; $60 ages 4-12. The Loft, 30801 South Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.715.6420. montagehotels.com
Marché Moderne
Dec. 31. Indulge in a decadent, four-course holiday menu at Marché Moderne. Featured menu items include Amuse Bouche, Sauteed Foie Gras, Lamb Ribeye, New Zealand Langoustine & Hokkaido Scallops and much more. Call restaurant for reservation times. $150. 7862 E. Pacific Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 714.434.7900. marchemoderne.net
Mesa at The Camp
Dec. 31. Get glamorous for the night with a special someone or just a group of friends for Mesa’s black-tie Heavenly Bodies New Year’s Eve Gala, fit for Orange County’s finest to ring in 2018. Guests can enjoy craft cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and dance the night away to infectious DJ music. Ticket includes special event entry, sips and bites, as well as a glass of bubbly for the midnight champagne toast. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. $75-$150. 2937 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.966.6661. thecampsite.com
Mozambique
Dec. 31. Whether you dine early or late, enjoy a cornucopia of best-selling choices that include shrimp and lobster bisque, Chilean sea bass, steak and lobster, Cioppino, rack of lamb and more. The second seating includes the prix-fixe menu, your table reserved all evening long, a midnight bubbly toast and three live music stages to roam between. For musical performances, Hollywood’s great Francois Dean & Friends take the main stage; Justin Abram’s rock and blues style fill the Durban Room; and DJ J Money’s energetic mixes of rock, hip-hop, R&B, funk and more grace the Boma Room stage. First seating 5-7:30 p.m., $80. Second seating 8 p.m.-1 a.m., $120. 1740 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.715.7777. mozambiqueoc.com
Oak Grill
Dec. 31. Spend New Year’s Eve at Oak Grill, where you’ll partake a four-course prix-fixe menu and a champagne toast. Tickets also include a discount to the Aqua Lounge’s NYE party. 5 p.m.-midnight. $125. 690 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach, 949.760.4920. oakgrillnb.com
Old Vine Café
Dec. 31. For those looking for an intimate dinner, Old Vine Café will be offering several tasting menu options. Each guest will enjoy a four-course prix-fixe menu and can select from the original, vegetarian, vegan or premium tasting menus. $95. 2937 Bristol St., Suite A-102, Costa Mesa, 714.545.1411. oldvinecafe.com
Pascal
Dec. 31. Celebrate New Year’s Eve with Pascal and their specially prepared menu. Featured items include wild mushroom and truffle veloute, sauteed beef tenderloin with Chanterelle Cognac sauce and braised parsnips, foie gras torchon and wild boar pate and much more. See website for times. $135/person and $65 wine pairing. 31451 Rancho Viejo Road, Suite 103, San Juan Capistrano, 949.488.0031. pascalrestaurants.com
Red Bar and Lounge
Dec. 31. Red Bar and Lounge is ringing in 2018 with a lavish New Year’s Eve party complete with champagne, cocktails, party favors, a late-night menu and fresh beats by a local DJ. Revelers can call up their crew and reserve a booth with bottle service for up to 10 guests to raise toast after toast to those they love most. 9 p.m.-2 p.m. $30 cover charge, $250 booth reservations. 17900 Jamboree Road, Irvine, 949.225.6780. redbarandlounge.com
Red O
Dec. 31. Celebrate New Year’s Eve in style at Red O. Enjoy live music, complimentary bubbly, dancing and a celebratory glass of Cava at midnight. Available reservation times 5, 7, 9:30 p.m. Red O at Fashion Island, 143 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach, 949.718.0300. redorestaurant.com
Selanne Steak Tavern
Dec. 31. This year’s elegant five-course chef’s tasting menu with amuse bouche is offered at two seatings and comes with live entertainment provided by local guitarist and vocalist James Clay Garrison, party favors and a champagne toast. First seating 4-6 p.m. Second seating 8-9:30 p.m. $225. Selanne Steak Tavern, 1464 South Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.715.9881. selannesteaktavern.com
Skyloft
Dec. 31. Chef Arthur Ortiz has pulled out all the stops on this year’s NYE prix-fixe menu with items such as marsala duck medallions, grilled steak with a skewer of Cajun shrimp, a smoked meat platter and more. The second seating includes the prix-fixe menu, your table reserved all evening long, lively music with Venson Quarles & The Just Funk Band and a midnight bubbly toast. First seating 5-7:30 p.m., $80. Second seating 8 p.m.-1 a.m., $220. Skyloft, 422 S Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.715.1550. skyloftoc.com
Studio at Montage Laguna Beach
Dec. 31. An extravagantly delicious way to start off 2018 will be to savor and enjoy a premium gala evening at Studio. Chef Craig Strong has created an evening that begins with a Grand Seafood and Caviar Reception complete with a selection of passed hors d’oeuvres. The experience will be highlighted by a magnificent five-course chef’s tasting menu and will feature live music, dancing and party favors, as well as a midnight champagne toast. Reception 8 p.m., dinner 9 p.m. 30801 South Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.715.6420. montagehotels.com
Tanner’s Huntington Beach
Dec. 31. Set the tone for the new year with a rich, wood-fired five-course menu at Tanner’s Huntington Beach. Appetizers served will be an ancho braised short rib, tarragon polenta cake and pickled breakfast radish. Main course options include a hanger steak with local butternut squash, black trumpet mushroom and braised pearl onion. Live music and a midnight champagne toast will be provided. See website for available times. $85 dinner or $100 dinner on rooftop lounge. Paséa Hotel & Spa, 21080 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 714.698.6130. tannershb.com
Water Grill South Coast Plaza
Dec. 31. Ring in the new year with a DJ, dancing, a photobooth, menu specials (Spiny Lobster Risotto with 6-oz grilled tenderloin) and a midnight champagne toast. 3300 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 949.208.7060. watergrill.com
Marche Moderne photo by DYLAN + JENI.
