DEC. 31
NEW YEAR’S EVE AT THE ANAHEIM PACKING HOUSE
This New Year’s Eve celebration features a funky live performance from the Diversity Band of So Cal. Explore tasty food and drinks from Anaheim’s Packing House vendors while getting ready for the midnight countdown. Admission is free and all are welcome; check individual businesses for holiday hours. Anaheim Packing District, 440 S. Anaheim Blvd., 714-533-7225, anaheimpackingdistrict.com
DEC. 31
ROOFTOP LOUNGE NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION AT TOPSIDE
Head to Lido House for a jam-packed evening including a five-course meal, a drink, and live music at Mayor’s Table ($50 general admission; $115 to $165 for seating). Then, countdown to midnight rooftop-style at Topside ($50 per person) with a complimentary drink, a live DJ, and a Champagne toast. Lido House, 3300 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach, 949-524-8500, eventbrite.com
DEC. 31
FLASHBACK HEART ATTACK
Ring in the new year with the nationally acclaimed ’80s cover band Flashback Heart Attack in the 14,000-square-foot Bayside Pavilion tent surrounded by the breathtaking seaside atmosphere of Newport Dunes. Food and beverage concessions from full bars and food trucks will be available for purchase. Special VIP packages are available. Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort, 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach, 949-999-3100, newportdunes.com
DEC. 31
STEVIE NICK’S ILLUSION
Celebrate New Year’s Eve in the picturesque waterfront setting of Back Bay Bistro featuring a live performance by Stevie Nick’s Illusion, a tribute to singer Stevie Nicks. VIP dinner packages available. Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort, 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach, 949-999-3100, newportdunes.com
DEC. 31
NOVA KITCHEN ‘80S SOIREE
Get ready to party like it’s 1980 at Nova Kitchen & Bar! Gather under a disco ball in your best ’80s look for this inaugural New Year’s Eve soiree and enjoy a night of live entertainment, photo booth, cocktails and a selection of bites from the pan-Asian menu featuring Wagyu sliders and pork belly and sushi hand rolls. The party begins at 8:30 p.m. and ends at 1 p.m. after a Champagne toast. Tickets are $95 per guest and include a appetizers, two beverages, Champagne toast, and gift bag. 12361 Chapman Ave., Garden Grove, 714-696-0888, novaoc.com
DEC. 31
NEW YEAR’S EVE GATSBY SOIREE AT HIVE & HONEY
After a prix-fixe meal and Taittinger Champagne at Heirloom Farmhouse Kitchen (reservations at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., $85 per person), top off the night with a Gatsby-themed soiree at the rooftop bar upstairs complete with stunning views, a live DJ, entertainment, specialty cocktails, and a Champagne toast at midnight. The roaring fun begins at 8 p.m. and ends at 2 a.m. ($40 per per person). Marriott Irvine Spectrum, 7905 Irvine Center Dr., eventbrite.com
DEC. 31
1920s AT THE WINERY
It’s a throwback New Year’s Eve at The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar as it celebrates the Roaring ’20s! The restaurant’s Tustin and Newport Beach locations will offer choices of two seatings, the first with an a la carte menu and the second with a prix-fixe menu, Champagne toast, and entertainment into the new year. Beverages, tax, and gratuity are separate. Call the Tustin restaurant at 714-258-7600 or the Newport Beach restaurant at 949-999-6622, thewineryrestaurants.com.
DEC. 31
DINNER IN THE GARDEN AT PROVENANCE
End your year with a meal by chef Cathy Pavlos, who has earned numerous awards for her cuisine. Craft cocktails, beer, wine, and champagne will help you get into the celebratory spirit. Provenance will be open for dinner service only on New Year’s Eve with its full menu offered, along with specials. 2531 Eastbluff Drive, Newport Beach, 949-718-0477, provenanceoc.com/menu.
DEC. 31
A LA CARTE DINNER AT ANDREI’S
Andrei’s Conscious Cuisine & Cocktails will offer New Year’s Eve dinner from 5-10 p.m. with a limited a la carte menu. Andrei’s has become known for featuring local and organically grown produce, as well as naturally raised meats and sustainable seafood. Andrei’s Bar & Lounge will be open until 1 a.m., and guests will get party favors and a complimentary Champagne toast at midnight. A DJ will play music spanning decades with a little something for everyone. 2607 Main St., Irvine, 949-387-8887, andreisrestaurant.com.
