Ring in the New Year with parties, fireworks, champagne and more, Find the best ways to celebrate 2014 in our OC New Year’s roundup. Here are the perfect things to see and do to ring in the new year in Orange County!NEW YEAR’S EVE
Great Gatsby Style NYE at The St. Regis Monarch Beach
Spend a swank evening Jay Gatsby would be proud of—celebrating the roaring twenties with friends old and new! Dress in your finest Gatsby attire and dance to the popular Flashback Heart Attack band and multiple DJs. Enjoy culinary stations along with cocktails such as mint juleps and gin fizzes at one of the many full bars. $175 for early access beginning at 8 p.m., complete with food and three complimentary drinks. $100 for cocktail event only, which includes 10:30 p.m. entry and three complimentary beverages. VIP access and bottle service available. Space is limited. 1 Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point, 949.234.3987. stregismb.com
Fig & Olive
Celebrate New Year’s Eve in style as Executive Chef Pasacal Lorange hosts his White & Gold Dinner Party at 8 p.m. $150 for a four-course dinner consisting of items such as seared scallops and chanterelle; roasted butternut squash cappuccino; Chilean sea bass with charmoula, cumin and celery root puree emulsion and white chocolate cake with hazelnut praline, chocolate pearl and ganache. Includes countdown, balloon drop, DJ, party favors and special décor. Cocktail reception only with wine, cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres is $100. 151 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.877.3005. figandolive.com
NYE Voyage on the Queen Mary
Be transported to the vibrant streets of India, carnival nights in Brazil, the extravagant Moulin Rouge in France and Times Square in New York before returning to the ship’s beginning in a village in Scotland, all while never leaving Long Beach. The sights, sounds and tastes will transform throughout the night, as the ship’s horn announces the arrival in a new Port of Call. Music, costumes, cocktails, food and activities will create the ultimate New Year’s Eve soiree with fireworks ushering in 2014. $99 for a Tourist Class boarding pass for general admission access; upgrades available for dinner, bottle service and New Year’s Day brunch. 21 and over. Reservations strongly recommended. 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach, 877.342.0738. queenmary.com
Stonehill Tavern at The St. Regis Monarch Beach
Enjoy a hand-crafted six-course tasting menu at Stonehill Tavern, prepared by Executive Chef Raj Dixit from 5:30-p.m. $250 per person; $400 with wine pairings. Includes entry to the Lobby Lounge festivities. Or spend your evening at the Lobby Lounge for a memorable evening of music, dancing and midnight champagne toast. $75 adults. 1 Monarch Beach Resort N., Dana Point, 949.234.3200. stregismb.com
Midnight Kiss NYE at Avenue of the Arts
Join one of OC’s hottest parties in its 3rd year for a New Year’s Eve to remember. Boogie down with your significant other or your entourage of friends with some of the area’s best DJs. Three rooms, open bar, light snacks and champagne toast. Tickets start at $90. 21 and over. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Avenue of the Arts Wyndham Hotel, 3350 Avenue of the Arts, Costa Mesa, 323.604.6030. ocnewyearseve.com
Lark Creek Newport Beach
Dine at Lark Creek for Chef John Ledbetter’s winter inspired prix-fixe menu including Kumamoto oysters with American caviar and champagne granita; Chateaubriand with potato dauphinoise and Dungeness crab salad and chocolate decadence for dessert. $59. Full a la carte menu also available. 5-9 p.m. Fashion Island, 957 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.640.6700. larkcreeknb.com
Montage Laguna Beach
You can’t go wrong here with three options within the resort. The Grand Ballroom will host a gala from 8 p.m.-1 a.m., complete with a four-course menu, live music, dancing, party favors and a champagne toast. $350. At Studio, enjoy a five-course tasting menu with live music, dancing and more from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. for $300. The Loft offers two seatings: a four-course meal from 5-7 p.m. at $95 adults; $30 children and a five-course meal with champagne toast from 8-10 p.m. for $150 adults; $55 children. 30801 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.715.6420. montgelagunabeach.com
Heat Ultra Lounge
