Events

Big Night San Diego NYE at Hilton Bayfront

Dec. 31. Big Night San Diego is back with its 21st 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 “Countdown City.” 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. bignightsandiego.com

Fire and Ice NYE at Cielo Rooftop Lounge

Dec. 31. Experience different themed parties in one at Fire and Ice San Diego NYE 2024—taking place this year across three floors at Cielo Rooftop Lounge and Day N Nite nightclub. Guests can enjoy large indoor and outdoor party and dance spaces with themes spanning ‘80s music, EDM, Latin, hip-hop and more; a dozen performers, including DJs, fire dancers, aerialists and roaming magicians; an all-inclusive hosted bar and buffet; and party favors. Oh, and the party goes all night; 7 p.m.-8 a.m. See website for ticket pricing. 701 Sixth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter. More Info

Monte Carlo-Themed NYE Casino Cruise

Dec. 31. All aboard! The Bahia Resort Hotel presents a casino-themed NYE cruise along Mission Bay, aboard its William D. Evans sternwheeler boat. Feel free to dress up and indulge in an evening of casino table games; along with live entertainment, a cash bar with specialty cocktails, dancing, a photo booth, 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

NYE Gatsby Bash at The Guild Hotel

Dec. 31. Step back in time to the Roaring Twenties at The Guild Hotel’s Gatsby-themed New Year’s Eve bash: “NYE 2024: A Centennial Celebration at The Guild Hotel” (first opened in 1924). Dress The Great Gatsby part (think: tuxedos and 1920s-era sparkles) for an opulent evening of live jazz, DJ sets, burlesque performances and a Champagne toast at midnight. Experiences range from general admission; to four-course dinner packages; to VIP packages that include dinner and bottle service. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. See website for all details and pricing. 500 W. Broadway, downtown. More Info

Food + Drink

“A Cocktail Carol” at Polite Provisions

Through Dec. 31. The corner of 30th Street and Adams Avenue is aglow again with this fun annual holiday pop-up (formerly called “Miracle on 30th Street”). Enter a winter wonderland filled with twinkling lights and snowflakes hanging from the bar’s atrium-style ceiling and rafters; along with wreaths, trees, holly, tinsel, garland and other decorations. Polite Provisions will offer a special collection of holiday-themed cocktails in addition to its usual menu. Hideous holiday sweaters and other festive attire are encouraged. See website for hours. 4696 30th St., North Park, 619.269.4701. politeprovisions.com

JRDN NYE 2024

Dec. 31. For a more relaxed NYE celebration by the beach, Tower23 Hotel is your spot. The oceanfront property is hosting an evening of dancing and drinks, including DJ sets (9 p.m.-midnight) and a Champagne toast at midnight. Interested in dining prior? JRDN restaurant is offering a special four-course NYE dinner and optional wine pairings, with dishes such as seared seabass and Mary’s roasted half chicken; seatings available 5-9 p.m. (reservations required). NYE party tickets are $30 presale; $40 day of event. 723 Felspar St., Pacific Beach, 858.270.2323. t23hotel.com

NYE Bash at Punch Bowl Social

Dec. 31. The Champagne will be poppin’ while the ball is droppin’ at Punch Bowl Social! The venue’s NYE bash includes dancing all night with beats form Polartropica; free games (available first come, first served, with a one-hour limit per activity), including bowling, karaoke, darts, arcade games and more; bites such as beef sliders, cheese boards and quesadillas; festive cocktails; and a Champagne toast and balloon drop at midnight. See website for all details and to purchase tickets. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Starting at $75 per person. 1485 E St., East Village. More Info

Arts + Culture

Mannheim Steamroller Concert

Dec. 28. The bestselling Christmas music ensemble of all time celebrates more than 35 years of delighting holiday music lovers. Mannheim Steamroller has sold more than 41 million albums, with 31.5 million sold in the Christmas genre alone. Presented by Broadway San Diego, their 2023 concert at the Civic Theatre—“Mannheim Steamroller Christmas” by Grammy Award-winner Chip Davis—promises to be electrifying. The group will perform its holiday classics, along with other compositions—all accompanied by glittering multimedia effects. 7:30 p.m. See website for ticket pricing. 1100 Third Ave., downtown. broadwaysd.com

Cygnet Theatre’s A Christmas Carol

Closes Dec. 30. Step inside a Victorian Christmas card and follow cantankerous banker Ebenezer Scrooge through a ghost-filled, epiphanous night with Cygnet Theatre’s staging of A Christmas Carol—back for its eighth season at Old Town Theatre. Adapted and directed by Sean Murray (pictured)—who also portrays lead role of Scrooge for the second time—the family-friendly show features original music by Billy Thompson, live sound effects and puppetry. See website for showtimes and tickets. (And arrive early for an audience holiday singalong led by cast members.) 4040 Twiggs St., Old Town, 619.337.1525. cygnettheatre.com

The Grinch at The Old Globe

Closes Dec. 31. Who better to keep that holiday spirit going than the big, hairy, grumpy green guy? The Old Globe presents the beloved, family-friendly musical, Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas!, based on the classic Dr. Seuss book—with book and lyrics by Timothy Mason and music by Mel Marvin. Audience favorite Andrew Polec (pictured) returns to star in the title role of The Grinch; along with Steve Gunderson as “Old Max”; and an endearing ensemble cast. See website for showtimes and ticket pricing. 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, 619.234.5623. theoldglobe.org

Photo credits: Mannheim Steamroller by Matt Christine Photography. A Christmas Carol / Cygnet Theatre by Karli Cadel Photography. The Grinch / The Old Globe by Jim Cox. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.