DEC. 31
ITALIAN SPECIALTIES AT BELLO
Spend New Year’s Eve at Bello by Sandro Nardone, where guests may enjoy a combination of traditional Italian food and modern dishes in a style similar to that served at the top restaurants in Italy. Nardone will offer his full menu, along with specials that one would find in Italy for a New Year’s celebration. Guests may partake in a seasonal craft cocktail with an Italian twist or Italian wines offered as part of Bello’s bar program. 1200 Bison Ave., Newport Beach, 949-520-7191, bellobysandronardone.com.
DEC. 31
ROAST DINNER AT ARC
Celebrate New Year’s Eve at this American roast house in Costa Mesa. Chef Noah von Blom presents dishes using only locally sourced, fresh ingredients, and artisan-crafted products in every dish and cocktail. The result is hearty, rustic, oven-to-table food made for sharing, complemented by fresh, innovative cocktails. Be sure to stop by The Guild Club next door for a drink before or after your meal. The restaurant will be open for its regular hours, serving its regular menu on New Year’s Eve. 3321 Hyland Ave., Costa Mesa, 949-500-5561, arcrestaurant.com.
DEC. 31
A FAREWELL TO JOURNEYMAN’S FOOD + DRINK
Journeyman’s will help you say farewell to 2019 — and to the restaurant itself! New Year’s Eve will mark the final night of service for this award-winning restaurant, named 2019 Orange Coast restaurant of the year. Indulge in executive chef Zach Geerson’s creative tasting menus, which highlight seasonal bounty with modern techniques. 1500 Raymond Ave., Fullerton, 714-635-9025, journeymanfood.com.
DEC. 31
MODERN DINING AT FABLE & SPIRIT
Spend New Year’s Eve at Fable & Spirit for a progressive, modern dining experience in a dynamic setting. Executive chef David Shofner presents a four-course menu that focuses on fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Dishes include sushi-grade yellowfin tuna tartare with avocado and serrano sorbet, charred pickled red onion, dehydrated garlic and yuzu; cold-smoked diver scallop with fennel-apple puree, pickled strawberry, jalapeño powder, and pistachio crumble; rosewood American Wagyu filet mignon with pommes Lyonnaise, roasted Nantes carrots and Bordelaise sauce; and Fuji apple tart with salted caramel, vanilla bean sweet cream, and cinnamon gelato. First seating is $90+ per guest, and second seating is $120+ per guest, which includes party favors and Champagne toast at midnight. 3441 Via Lido, Newport Beach, 949-409-9913, fableandspirit.com.
DEC. 31
ELEGANT LUNCH AT KNIFE PLEAT
Enjoy an elegant New Year’s Eve lunch by Michelin-star chef Tony Esnault at Knife Pleat. Experience modern, seasonal interpretations of classic French techniques by Esnault as a la carte options or a three-course menu, and save room for dessert created by pastry chef Germain Biotteau. Knife Pleat will only be open for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. (last seating at 1:45 p.m.). 3333 S Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714-852-3974, knifepleat.com.
DEC. 31
NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY AT SEVEN-DEGREES
Ring in 2020 in Laguna Beach at a New Year’s Eve party with the Laguna Foundation of the Arts at the award-winning Seven-Degrees. The evening will a special spread from Driftwood Kitchen, The Deck on Laguna, and Hendrix Restaurant & Bar, with an open bar for the first hour featuring beer, wine, and Champagne. Guests will have an opportunity to enjoy live entertainment from Common Sense, set to perform on the main stage, as well as Addie Hamilton in a special VIP event. Ticket prices begin at $159 per person. 891 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949-376-1555, seven-degrees.com.
DEC. 31
COMFORT MEETS EXOTIC AT SAPPHIRE LAGUNA
After more than a decade of serving year-end meals, Sapphire is confident guests will bid farewell to 2019 with a satisfied smile on a journey during which comfort cuisine meets exotic innovation. Dinner and craft cocktail specials begin at 5 p.m. with a New Year’s Eve toast at midnight. 1200 S. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, 949-715-9888, sapphirelaguna.com.
DEC. 31
NEW YEAR’S EVE PRIX-FIXE AT HAVEN
If you’re looking for something special to make your final meal of 2019 memorable, Haven Craft Kitchen+Bar will offer a New Year’s Eve three-course prix-fixe menu. Executive chef Craig Brady will offer celebratory dishes, including West Coast oysters with Thomcord grape mignonette, tarragon, and horseradish cream foam; Prime filet with porcini soubise, sauce périgueux, chanterelles, baby carrots, and pearl onion; and spiced chocolate pot de créme with Chantilly cream, candied orange zest, and chocolate tuille. Haven’s New Year’s Eve prix-fixe menu is $75 per guest, which excludes tax and gratuity, and is available from 5 p.m. to midnight. A limited a la carte menu is also available on New Year’s Eve. 190 S. Glassell St., Orange, 714-221-0680, havencraftkitchen.com.
