How OC's Saying Goodbye to 2012

Check out how some people plan to welcome 2013 all
over Orange County (image via Los Angeles Before Last Call)

While most of us will be comfy-cozy at home to ring in 2013, many will venture out to enjoy what Orange County has to offer on the last night of 2012. Here's a rundown of some of the more interesting events:




Brea
Knott's New Year's Eve
Promising something for everyone in the family, Knott's is having cover bands, dancing, a magician, and of course, its famous rides. Military, military veterans, police officers, active-duty firefighters and annual pass-holders get in free.

Santa Ana
Proof Bar's New Year's Eve Extravaganza
If you not only want to stay out late, but want to get dressed up too, the Proof Bar in Santa Ana is having a party and threatening to charge $1 if you show up in sneakers! Being held from 8:00 pm to 2:00 am, this event even has complimentary bottles of water, and promises they will "stay open, call you a cab, give you hugs and blankets and do just about ANYTHING to make sure you have a fun and safe NYE."

Costa Mesa
OC Fair New Year’s Eve Block Party
Offering "great fun in a casual setting," the OC Fair and Event Center in Costa Mesa is promising live music from different tribute bands, popular food trucks, and casino games. At about $42 bucks per person (plus $10 for parking), it can be pretty pricey, but the bigger your group, the more of a discount you can receive.

Irvine
Family New Year’s Eve at the Great Park
If you're on a budget but still want to head out on New Year's, from 5:00 to 9:30 pm the Great Park in Irvine will host a Family New Year's Eve party that will include music, food and street performers. This non-alcoholic event is perfect for young families that want to have a little fun before heading home in time to watch the ball drop.

Anaheim
Downtown Disney
If you feel like partying with people visiting from all over the world, Downtown Disney offers three hours of free parking, which should be just enough to enjoy the outdoor entertainment, the movie theater, restaurants, or outdoor ice skating. Word of warning, anything with the words "Disney" and "free"in the same sentence is going to be jam-packed. Not for the faint of heart.

Dana Point
St. Regis New Year's Eve with Decades of Bond
If for no other reason than to say you partied at the gorgeous St. Regis Monarch Beach for New Year's, the resort is having a Jame Bond-themed party, with DJs, dancing, culinary stations (is that a fancy word for buffet?), and of course, cocktails. This one starts at 10:00 pm, a great choice for people looking for a quick outing into the Orange County nightlife.

Laguna Beach
New Year's Eve Celebration
Offering "globally inspired comfort food," Sapphire is a restaurant overlooking the ocean which is giving the best of both worlds for New Year's. From 5:30 pm to 11:00 pm, Sapphire invites you to "cozy up to the fire, gather at the bar, brings friends and family...life is good!"