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- NYE in Newport + Costa Mesa
NYE in Newport + Costa Mesa
Dropping the Ball on the Coast


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.”
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Holiday Flower Class ($110) - Semitropic Wines, Ambrusa Flowers
$110 includes flowers, vase, tools, and floral design guidance
Friday Dec 19th
5-7pmSilent Night Silent Disco at Segerstrom Center for the Arts ($17+)
Friday, 19 December
7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
InfoSanta Visits at Lido Marina Village in Newport Beach
Friday, 19 December
4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
InfoUgly Sweater Party - Milligram Costa Mesa
Friday Dec 19th
5pm-late
InfoBreakfast with Santa - Helmsman Ale House
Sat Dec 21st
10am
InfoVintage Holiday Market - Lido Village
Sat Dec 20th 12-5pm
InfoHoliday 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?
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Welcome to Scotland…
🌊 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
InfoSilent Night Silent Disco at Segerstrom Center for the Arts ($17+)
Friday, 19 December
7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
InfoWild Tales Storytime, Hike, and Craft in Newport Beach (RSVP!)
Friday, 19 December
10:00 am - 11:00 am
InfoBreakfast with Santa - Helmsman Ale House
Sat Dec 21st
10am
InfoSnow, Inflatables, Face Painting, and more at Snowland - Balearic Park
Saturday, 20 December
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
InfoHoliday Hootenanny - Bump Out Park Dana Point Harbor
With Little Folk Club Sing-a-long
Sat Dec 19th
10am
InfoPark Habitat Restoration Days in Costa Mesa
Saturday, 20 December 9:00 am
Sign UpBreakfast with Santa at IKEA Costa Mesa
Sunday, 21 December
9:30 am - 11:00 am
Info
FAMILY PLAN AHEAD:
Farmers Markets 🥬🥕:
Costa Mesa - SOCO (Saturdays 9-2)
Corona Del Mar - PCH & Marguerite (Saturdays 9-1)
Newport Beach - Newport Pier (Sunday 9-1)

🌴 Costa Mesa

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!

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