Boots on the Beach, Dance Through the Decades, Masquerade Under the Stars—all top things to do this weekend in The OC. Check out our top Orange County events for December 27-31.
Edited by Laura Okey.
EVENTS
David Minkin Presents Magic & Wine
Dec. 28-29. Experience an intimate evening of wine tasting and world-class magical artistry. Begin with tasting four wines from around the globe, along with savory hors d’oeuvres. Then, move to the theater for 90 minutes of enchanting magic. The 15-minute intermission will feature a fireworks display. 7:30 p.m. $89+. Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel, 900 South Disneyland Drive, Anahiem, 888.624.4233. magicandwine.com
UFC Fight Watch Party
Dec. 29. Watch Jones and Gustafsson face off in the UFC World Light Heavyweight Championship while enjoying Wild Goose Tavern’s crafted cocktails, seasonal beers and elevated pub fare, such as gourmet sausages and artisanal burgers. 7-11 p.m. 436 E. 17th St., Costa Mesa, 949.722.9453. goosebar.com
Happy Harbor Days
Through Jan. 6. The magic of the holiday spirit is shining brightly in Dana Point Harbor through the season. Gather family and friends for a stroll through the magnificent light displays, featuring meticulously-designed and themed light creations like Candy Cane Lane, a “Merry Kiss Me” arch, lighted trees, and much more. Enjoy the nearby dining, coffee shops and niche eateries complete with sunset views. Free. 34555 Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point. danapointharbor.com
NEW YEARS EVE
Happy New Year Hoedown
Dec. 30–31. Dig into a steak and lobster buffet while enjoying live country music from a lineup of three country rock bands, including Sparky & The Ancient Mariner, Gypsy Sound Collective and Christie Huff this New Years Eve. Savor elevated barbecue offerings in a dinner buffet with grilled lobster tails, smoked beef tenderloin and an array of seasonal sides and desserts. 6 p.m.-1 a.m. $99. Grasslands Meat Market, 400 West Disney Way, Suite 199, Anaheim, 657.208.1133. Tickets
Pre-New Year’s Eve Bash and NYE Gala
Dec. 30-31. Extend your new years celebration with a pre-NYE bash at Mesa, featuring a complimentary glass of bubbles, a DJ, and a giveaway for IV therapy. Come back the next day for an extravagant, formal evening, complete with party favors, live entertainment, hosted hors d’oeuvres and a midnight Champagne toast. Mesa, 725 Baker St., Costa Mesa, 714.557.6700. mesacostamesa.com
Boots on the Beach NYE
Dec. 31. Kick off the new year country style with nationally touring headliners at the beach. Enjoy performances from popular country artists A Thousand Horses joined by ‘90s rock-turned-country band Lit, and other local country favorites, Redneck Rodeo and Temecula Road. Take your pick of food and libations with a handful of food trucks and full bars positioned throughout the 14,000-square foot Bayside Pavilion tent. 5 p.m.-1:30 a.m. $49 GA; $99-$159 VIP. 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach, 949.729.3863. newportdunes.com
Dance Through The Decades
Dec. 31. Ring in the new year with style at House of Blues Anaheim world-famous Foundation Room. The celebration will include live music from Diver City Band with Michael Dean, performing hits ranging from the 80s to today. DJ Mike Rawk will spin some of today’s top tunes, along with captivating performances from the Divinities’ Dancers. 21+. 6 p.m. $25 GA, $250 VIP package. 400 Disney Way, Suite 337, Anaheim, 714.520.2304. houseofblues.com
Gatsby Soiree
Dec. 31. Celebrate the new year Gatsby-style at Marriott Irvine Spectrum’s Hive & Honey. Enjoy live music, a Champagne toast and a beautiful city skyline view. Elevate your midnight toast with VIP packages that include a fire pit, premium charcuterie boards and Dom Perignon bottle service. 21+. Tickets must be purchased and printed in advance. 8 p.m. -2 a.m. $40 GA, VIP Packages for 2-30 guests start at $1000. Hive & Honey, 7905 Irvine Center Drive, 949.759.0200. marriott.com
Funky Town Disco Night
Dec. 31. Channel your inner flower child at Angelina’s Funky Disco Party. Enjoy a champagne toast, small bites, a rainbow balloon drop, and fun party favors are just a few of the exciting surprises in the night. 11 p.m.-1 a.m. $50. Angelina’s Pizzeria Napoletana, 8573 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine, Tickets
Masquerade Under the Stars
Dec. 31. Don your greatest masquerade for an evening under the stars atop Lido House Rooftop Bar. Upon your arrival, sip on a complimentary glass of bubbles before you enjoy live entertainment, party favors, caviar stations and–of course–bubbles and booze. Upgrade your night with reserved or preferred seating, VIP bottle service, or cognac and hand-rolled cigar add-ons. $125 GA, VIP packages for 6-10 guests start at $750. Lido House Newport Beach, 3300 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach, 949.524.8500. lidohousehotel.com
SOCIAL Costa Mesa
Dec. 31. This upscale New Year’s Eve celebration includes a DJ, open bar, bottomless champagne and two rooms of music for what promises to be an epic event. Cocktail attire strongly recommended. Five signature cocktails will be available to order through the evening. Tickets must be purchased in advance. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. $20-$175. 512 W. 19th St., Costa Mesa, 949.642.2425. Tickets
Queen Mary’s New Year’s Eve: Past & Present
Dec. 31. Ring in the New Year aboard the majestic Queen Mary. Voyage through the ship’s decks, ballrooms and salons for a night of multiple celebrations featuring delicious food, specialty drinks, live music performances, multiple DJs, dueling pianos and more. 21+. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. $115 GA; $215 VIP. 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach, 877.342.0738. queenmary.com
FOOD + DRINK
Bacon Lava Cake
Dec. 30. Celebrate National Bacon Day with Slaters 50/50 complimentary Bacon Lava Cake, featuring warm, dark chocolate molten cake topped with bacon caramel, vanilla ice cream, candied pecans, dark chocolate drizzle and a thick slice of salted caramel smoked bacon. Simply download the Slaters 50/50 app and present it in store to receive the free dessert. 6362 E. Santa Ana Canyon Road, Anaheim Hills, 714.602.8115; 17071 Beach Blvd., Huntington Beach, 714.594.5730. slaters5050.com
ARTS + CULTURE
Redneck Rodeo
Dec. 28. Get your country on with Old Crow Smokehouse for the last show of the year. Decked out in all things country, enjoy drink specials, eats, and killer live music all night long, including some of your favorite Country classics. 9:30 p.m. Old Crow Smokehouse, 21022 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 714.536.0381. oldcrowsmokehouse.com
Reggae on the Beach
Dec. 29. Hear popular reggae artists Don Carlos & The Fully Fullwood Band on the beach, plus special guests Empress Akua and Low Budget. Enjoy Caribbean food to start the show. 6:30-10 p.m. $25-$60. Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort, 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach, Tickets
Iration
Dec. 31. Popular reggae band Iration performs hits from their latest self-titled album at The Observatory this New Year’s Eve with Pacific Dub, Tyrone’s Jacket and Amplive. Doors 7 p.m., 8 p.m. $50. 3503 S. Harbor Blvd., Santa Ana, 714.957.0600. observatoryoc.com
Photos: Reggae on the Beach courtesy Newport Dunes. UFC Fight Night courtesy @wildgoosetavern/Instagram. Happy Harbor Days and Boots on the Beach courtesy The ACE Agency. Social Costa Mesa courtesy @socialcostamesa/Instagram. Queen Mary courtesy Queen Mary/Mathew Martinez. Iration courtesy Observatory OC.
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