OH MY GOODNESS! The countdown to a new year begins in five days. Where has 2020 gone? Don’t let dad’s time pass you by. Get ready to start 2021 by singing “Auld Lang Syne” and toasting next year with family and friends. Here are 15 selections of some of the best San Diego has to offer this New Year’s Eve.
Children celebrate New Year’s Eve at the New Children’s Museum’s annual pajama jam.
(Chris Wojdak)
Already in pajamas at the New Children’s Museum
Start the New Year celebration. Comfortable and cozy is the theme of this jam party for families. The annual party includes art activities with New Year’s themes, games, dancing jam, photo booth, catering dinner and the popular balloon drop. From 5:30 to 8:30 pm on December 28th. The New Children’s Museum, 200 W. Island Ave., San Diego. $ 35 per adult; $ 25 per child. thinkplaycreate.org
New Year’s grape descent.
(City of Temecula)
NEW Grape Drop
Meet at the Temecula Town Hall Clock Tower for two drops of grapes: one at 9pm (descent from the east coast) and the descent of the large grape lit at midnight. Pre-sale attractions include live music, food vendors, children’s activities and a free fun area open from 6pm to 10pm. 6 p.m., Dec. 31 at 12:30 p.m. January 1. Temecula Civic Center, 41000 Main Street, Temecula. Free. (951) 296-6207. bit.ly/2PT0SGE
New York “Burning Bowl” Ceremony
The Coastal Center for Spiritual Life invites everyone to a sacred, interreligious, and transformative opportunity to write, burn, and release things from your past and establish your intentions for new beginnings in the coming new year. The event is free, but donations are welcome. No reservation required. From 7 to 8:30 p.m. December 31st. Seaside Center for Spiritual Living, 1613 Lake Drive, Encinitas. (760) 753-5686. seasidecenter.org
At the Living Coast Discovery Center’s New Year’s Eve party, you can find Sapphire, a sea turtle.
(Peggy Peattie / UT)
New York’s “Soaring 20’s” party at the Living Coast Discovery Center
Get ready to enjoy a full night of animal gatherings, night excursions, garden games, arts and crafts, a hot chocolate bar and cookie decorations and more. Adults can turn up the volume by listening to and dancing to DJ music, singing karaoke or grabbing some adult drinks available as a standalone purchase. Remember the night with a souvenir photo and the fall of the Times Square ball at the “midnight” toasts at 9 p.m. Premium parking is available this year. The cost is $ 20 per car and includes early entry at 6:30 p.m., and valet parking. From 7 to 9 p.m. December 31st. Living Coast Discovery Center, 1000 Gunpowder Point Drive, Chula Vista. $ 40 per person. thelivingcoast.org
New Year’s ascent
Bring inner peace to your 2021 in this celebration of hope for all ages, with African drums and dances, a Native American healing ceremony, kirtan singing and yoga and meditation, a full vegetarian / vegan buffet and kombucha to the touch. Donations are appreciated. No need to register. Everyone is welcome. From 7 pm on 31 December to midnight on 1 January. WorldBeat Cultural Center, 2100 Park Blvd., Balboa Park. (619) 230-1190. events.worldbeatcenter.org
Hotel de l’Coronat.
(Photo courtesy)
New York Gala and Wonderland Children’s Masquerade at The Del
Say goodbye to 2020 at The Del’s annual issue of black ties, only for over-21s. This elegant dinner includes a five-course feast, an open bar, dancing to the songs of the Mighty Untouchables. Children and teenagers aged 5 to 17 can enjoy their own celebration, from 7pm to 12.30pm, with dinner, ice skating (over 8s), games, special shows and other activities, including a midnight toast with sparkling cider. From 7 pm on December 31 to 1 am. January 1. Hotel del Coronado, 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado. Gala Tickets: $ 375 to $ 425; children’s party: $ 125; $ 100 for each additional child. hoteldel.com/events/new-years-eve-ballroom
Julio de l’Horta.
(The Westgate Hotel)
New York Latin party at the Westgate Hotel
The Versailles Ballroom at the Westgate Hotel is your destination for a Latin-inspired night of classic cocktails, a buffet dinner, a DJ and a Latin fusion performance by guitarist Julio de la Huerta and his band. Guests can play the new year in a bright style with a toast at midnight and a balloon drop at midnight. You need a cocktail dress. There will be a cash bar available. Only from 21 years. From 7:30 pm December 31 to 12:30 pm. January 1. The Westgate Hotel, 1055 Second Ave., San Diego. $ 165 per person. westgatehotel.com
New Year’s Eve at Loews Coronado Bay Resort.
(Photo courtesy)
NYE Soiree on the Bay at Loews Coronado Bay Resort
Bay views, culinary food, live music from Redwoods Revue, along with a countdown to midnight, balloon drop and champagne toasts at midnight, encompass this annual shindig. This family-friendly event also includes access to a children’s area from 7pm to midnight, and includes video games, movies, a bounce house and other activities, including a balloon drop at 9am. at night. Buy a children’s bracelet for $ 35 to take to the main event. No wristbands are required for the children’s area. All children must be accompanied by an attending adult. From the afternoon of December 31st to the morning of January 1st. Loews Coronado Bay Resort, 4000 Coronado Bay Road, Coronado. $ 50 per adult; $ 35 per child or under 12. Tickets: bit.ly/35s5Kcj
Craft Beer New Year.