DEC. 31
NEW YEAR’S EVE MASQUERADE PARTY AT SUSHI ROKU
Spend New Year’s Eve at Sushi Roku, when the restaurant will host a masquerade party with a special a la carte menu, half-off select bottles of Champagne and sparkling wine, DJ, party favors, and complimentary toast at midnight. 327 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949-706-3622, sushiroku.com.
DEC. 31
EARLY TOAST AT PUESTO
Puesto will offer its full menu during its regular hours on New Year’s Eve. Both Irvine locations will offer a complimentary Champagne Toast at 9 p.m. (as the ball drops in New York’s Times Square at midnight). Sourcing its ingredients from in and around the state, Puesto has reached national acclaim for its Mexico City-style tacos made with non-GMO organic, maíz azul stone-ground tortillas, crispy melted cheese, and scratch salsas. eatpuesto.com.
DEC. 31
PLANT-BASED PARTY
Celebrate at Gracias Madre with a midnight Champagne toast and a live DJ from 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Bar expert Bowtie Lui will serving specialty cocktails concocted to help ring in the new decade, including the Rosé Linda ($12) with Aperol, Lillet Blanc, Chareau, and rosè, and the Ball Drop ($10) with prosecco, papaya juice, Angostura bitters, and rhubarb bitters. Splits of Ruffino prosecco ($8) will also be available. Special items on the dinner menu in addition to the regular plant-based menu created by chef Alan Sanz include roasted corn and chestnut cream; nachos with jackfruit Carnitas; and chocolate cake with apple-cinnamon cream and berries. 1617 Westcliff Drive, Newport Beach, 949-386-8100, graciasmadre.co
DEC. 31
NEW YEAR’S EVE AT RESORT AT PELICAN HILL
New Year’s Eve celebrations at the Resort at Pelican Hill include a five-course Italian gala at Andrea starting at $250 per person; a gold-themed party with live music and midnight balloon drop in the Great Room Social Lounge for $100 per guest; four-course California grill prix-fixe menu in the Lounge starting at $165 per person; a carnival-themed night with party hats, favors, and balloon drop at the Coliseum Bar; and a pajama party for children ages 4-12 with crafts, games, dinner, and a movie from 5 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. 22701 S. Pelican Hill Road, Newport Coast, 855-315-8214, pelicanhill.com.
DEC. 31
NEW YEAR’S EVE VEUVE CLICQUOT CHAMPAGNE & WINE DINNER + CONCERT WATERLINE NEWPORT BEACH
Join Waterline Newport Beach for an exclusive New Year’s Eve experience. Delight in an outdoor reception followed by a five-course meal expertly paired by Executive Chef Octavio Sabado featuring the wines from Veuve Clicquot, Domaine De L’ermitage, Bodega Numanthia, and Newton. After your meal, enjoy complimentary entry to the Tijuana Dogs New Year’s Eve concert in the Resort’s Grand Ballroom. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 949-645-5000 or visiting the ticket link here. Member discounts do apply. $245 per Adult (tax and gratuity not included, guests must be 21 or older) | includes entry to the Tijuana Dogs New Year’s Eve concert in the Resort’s Grand Ballroom.
6:30 pm – 10:00 pm, 1221 West Coast Hwy, Newport Beach, Tickets & Info
DEC. 31
A NIGHT AT THE ROXBURY PARTY AT ANGELINA’S NYE 2020!
Featuring DJ SOOSK LIVE! 90’s music and much more! Come in Costume or Sexy Chic wear! Put on your dancing shoes and get ready to ring in 2020 Roxbury style! $50 Entry Fee (includes Champagne Toast and Festivities). Also offering a special NYE menu. Bottle Service with Table Reservation minimum spend $750 for inside and $500 for patio (50% non-refundable deposit required). Purchase tickets here. To reserve a table please contact events@angelinaspizzeria.com (space is very limited, please reserve immediately). 9 P.M. – 2 A.M. 8573 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine, CA 92618
THROUGH JAN. 5
WINTER FEST OC
The carnival features a nightly tree lighting celebration, snow flurries, fireworks, and a bounty of holiday performers. Visitors can ride on the Ferris wheel and carousel, glide across the outdoor ice rink, play in the snow, ice tube down an eight-lane, 150-foot “mountain,” and indulge in seasonal treats. OC Fair and Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, 714-708-1500, winterfestoc.com
THERE’S MORE!
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Michelle Pagaran contributed to this article.
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