Orange County

Weekend roundup

December 28 – January 1

Events & New Year’s Eve Specials

New Year’s Soiree at Mayor’s Table

Dec. 31. Ring in the New Year with the Lido House culinary team as they have prepared a menu to remember. At this elevated soiree, guests are invited to attend a dinner at Mayor’s Table, as starting the New Year with a carefully cultivated and hearty meal is the best way to bring on 2024. Sunday at 5 p.m. or 8 p.m. Reservations are required and can be made here. 3300 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach. lidohousehotel.com

Surf City Splash

Jan. 1. Celebrate the New Year with the 24th Annual Surf City Splash and dip into the chilly Pacific Ocean to help the benefit the North Orange County Surfrider Foundation. A full day of fun – including breakfast specials, live music, and the historic “SPLASH” awaits families and friends on New Year’s Day. A complete schedule and list of activities can be found here. 325 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach. surfcityusa.com

Eve’s Eve Party

Dec. 30. What’s better than a New Year’s Eve party? A New Year’s Eve Eve party. Come celebrate all day at Brewery X with food, drinks, fun and live music all day, beginning at noon and continuing with various bands all day long, including Sega Genecide, The Helm, Elote Boys and more. Free. First show starts Saturday at 1 p.m.3191 East La Palma Ave, Anaheim. brewery-x.com

Los Angeles New Year's Eve

First Night in Fullerton

Dec. 31. As the clock ticks down to midnight, First Night is showcasing a vibrant extravaganza filled with live entertainment, dazzling fireworks, delectable cuisines and a myriad of family-friendly activities. Taking place in charming Downtown Fullerton, this alcohol-free event aims to create lasting memories and ring in the New Year with joyous spirits. Sunday at 7 p.m.-Midnight. Downtown Fullerton Plaza, 125 E. Wilshire Avenue, Fullerton. cityoffullerton.com

NYE at Zov’s

Dec. 31. Gather your loved ones and enjoy a meal at Zov’s Bistro in Tustin as guests can begin the celebratory meal off with starters such as pan-seared crab cakes, crispy eggplant fries, garlic shrimp scampi and more. Followed by main plate choices like a classic prime rib au jus, short rib pappardelle pasta, Za’atar crusted salmon and more. Starts Sunday, check website for time. 17440 17th St, Tustin. zovs.com

Food + Drink

Pioneer Ten Goes Full Ahead

Now Open. A Hopper & Burr Project – Pioneer Ten is your newest obsession for all things craft cocktails. A love letter to the art of enjoying a drink, Pioneer Ten has been curated from the ground up with the guests’ experience at the forefront. A speakeasy with a mind of its own, this new drinking destination is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 5 p.m. – 11 p.m. Newport Blvd, Costa Mesa. More Information

Pampas Helados Argentinos

Now Open. Indulge in the rich flavors of true Argentinian Helado – a taste of Argentinian tradition. Pampas’ Helado is made with natural and high-quality ingredients – dulce de leche, cream, milk, fruits and nuts that they import from Argentina – along with their locally sourced ingredients. It’s not ice cream and it’s not gelato – it’s helados. Open daily, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. 26841 Aliso Creek Road, Suite B, Aliso Viejo. pampasheladosargentinos.com

National Bloody Mary Day

Jan. 1. Dry January can wait a day – After a weekend of ringing in the new year, some next-day self-care is warranted with the time-old classic, the Bloody Mary. Henhey’s in Laguna Beach has the fix with $6 bloodies all day as you enjoy this tried and true classic just steps from the ocean. Now that’s how to start the new year off right. Hours vary. Monday starts at 10 a.m. 213 Ocean Avenue, Laguna Beach. hennesseystavern.com

Arts + Culture

Noon Year’s Eve

Dec. 31. A family-forward New Year’s mid-day celebration – Countdown worldwide and welcome the new year early with Pretend City. Don’t miss out. Secure your ticket for the afternoon session quickly before they sell out, and join the fun with confetti, fun, and celebrations from around the world. Celebrations begin Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and continues through 3 p.m. Book here. 29 Hubble, Irvine. 949.428.3900. pretendcity.org

A Groovy New Year’s Eve

Dec. 31. Laguna Playhouse and Rita Rudner’s New Year’s Eve tradition continues. Ring in the new year with a 20-minute set of Rita’s comedy and music from Listen to the Seventies, then watch the East Coast ball drop at 9:00 p.m., celebrating with champagne, dessert, party favors and a balloon drop. Sunday at 7 p.m. Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. lagunaplayhouse.com

Photo credits: All other images are courtesy of the businesses and venues.

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