Hello Back Bay Bellinis, happy Friday!

We figured you probably have your Christmas plans dialed by now, but New Year’s is still 2ish weeks away. That is plenty of time to stock up on some bubbly and make friends with a yacht owner. Below are some curated recs for NYE around the bay and beyond.

Holiday Note: We will be giving our editor the week off next week, see you the 29th!

To our new readers—welcome! The Back Bay Buzz delivers just the right amount of news and events for locals in Newport Beach and Costa Mesa. No crime, no politics, no spam—just the good stuff. We scan newspapers, blogs, social media, business journals, and Google alerts so you don’t have to.

In today’s Buzz:

• NYE in and around the Towns

• Last Minute Christmas Activities

• Park Habitat Restoration in Costa Mesa

— Jon Dougher, Publisher, Back Bay Buzz

NYE in Newport and Costa Mesa

Parties

Showtek NYE 2026 Celebration - Time Nightclub (Costa Mesa) Wednesday, December 31, 9:30 PM – 2:00 AM https://timenightclub.com The biggest club event in the area. Dutch electronic duo Showtek headlines the night with massive production, confetti cannons, and a high-energy countdown.

New Year’s Eve Celebration Party - Balboa Bay Resort (Newport Beach) Wednesday, December 31, 8:30 PM – 1:00 AM https://balboabayresort.com An elegant, semi-formal affair in the Grand Ballroom. Features an 11-piece live band, a DJ, party favors, and a sparkling wine toast at midnight. (21+ only).

Newport Beach NYE Bar Crawl - Check-in at Malarky's / Stag Bar (Newport Peninsula) Wednesday, December 31, 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM https://pubcrawls.com The "all-access" pass to the Peninsula’s busiest bars. Your wristband waives cover charges at participating venues and gets you access to drink specials throughout the night.

New Year's Eve Yacht Party - Endless Dreams Yacht (Newport Harbor) Wednesday, December 31, 9:00 PM – 1:00 AM https://newportbeachtickets.com A floating nightclub experience. This cruise focuses on the party vibe with 2 levels of music, open bars, and a front-row seat to the harbor fireworks.

Sega Genecide: Y2K NYE - The Wayfarer (Costa Mesa) Wednesday, December 31, 10:00 PM https://wayfarercm.com A local tradition. The legendary Orange County rock band usually headlines the NYE show here for a night of nostalgia and club bangers to start to the year.

Dining & Galas

New Year's Eve Premier Dinner Cruise - City Cruises (Newport Harbor) Wednesday, December 31, 8:30 PM – 12:30 AM https://cityexperiences.com/newport-beach A 3.5-hour upscale cruise featuring a chef-prepared buffet, platinum open bar, and DJ entertainment. The best vantage point for seeing the lights on the water.

Flamenco Dinner Show Experience - Cafe Sevilla (Costa Mesa) Wednesday, December 31, 7:00 PM & 9:30 PM https://cafesevilla.com A 4-course Spanish dinner accompanied by a live Flamenco performance. The late seating includes the midnight countdown and party favors.

VIEW Restaurant Prix-Fixe Dinner - VEA Newport Beach Wednesday, December 31, 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM https://veanewportbeach.com A sophisticated 3-course tasting menu overlooking the golf course and ocean. Includes live music in the lounge afterwards.

NYE At The Set Steak and Sushi - Pendry Newport Beach Wednesday December 31 5pm - Late Setnewport.com “Start with à la carte from 5-7 pm, then settle in for our $195 pre-fixe experience until midnight. With a live DJ, champagne tower, and entertainment that keeps the energy high.”

Water Grill NYE Dinner - Water Grill (Costa Mesa) Wednesday, December 31, 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM https://watergrill.com While they don't do a "party," this is the go-to spot for a high-end seafood feast before heading out. Pre-order their signature iced shellfish platters.

Catalina Island NYE Gala - Avalon Casino Ballroom Wednesday December 31, 6:45pm – 1am. Click Here for Reservations. “A sparkling night of evening gowns, tuxedos, dining and dancing - all at the 52nd Annual New Year's Eve Gala Celebration on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, in the world-famous Casino Ballroom on Catalina Island. Dress in your finest and step back in time to the ambiance of the Casino Ballroom’s stylish sophistication.”

• Holiday Flower Class ($110) - Semitropic Wines, Ambrusa Flowers
  $110 includes flowers, vase, tools, and floral design guidance
  Friday Dec 19th
  5-7pm

• Silent Night Silent Disco at Segerstrom Center for the Arts ($17+)

  Friday, 19 December

  7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
  Info

• Santa Visits at Lido Marina Village in Newport Beach

  Friday, 19 December

  4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
  Info

• Ugly Sweater Party - Milligram Costa Mesa
  Friday Dec 19th
  5pm-late
  Info

• Breakfast with Santa - Helmsman Ale House
  Sat Dec 21st
  10am
  Info

• Vintage Holiday Market - Lido Village
  Sat Dec 20th 12-5pm
  Info

• Holiday Sip n Shop - Daydream Surf Shop
  Wine, jazz, wax and jumbo totes
  Info

UPCOMING:

[it’s the week between Christmas and New Year’s, just stay home and thank your lucky stars you don’t live in LA]

WHAT’S GOING ON IN SOUTH OC?

Check out our great partner newsletter:

🌊 Water temp = 63º
Suit Rec: Spring suit

THIS WEEKEND:

• Last Chance: Snoopy House Holiday Display - Costa Mesa City Hall

  Friday, 19 December

  5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
  Info

• Silent Night Silent Disco at Segerstrom Center for the Arts ($17+)

  Friday, 19 December

  7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
  Info

• Wild Tales Storytime, Hike, and Craft in Newport Beach (RSVP!)

  Friday, 19 December

  10:00 am - 11:00 am
  Info

• Breakfast with Santa - Helmsman Ale House
  Sat Dec 21st
  10am
  Info

• Snow, Inflatables, Face Painting, and more at Snowland - Balearic Park

  Saturday, 20 December

  10:00 am - 12:00 pm
  Info

• Holiday Hootenanny - Bump Out Park Dana Point Harbor
  With Little Folk Club Sing-a-long
  Sat Dec 19th
  10am
  Info

• Park Habitat Restoration Days in Costa Mesa

  Saturday, 20 December 9:00 am
  Sign Up

• Breakfast with Santa at IKEA Costa Mesa

  Sunday, 21 December

  9:30 am - 11:00 am
  Info

FAMILY PLAN AHEAD:

• Park Habitat Restoration Days in Costa Mesa

  Saturday Dec 27th @ 10:00 am
  Sign Up

• Dream Glow Fest at Wild Rivers Waterpark ($25-$36)

  Nov 14th - Dec 31st

  4:30 pm - 9:00 pm
  Info

• New Year's Eve Around the World at Pretend City ($22)

  Wednesday, 31 December

  10:00 am - 3:00 pm
  Info

Thanks! Please ignore any typos, our editor nearly got trampled at Snoopy House.

PS: Feel free to let me know any feedback or inside scoops you have for the newsletter. Just reply to this email, I read every one. Thanks!