Events

Big Night San Diego NYE

Dec. 31. Big Night San Diego is back with its 22nd annual NYE celebration—one of the biggest in the city. Bring your I.D. but leave the wallet at home for this massive, all-inclusive bash unfolding at Hilton San Diego Bayfront—which transforms into a huge holiday party. Highlights include multiple party zones and dance floors; bands and DJs performing all night; hosted drinks and cuisine, including a lavish buffet; party favors; discounted hotel rooms; and a special midnight countdown. See website for full details, ticket pricing and hotel room packages. 1 Park Blvd., downtown. More Details

Lovers Masquerade Ball at Coasterra

Dec. 31. Dress in your mysterious best and don’t forget your mask for the NYE Lovers Masquerade Ball at Coasterra. Guests will enjoy four stages of live entertainment, including 14 DJs—headliners include Danny Tenaglia, Latmun and The Soul Brothers—along with some of San Diego’s best bay and skyline views. The lineup also includes Blue Jade, Bob Dazzla, CJ Posada, Draz, Julean, Malcom Brown, Mario Lui, Show Shonna, Sprout and Wasted Talent. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. General admission starts at $55 (see website for details). 880 Harbor Island, Harbor Island. More Info

Mavericks 2025 NYE Party

Dec. 31. Ring in the New Year at the biggest party in Pacific Beach. Mavericks Beach Club—the lively P.B. watering hole known for its beachy party vibe and expansive patio—hosts an epic evening filled with DJs, roaming live entertainment, multiple dance floors, party favors, balloon drops at all of the venue’s bars at midnight, beer, wine and libations, and much more. Doors open at 7 p.m.; party runs until 2 a.m. See website for all details ticket pricing (early bird pre-sale tickets are $50 for general admission). Party attire welcome. 21+ only. 860 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach. More Info

NYE Fire & Ice 

Dec. 31. Experience several themed parties in one at NYE Fire & Ice—unfolding across two floors at Cielo Rooftop Lounge. Guests can enjoy large dance spaces with themes spanning electronic dance music, Latin, hip-hop and more; a dozen performers, including DJs, fire dancers, aerialists and roaming magicians; multiple bars; a photo booth; and party favors. 8 p.m.-2 a.m. See website for ticket pricing. (Customizable VIP experiences are available, including buffet dining until 9 p.m., private performances and early entry; tables start at $1,000.) 701 Sixth Ave., fifth floor, Gaslamp Quarter. More Info

NYE Party Cruise on Mission Bay

Dec. 31. The Bahia Resort Hotel presents a special NYE party cruise along Mission Bay, aboard its William D. Evans sternwheeler. The evening begins with a pre-cruise reception including tray-passed appetizers and a Champagne bar. And then all aboard for a night of live entertainment, a cash bar with specialty cocktails, dancing, complimentary tray-passed desserts, party favors and a Champagne toast at midnight. Make a full night out of it and book an overnight stay at the hotel. See website for ticket pricing and room rates. 998 W. Mission Bay Drive, Mission Bay, 858.488.0551. bahiahotel.com

Food + Drink

NYE Dining at Kingfisher

Dec. 31. Ring in 2025 with a family-style Vietnamese-French meal at Kingfisher. Guests can enjoy a festive spread of seven shareable dishes across four courses, prepared by chef David Sim; along with optional wine pairings. Feast on marinated Saltspring mussels, spiny lobster congee, smoked wagyu beef rib, ice-cream macaron sandwiches, and more. The experience includes a Champagne toast and viewing of the NYC Time Square ball drop from a live screen at the restaurant at 9 p.m. See website for reservations. $150 per person; $65 per wine-pairing add-on. 2469 Broadway, Golden Hill. More Info

NYE at Kettner Exchange

Dec. 31. Bid farewell to 2024 in “Old Hollywood glamour” style. Kettner Exchanges hosts “Midnight on the Boulevard,” featuring a seven-course meal with optional wine pairings; a Champagne tower; a themed photo booth; live jazz; and late-night DJs to keep the party going. Menu highlights include wild-mushroom risotto, grilled striped bass, roasted beef tenderloin, Moroccan-spiced duck breast, and “Snickers” for dessert. Old Hollywood-themed outfits are encouraged. Reservations required (see website for seatings, which are selling out fast!). $150 per person; $60 per wine-pairing add-on. 2001 Kettner Blvd., Little Italy. 619.255.2001. More Info

NYE at Roma Norte

Dec. 31. Roma Norte—the chic new cocktail bar at The Headquarters at Seaport (whose name is inspired by the vibrant, culture-rich Mexico City neighborhood of the same name) has its halls decked and ready to go for New Year’s Eve. The evening begins with an ice luge shot and ends with a Champagne toast at midnight. In between, choose from 10 holiday cocktails, such as the Cold Buttered Rum (pictured), and gourmet tacos. Doors open at 9 p.m. Tickets start at $125 (see website). 789 W. Harbor Drive, Unit 155, downtown, 619.600.5535. More Info

Arts + Culture

Broadway San Diego: The Illusionists

Dec. 26-27. Prepare to be dazzled by some of the most mind-blowing illusionists in the world at the thrilling family-friendly show, The Illusionists: Magic of the Holidays, an “Extra Season Event” presented by Broadway San Diego at the Civic Theatre. The action-packed show is filled with some of the more astonishing and outrageous magic acts ever seen on one stage—all tinged with some festive holiday spirit. (Past shows have featured such grand illusions as disappearing vehicles and people!) 7:30 p.m. See website for ticket pricing. 1100 Third Ave., downtown. broadwaysd.com

Lamb’s Players: RESPECTFULLY Christmas

Through Dec. 29. Lamb’s Players Theatre in Coronado brings back its 2023 sold-out smash holiday show, RESPECTFULLY Christmas. The stage lights up with 14 singers, actors and musicians performing holiday songs and Christmas carols across a rousing 90-minute production (no intermission). Catch some of your favorite performers, including Sydney Joyner, Bryan Barbarin, Steve Gouviea, Katherine Chatman, Natasha Reese, Ben van Diepen, Angela Chatelain Avila, Tori Waner, Ben Read, Nathan Nonhof and more. See website for showtimes and ticket pricing. 1142 Orange Ave., Coronado, 619.437.6000. lambsplayers.org

Photo credits: Roma Norte by Mandie Geller. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.