Seasonal & Holidays

OC Newport Beach New Year’s Eve Events: 2018 Guide

It's never too early to start thinking about New Year's Eve! Here's your guide to fireworks, parties & events happening in or near Newport.

NEWPORT BEACH, CA — Love it or hate it, New Year’s Eve is happening again this year. Whether you plan to ring in 2018 at your favorite restaurant, a buzzing party with your friends, or all cozied up in front of the TV, we’ve got you covered.

So pop the bubbly, come up with some resolutions you can actually stick to and get ready to celebrate the New Year. Check out town-by-town listings below of New Year’s celebrations and events for 2017 in and near Newport Beach if you’re one to want to go out, plus a look at what television programming may make you want to stay in.

If you want to go out..

Find out what's happening in Newport Beach-Corona Del Marfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

15th Annual New Years Eve Yacht Party – Newport Beach

When: 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Find out what's happening in Newport Beach-Corona Del Marfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Where: The Ambassador Yacht, 2901 West Coast Highway, Newport Beach, CA 92663 View Map

What to Expect: The 15th anniversary event, and this event sells out annually. Newport’s most elegant oversized luxury yacht, The Ambassador! 140 Feet, 3 levels, outdoor decks, Lounge and a beautiful dance floor. This 200 capacity luxury yacht is ready to make history as being the most memorable New Years Yacht Cruise.

Cost: $149 per person

More Information: Find out more here.

Where: Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point

What to Expect: Ring in 2018 with a New Year's Eve Party held in Monarch Beach Resort's picturesque 33°North. Welcome the new year at the Toast on the Coast celebration featuring freeflowing Perrier Jouet Champagne, Absolut Cocktails and inventive food stations. Entertainment will include a DJ and other performers. Registration begins at 7:00 PM on Sunday, December 31 where ticket holders will need to obtain event wristbands. Doors will open at 11:00 PM. For New Year's Eve dining information at AVEO Table + Bar or Stonehill Tavern, please contact our experience planning team at 949.234.3423. Overnight room packages are also available. To book, please contact resort reservations at 949.234.3900.

Cost: $200

More information, visit: Eventbrite

Black & White Ball | New Year's Eve 2017

When: 8:30 p.m.

Where: San Juan Hills Golf Club, San Juan Capistrano.

What to Expect: The Black & White Ball! Ring in the new year with DJ and our very special guests - and your local favorite Family Style. Doors open at 8:30, band plays 9:30 to 12:30. Enjoy complimentary tapas, appetizer stations, midnight munchies and west coast champagne toast. Take home a souvenir photo (or two) from our New Year's themed photo experience. Don't miss this chance to dance into the New Year with style... FAMILY STYLE!!

More information: Eventbrite.com

We’ll be adding new events to this post as they pop up, so be sure to check back as the big day nears!

First Night In Fullerton With Fireworks

When: Sunday, December 31, 2017. 7 p.m. to 12 midnight

Where: Between Harbor Blvd. on the west and Pomona Ave on the east in historic downtown Fullerton.

First Night fun with the City of Fullerton's in their annual alcohol-free New Year’s Eve celebration of the arts. The free event includes a full line-up of live entertainment, games, food vendors, activities and more.

The festival ends at midnight as the sky lights up with an incredible aerial display of fireworks to ring in the New Year.

More Information: First Night in Fullerton

New Year's Eve Fun With Family

When: Sunday, December 31, 2017 - 5-9 p.m.

Where: Civic Plaza, 22232 El Paseo Rancho, Santa Margarita, CA 92688

From the city of Rancho Santa Margarita:
"The mission of the Annual New Year’s Eve Celebrating Family & Friends event is to provide a safe and fun event that brings the community together in an alcohol-free setting.

For more information: Read Here.

If you want to stay in...

If your idea of the perfect New Year’s Eve is curling up on the couch with a hot toddy and watching the countdown in your pajamas, you’re in luck. These are the top two live TV specials people are already talking about. Here’s a peek so you can you can plan accordingly:

“New Year’s Eve Live” With Anderson Cooper And Andy Cohen

Where to catch it: CNN

Why you should watch: For the first time ever, Anderson Cooper will host CNN’s annual New Year’s Eve Live special with none other than “Watch What Happens Live” host Andy Cohen. As these two are best friends in real life, you can expect tons witty banter and hilarious moments from the pair. The Bravo mogul will replace Cooper’s former co-host Kathy Griffin, whom CNN fired after her controversial Donald Trump photoshoot.

“Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve 2018” Hosted by Ryan Seacrest

Where to catch it: ABC

Why you should watch: Remember last year’s infamous Mariah Carey mic incident? Yes, it happened on Seacrest’s watch. So if that’s any indication, this could be a good one to tune-in to. And even if there aren’t any crazy celebrity snafus, you can count on crazy views of Time Square packed with people, as well as awesome musical performances.

Photo, Priscilla Du Preez, via Unsplash

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