Don't have any New Year's Eve plans yet? Don't worry: You're not the only one. Here's a quick rundown of what's going on in Orange County–ring in 2010 right with some events that don't suck. (And if they do, uh, at least they won't suck too much?)
]
Disneyland
Sure it's
crowded–a friend once described the situation as “ass to mouth”–but
it's also Disneyland. Worth it… right? Other than the usual rides and
$3.50 churros, Disneyland will also play host to live bands and a
fireworks spectacular at the stroke of midnight. The park will stay
open until 2 a.m. and California Adventure closes at 1 a.m.
Disneyland Resort: 1313 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim, (714) 781-4565; www.disneyland.com. $62-$72.
New Year's Eve with DJ Oldboy
If
you're looking for a low(er) key way to ring in the New Year with good
tunes, cheeeep booze and an un-obnoxious crowd, Avalon's the answer.
Avalon Bar, 820 W. 19th St., Costa Mesa; (949) 515-4650; www.myspace.com/theavalonbar. 9 p.m., free.
Reverend Horton Heat
Sweep up that pompadour and get ready for a night of psychobilly freakouts: Welcome 2010 with Reverend Horton Heat and Street Dogs.
House of Blues Anaheim: 1530 S. Disneyland Dr., Anaheim, (714) 778-2583; www.houseofblues.com. 9 p.m., $50-$55. All ages.
Noon Year's Eve
Here's
an idea for how to make up leaving the kids with the babysitter that
night: Ring in the New Year early during Noon Year's Eve at the
Discovery Science Center. They'll celebrate at noon with a countdown,
balloon drop, ginger ale toast, music, activities and more. Free with
paid admission and open to all ages! (Grace Le)
Discovery Science Center, 2500 N. Main St., Santa Ana, (714) 542-2823; www.discoverycube.org. 10 a.m., $9.95-$12.95. All ages.
New Year's Eve OC
Who
in their right mind wants to spend New Years Eve freezing their ass off
while corralled in Times Square without a bathroom for five hours? Sure,
you get to see a giant flashy ball descended from the sky, but a less
masochistic (and way more fun) way to ring in 2010 would be to sexify
your fine self and shimmy on over to the Costa Mesa Hilton for New
Years Eve OC. This crazy shindig will potentially host 5,000 savvy
locals on seven dance floors blasting everything from Top 40 to Latin
hits. Sprinkle 10 live bands and a gaming casino on top of that and
you've got yourself one helluva party. Come dressed to the nines and
dance your heart out until the clock strikes midnight. You won't even
have to put on a coat! (Grace Le)
Hilton Costa Mesa, 3050 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, (714) 540-7000; owlus.com/main/events/newyears/nyeoc_main.php. 8 p.m., $60. 21+.
New Year's Eve Black Tie Gala
For
those of you out there looking for a fancypants way to celebrate: Join
Balboa Bay Club for their annual black tie gala and dance the night
away to the sounds of the Bobby Perino Orchestra.
Balboa Bay Club, 1221 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, (949) 645-5000; www.balboabayclub.com. 8 p.m., $195. Call for age restrictions.
The Fab Four
Because it's as close as you'll ever get to George Harrison.
The Grove of Anaheim, 2200 E. Katella, Anaheim, (714) 712-2750; www.grove-of-anaheim.com. 10 p.m., $40. All ages.
For even more events, check out our online calendar!
