The Last Night of 2011 in Orange County

Get your party on in the OC!
(image via OCGreatDeals.com)

If you still can't make up your mind about what to do for New Year's, here are some of the highlights of what's going on in the county:

Fullerton
Fullerton has a lot of fun stuff going on, but the one that stood out to  me the most was the 21st Annual First Night Fullerton, which is more of a family friendly fair than raging party. Admission is free and includes activities like an ice skating rink, along with live music,food vendors, and lots of arts, visual and performing. Activities range from $2 to $7 and the night ends with a fireworks display at midnight. View the city's website for location and details.

Fountain Valley
If you're looking for a non-traditional way to end the year, the Fountain Valley Skating Center is having an all night skate on New Year's Eve. All night as in from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m.! It's $25, family friendly and will of course, feature music to skate into the new year. Visit the center's website for details.

Costa Mesa
The OC Fair & Event center is having a block party, considered one of O.C.'s biggest. With musical acts, comedy acts, a casino, carnival rides and more, it sounds more like a fair than a party, and with an admission price of $40-$55, you know there's going to be a lot to do (and drink). You can visit their site for more information.

Irvine
Another family friendly event is the Great Park's Family New Year's Eve which ends at 10 p.m., so night owls be warned, you'll be home early. Activities include carousel rides, games and live music. There's no alcohol, and even though admission is free, parking is $10. Visit their site for more info.

Laguna Beach
There's at least a couple of free parties going on in Laguna Beach, the first one at the awesomely named House of Big Fish and Ice Cold Beer restaurant, which starts at 8 p.m. There's going to be live entertainment and complimentary appetizers and desserts beginning at 10 p.m., with a champagne toast complete with party hats and blow horns. Visit their site for more info.

For something a little more upscale, try K'ya Bistro and Bar, which will also have live entertainment in the grand lobby of the Hotel La Casa del Camino. They also offer a champagne toast and party favors to start the year off with a bang. Admission's free, here's the site.

If none of these sound like your thing, you can see a more detailed list at OrangeCounty.com; OCGreatDeals has a good one too, so whether you feel like partying for free or you're willing to pay for a good time, there's no shortage of things to do on the last night of 2011.