The countdown to 2019 is on and that means making memories and having fun this New Year’s Eve. The Huntington Beach area is home to many unique events to ring in the New Year. If you’re still wondering what to do, check out some of these ideas.
WinterFest
Winter Fest is an annual event that many in the area look forward to each year. Although it begins on December 20th and runs through January 6th, there are special events held on New Year’s Eve. You can choose to make it a day of family fun if you want to get the kids home before the ball drops or you can party all night with live bands and a DJ. The choice is yours!
Image: Winter Fest Facebook page
On New Year’s Eve, gates open at 2p.m. and close at 1a.m., so there’s plenty of time to get your list of activities in. You can go ice tubing, ice skating, go through the light maze or hop on the many carnival rides. There’s so much to do and see that you want to give yourself plenty of time so you don’t miss out.
On New Year’s Eve, you can also take the kids to the see the “PJ Masks” characters or enjoy carolers before taking in the nightly Christmas Tree lighting and fireworks that kick off at 5:30p.m. Check out the Katy Perry cover band that night or dance to the music of a live DJ until the countdown to 2019.
Winter Fest is located at the OC Fair & Event Center on Fair Drive in Costa Mesa. If you choose to drive and park, there is an $8 parking fee. You can purchase your tickets online or when you get there.
Kool & the Gang concert Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach
It will be a real “Celebration” with Kool & the Gang at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach this New Year’s Eve.
Image: facebook.com/Kool & The Gang
Ring in 2019 with music from this iconic band as they play their well-known hits that are known by people of all generations. There will also be a DJ. You can choose to come for just music and dancing, or you can opt for a dinner package. A standard ticket for just the music portion is $155 person. Other packages run $205-$295 per person. Doors open at 7p.m. with the music scheduled to begin at 8:45p.m. and run all the way through midnight.
Ways & Means Oyster House Masquerade Bash
Bring a little mystery to your New Year’s Eve with the masquerade bash at the Ways & Means Oyster House on Pacific Coast Highway.
Enjoy the full menu as well as some special items as you ring in the New Year. You can bring your own mask for the bash or buy one of the many that will be on sale there that night. There will be a champagne toast at midnight and a prize for the best mask. Reservations are highly recommended.
Big Bear Mountain Resort Torchlight Parade
It’s not exactly local, but this event is so cool we had to include it. The Torchlight Parade will celebrate its 54th year on New Year’s Eve at Big Bear Mountain Resort. Big Bear is a little over 2 hours away, so the drive isn’t long, but you’ll probably want to spend the night if you’re planning to ring in the New Year up there!
Image: bigbearmountainresort.com
Watch more than 200 skiers and snowboarders come down the face of the mountain carrying torches in the dark. It’s a mesmerizing sight to see before the ball drops. The Torchlight Parade begins at 7p.m. and will be followed by a performance by ‘90’s group “Digital Underground”. There will also be a live DJ as well as stilt walkers, fire dancers, a bounce house for the kids and a photo booth. Don’t forget the champagne toast at midnight.
You can make a day of it by coming to ski, snowboard or go tubing as the resort opens at 8:30 a.m. Admission to the parade viewing and New Year’s Eve party is free and open to all ages. Big Bear Mountain Resort is located on Summit Boulevard on Big Bear Lake.
New Year’s Day Surf City Splash
If you’re looking for an activity for New Year’s Day, you can start 2019 off with a splash…literally.
Image: facebook.com/Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum
The Surf City Splash in Huntington Beach kicks off at 9a.m. with a pancake breakfast. The event is a fundraiser for the Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum. At 11 a.m., all participants make their way to the shore for an awards ceremony that includes recognition for things like the best disco costume, best pj costume, and oldest participant, just to name a few. At noon, all splashers make their dip into the Pacific Ocean! The cost is $25 and includes a pancake breakfast and a certificate for participating.
There’s something for everyone in the Huntington Beach area this New Year’s. Choose your favorite activity and make it a time to remember!