(Photo courtesy)
New Year of Craft Beer at Stone Brewing
Take the dust off your backs and grab the extra-hold hair spray for Stone Brewing back in the eighties. On New Year’s Eve, beer lovers aged 21 and over can celebrate an era of funky dance songs, rockinera choruses and guitar solos that melt in your face at Stone Brewing’s World Bitro & Gardens in Escondido ( 1999 Citracado Parkway, Escondido) and Liberty Station (2186 Historic Decatur Road, San Diego). North County partygoers can listen to some of the best rock songs of the ’80s performed by the tribute band Rock of Ages from 8 to 10:30 p.m. DJ Earl Henry (also known as DJ Early) holds the party from 10:30 pm to 1:00 pm. Other entertainment activities include a video game lounge, Bill and Ted’s excellent adventure in the mezzanine, winged gargoyle photography operations, and a wall of Resolution Tree live art. Partygoers in the San Diego area will set sail with music from the late 70s / early 80s with Band Overboard. Both locations will serve snacks, and the dining and dessert stations will feature classic 80s comfort food. Tickets cost between $ 79 and $ 99. Be sure to bring a valid ID or you will not walk away from the door. stonebrewing.com
New Year’s Contra Dance Gala
Tracing its roots in seventeenth-century New England, the counter dance is an associated social dance, similar to the figures of the picture dance. Join San Diego Folk Heritage for a New Year’s Eve walk on the dance floor. Before each dance, “Caller” Jacqui Grennan will take a kind tour of the steps and formations. The music will be provided by the band Audacious, with Audrey Knuth on violin and Larry Unger on guitar and banjo. Comfort is key, so wear soft-soled shoes and non-restrictive clothing. Soft drinks and snacks will be served during breaks. Guests can bring their favorite digital meals to share. From 8 pm on 31 December to 12:15 pm on 1 January. $ 15 to $ 25 in advance; $ 20 to $ 30 at the door. Trinity United Methodist Church, 3030 Thorn St., San Diego. sandiegocontra.org
NYE Beach Party at the Catamaran Hotel, hosted by Vavi.
(Photo courtesy)
New Year’s Eve party on VAVi beach at the Catamaran Resort hotel
You won’t have to worry about Jimmy Choo’s high heels sinking into the sand. The New Year’s Eve party signed by VAVi is held inside the Catamaran Resort. The all-inclusive bash encompasses four large ballrooms with first-hand entertainment featuring Sleeping Giant Music artists DJ Fresh One, Chris Cutz, Frankie M, Jason Whitmore and more. Your ticket includes drinks, snacks, extended bar service and a midnight LED countdown display and balloon drop. If you switch to VIP, go through the stern of William D. Evans and stroll through Mission Bay with three decks of music, dance and casino games. 8 p.m. December 31 at 1:30 p.m. January 1. $ 139 beach party ticket; $ 169 VIP party boat. 3999 Mission Blvd., San Diego. nyebeachparty.com
NEW Gala buffet dinner cruise
We welcome the new year by crossing the bay surrounded by the San Diego night skyline aboard a four-hour yacht trip that includes buffet dinner, live music, dancing, sparkling or sparkling cider, free coffee and you are hot. Cocktail dress is recommended. From 8:30 pm December 31 to 12:30 pm. January 1. Departure at 8 p.m. at Pier 1 Hornblower Landing, 1800 N. Harbor Drive, San Diego. $ 199 per person; children under 3 are free. hornblower.com
Black & Gold NYE Party at the Maritime Museum
The top deck of the 1898 Berkeley steamer will be transformed into an elegant guest lounge for ages 21 and up, with panoramic views of San Diego Bay. According to the theme, the evening dress is the black and gold cocktail dress. Music, snacks, party favors and midnight toast are included. For earth lovers, the Berkeleys will not leave the dock. From 9 pm on December 31 to 12:30 pm. January 1. Check-in time is 8:30 p.m. You need to enter the bracelet. San Diego Maritime Museum, 1492 N. Harbor Drive, San Diego. $ 60 (619) 234-9153. sdmaritime.org
Parties abound throughout San Diego, including the Hilton San Diego Bayfront.
(Photo courtesy)
Big Night San Diego NYE at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront
The annual Big Night party is back for its 17th countdown. Returning to the Hilton Bayfront, Big Night will host eight dance floors, a large balloon drop at midnight and 10 themed party areas called “Countdown City”. Entertainment lineup includes Jason Hannah Jazz Quartet, Flashpants, Coast Club, Mary Droppinz (aka Alyssa Marie), The Cured and many more. Your “Main Event” ticket guarantees a bar open all night, as well as an elaborate buffet. The dress code ranges from club attire to black tie for gentlemen, and elegant cocktail attire to formal dresses for women. From 9 pm on December 31 to 2 am. January 1. Hilton St. Dieg Bayfront, 1 Park Blvd., downtown. Tickets currently start at $ 94.99 and will increase as the event approaches. bignightsandiego.com
New York Milonga
With the San Diego Tango Festival in town on Friday, January 1, a New Year’s Eve milonga (tango dance party) should definitely be on the must-have list for dance lovers and Argentine music. The Hyperion Ensemble will perform contemporary to traditional tango music. The evening includes cakes, coffee, bubbles and snacks. 9:30 p.m. December at 5 p.m. January 1. Wyndham Bayside Main Ballroom, 1355 N. Harbor Drive, San Diego. $ 70 sandiegotangofestival.com