Other around San Diego (i.e. younger people:-) like to head to big events to celebrate with the rest of their friends and community. And that's cool, too, because San Diego has a couple of longtime traditions for ringing in the New Year.
Sure, we don't have an established gathering spot, a la New York City's Times Square or even Seattle's Space Needle, that San Diegans can go to without being charged an arm and a leg. Nevertheless, there are big bashes where you can go, even places where the whole family can go. In addition, many hotels and restaurants around town have special New Year's Even dinner packages, if you're so inclined.
Here are a few suggestions to ring in the New Year with a bang. Check the links below for more info for each event. Just remember to be careful and don't drink and drive.
First Night Escondido 2009
December 31, 2008 6:00 p.m. to midnight.
Tickets: $10 per person, $15 at the door.
California Center For the Arts Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd.
Escondido, CA 92025
The Biggest and Best New Year's Eve party in North County San Diego! Each year First Night Escondido presents an event that celebrates community, the arts, and the New Year with 12 stages of music and dance, the best of restaurant and vendor foods, hands-on art activities, and two dazzling fireworks displays! Fireworks Extravaganza at 9 p.m. and midnight. Follow the amazing Chinese Dragon Parade starting at City Hall at 9 p.m.
Times Square West
West Coast’s Premier New Year’s Eve Extravaganza
Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine, 7pm - 2am
Tickets: $135 per person (general admission), $150 for reserved table seating, $249 for premier dinner seating.
Dance, eat, celebrate and enjoy. The ninth annual Times Square West Celebration at the Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine is the West Coast’s Premier New Year’s Eve Extravaganza. This event has become a tradition - our version of NYC's Times Square. It even features its own mini-version of the countdown clock and ball that descends from the Hyatt Aventine's tower. Entertainment by Euge Groove, Peter White, Richard Elliot and Oli Silk inside the Grand Ballroom prior to midnight. They will come together as the Times Square West All Stars after midnight
Big Night San Diego
Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina, 1380 Harbor Island
Sunday, December 31, 2008, 9:00 pm - 2:00 am
Tickets: $109.99 per person (advance purchase, all-inclusive, 21 and up only). VIP tickets also available
This event has become popular with young adults because of its size and the price is all-inclusive of food and drink. Big Night features 16 party areas: Mardi Gras Ballroom & Stage, Vegas Casino Lounge (Mock Casino Gambling), 91X Stage & Ballroom, Retro Ballroom (Best of 70's, 80's & 90's dance tunes), Electronica Club Ballroom (The hottest club & dance music)/Hip Hop Club Room, Dining Area all in the main event (see below for more info). In the VIP area there are two additional zones: VIP Lounges, & VIP Club Zones
New Year's Eve Gala Aboard the Midway Aircraft Carrier
December 31, 2008 8 p.m. – Midnight
USS Midway, Navy Pier
Individual Tickets: $159 per person
This event is unique (and pricey) but where else can you celebrate the New Year aboard an aircraft carrier? Ring in the New Year at Peartrees Catering annual New Years Eve Gala onboard the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier for the best view of the midnight fireworks extravaganza over the San Diego Bay. The event includes an open premium bar, elegant dinner buffet, dancing to the live music of The Big Daddy Orchestra and is from 8pm until 1am.
National Comedy Theatre
December 31, 2008, 9:30 p.m.
3717 India St., San Diego
Tickets are $69 per person
The National Comedy Theatre will present its annual New Year’s Eve Spectacular. Similar in style to Drew Carey’s “Whose Line is it Anyway,” the National Comedy Theatre (NCT) is a high-octane improvisational comedy show based completely on audience suggestions. In addition to the regular performance, there will be catered food, and an after-show party with the cast, culminating in a countdown to the New Year. The show has received national acclaim and is appropriate for all audiences.
Gaslamp Restaurants
Various times and prices
If a nice dinner and festive atmosphere are more your speed, and you don't want to be locked into one enclosed space, the restaurants of the Gaslamp Quarter is your best bet. Virtually all of the venues have some sort of New Year's Eve package, and you can take in the revelry of Fifth Avenue as well.
New Year’s Yacht Party :
December 31, 2008, 8 p.m.- 1 a.m.
Ticket price: $169 per person (advance purchase)
Saunter aboard the largest private charter yacht in Southern California and enjoy unlimited beer, wine, top shelf liquors, hors’ devours, chocolate fountains and other tasty delights. This event will feature 3 levels of music including a Hip-Hop dance deck, a legendary 80’z all-stars cover band and a variety of smooth tunes on the open air deck. Enjoy the best view of fireworks in San Diego.
Argyle Steakhouse, Fours Seasons Resort Aviara:
Celebrate New Year's Eve in style at Four Seasons newly renovated
Argyle Steakhouse! Enjoy live music with the Fuzzy Rankins Band (7 - 11 p.m.) and special four-course menu prepared by Chef Kurtis
Habecker.
The Marble Room:
Ring in the New Year at the Marble Room located at 535 Fifth Avenue in downtown's Gaslamp. Two seatings: the first seating is $60 per person for a four-course meal. The second seating is $120 per person for a six-course meal and table and cover for the entire evening. 619-702-5595 for information.