Orange County’s top rated nightclub is pulling out all the stops with a live video countdown, massive balloon drops, confetti cannons, cryogenic blasts, a laser light show, views of Disneyland’s fireworks, champagne toast and more. Bottle service available. 7:45 p.m.-2 a.m. Tickets start at $20. 321 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 323.604.6030. ocnewyearseve.com
The Winery
Celebrate at The Winery’s New Year’s Eve Masquerade. For dinner, choose the first seating starting at 5 p.m. with a three-course meal for $65 or the second seating beginning at 8:30 p.m. with a four-course menu, party favors and live entertainment with an R&B band. Reservations required. 2647 Park Ave., Tustin, 714.258.7600. thewinery.com
Balboa Bay Resort
Welcome in the New Year in glittering style at the resort’s black tie gala in the Grand Ballroom. Enjoy a martini bar, sparkling champagne and a variety of butler passed hors d’ oeuvres. Next, delight your taste buds with an elegant five-course dinner perfectly paired with wines. Dance the night away to a powerful 12-piece band. $205. Duke’s will feature an evening of music, dancing, food, drinks and fun. First Cabin Restaurant will offer a decadent five-course meal artfully created by Executive Chef Vincent Lesage. $97.50 adults. 1221 Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.630.4145. balboabayresort.com
21 Oceanfront
The landmark restaurant offers two seatings: first seating is between 5-7 p.m. and includes a three-course dinner for $75; second seating is between 7:30-11 p.m. and includes a five-course meal and champagne toast for $145. Menu choices such as roasted beet salad; French onion soup; lobster tail and petite filet mignon; New Zealand rack of lamb, cedar plank Skuna Bay salmon; pan seared Chilean sea bass; warm apple tart and lavender crème brulee are available. 2100 W. Oceanfront, Newport Beach, 949.673.2100. 21oceanfront.com
Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort
Celebrate at Shades restaurant with a five-course dinner served in the oceanfront Cielo Mare ballroom. Includes champagne, party favors, dancing and live entertainment. Reservations from 7-10 p.m. $85. 21100 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 714.845.8444. waterfrontresort.com
Pizzeria Ortica
Executive Chef Justin will be creating celebratory dishes for the occasion such as Cotechino sausage with baby Yukon gold potatoes, mascarpone and dill; fried sweetbreads with Parmigiano fonduta and chives and Seared Diver scallops with Castelluccio lentils, shaved black Arkansas apple and celery, in addition to the regular dining menu. Take advantage of specials on champagne, both by the glass and bottle. 5-10 p.m. 650 Anton Blvd., Costa Mesa, 714.445.4900. pizzeriaortica.com
Ways & Means
Bid farewell to 2013 with a festive six-course tasting menu at the new restaurant in Old Towne Orange. Selections include oysters Benedict; deviled eggs with smoked salmon; classic shrimp cocktail; beef wellington; a trio of vegetables and baked Alaska. $75 early seating; $99 late seating. 5-10:30 p.m. 513 E. Chapman Ave., Orange, 714.516.1800. wmoysters.com
Laguna Cliffs Marriott
Join Vue for a special New Year’s Eve dinner with a five-course meal, live entertainment and complimentary valet parking. $99 adults; children’s menu available. Reservations required. 5-9 p.m. Move over to the Vue Lounge for their midnight ball drop and champagne toast from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. $25. 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point, 949.487.7516. lagunacliffs.com
The Island Hotel
Dance to music by Jimmy Hopper with a midnight champagne toast at Palm Terrace Lounge. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. $120-$170. 690 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 888.321.4752. islandhotel.com
Anqi
Step into 1954 Havana nights as the restaurant transforms itself into Barrio Chino mixing Cuban flavors with Anqi favorites. Enjoy tapas, exotic Cuban cocktails, cigar rollers, a theatrical show, artistic curiosities, and live music complete with a champagne toast and balloon drop. Dress attire is elegant white and pearls. Multiple pricing options from $108-$179. Private rooms available. Seatings available from 5-10:45 p.m. 3333 S. Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.557.5679. anqibistro.com
Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen
Celebrate N’awlins style with a masquerade party including a three-course dinner with Chef Darrin’s specialty appetizers and desserts, party hats, feathered masks and New Orleans beads. Live music, strolling jazz musicians, photo booth, balloon artist and more will be on hand. $99 adults; $20 children under 10. Seatings begin at 9 p.m. Reservations required. Downtown Disney, 1590 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.776.5200. rbjazzkitchen.com
Pinot Provence
Bring in the New Year with a French-inspired three or four-course prix fixe menu with choices such as lobster bisque; white asparagus with quail egg and crispy onions; Manila clams; steak tartare; Scottish salmon; roasted lamb shoulder and chocolate banana parfait. $65-$78. 686 Anton Blvd., Costa Mesa, 714.444.5900. patinagroup.com
Fleming’s
Just for New Year’s Eve, Fleming’s offers a three-course menu as an indulgent way to ring in 2014. Dishes include a roasted prosciutto-wrapped shrimp topped with tomato jam and cilantro; a choice of salad and filet mignon paired with an 8-oz. lobster tail. $69.95. A la carte menu also available. 455 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.720.9633. flemingssteakhouse.com
Scott’s Restaurant & Bar
You have two options at Scott’s: first seating before 7 p.m. is $65; second seating is $95 and includes a champagne toast, party favors and admittance into the private lounge with entertainment and dancing, plus a reserved table for the evening. Menu includes choices such as Cassisus sturgeon caviar, Chilean sea bass, grilled swordfish and crepes Suzette. 3300 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.979.2400. scottsrestaurantandbar.com
Charlie Palmer
Indulge in a six-course gala tasting menu including an amuse of oysters and caviar; blue fin tuna sashimi; pan-seared diver scallops with sea urchin risotto; buckwheat honey-glazed duck breast with braised red cabbage and wild mushroom bread pudding; whole roasted prime rib medallion with truffle sweet potato croquette and meringue cup filled with chestnut mousse and Mont Blanc chocolate. $110; $75 additional with paired wines. 5-10:30 p.m. 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.352.2525. charliepalmer.com
A Restaurant
Gather friends and family with a memorable dinner at one of Orange County’s most historic and popular modern American restaurants. The regular menu will be available from 5-7 p.m. and a second seating beginning at 9 p.m. will have a five-course prix fixe menu for $125 and includes a DJ, party favors and champagne toast. Savor dishes such as lobster and caviar; black truffle gnocchi; baked ricotta and persimmon; milk fed veal chop and deconstructed Rocky Road. 3334 W.Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.650.6505. arestaurantnb.com
NEW YEAR’S DAY
Annual Surf City Splash & Pancake Breakfast
Celebrate the New Year with a dip into the chilly Pacific Ocean. No wetsuits-that’s cheating! Enjoy a pancake breakfast as well as a crafts fair. Suggested donation is $20 and includes a t-shirt. Register at Zack’s starting at 8 a.m. Splash begins at 10 a.m. Huntington Beach Pier, 325 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, hbsurfcitysplash.com
Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel
RAYA will kick off the New Year with a tempting three-course a la carte brunch complete with flowing champagne. $65. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 1 Ritz-Carlton Drive, Laguna Niguel, 949.240.2000. ritzcarlton.com
Balboa Bay Resort
First Cabin Restaurant will keep the festivities going on New Year’s Day with a delicious brunch from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $45 adults; $22.50 children 4-12. 1221 Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.630.4145. balboabayresort.com
St. Regis Monarch Beach
Celebrate New Year’s Day at Motif with a breakfast spread from 8 a.m.-noon with the St. Regis signature Bloody Mary station. $45. 1 Monarch Beach Resort N., Dana Point, 949.234.3200. stregismb.com
Commitment Day Run
Join this nationwide, family-friendly New Year’s Day 5k Fun Run/Walk dedicated to starting a national conversation about living a healthy way of life. 10 a.m. $25-$45; parking $3. William R. Mason Regional Park, 18712 University Drive, Irvine. commitmentday.com
The Queen Mary
After a night of celebrating, do yourself a favor and fuel up on a delicious New Year’s Day brunch with dishes such as eggs Benedict, gnocchi with sage and brown butter, chile rellenos, crab claws, a carving station and more. Harpist Katrina Saroyan will provide beautiful music while you dine. 9 a.m. $65. 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach, 877.342.0738. queenmary.com