Carlsbad Countdown: Top New Year’s Eve Events

It’s almost time to celebrate the turn of the calendar. Luckily, Carlsbad offers a range of events and activities to suit party goers of all ages. From gala dinners at luxury hotels to family-friendly parties and outdoor activities, there are many different ways to say ‘hello’ to the new year. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a gourmet meal and live entertainment, or to start the new year with some exercise and fresh air, there are plenty of options to choose from. 

If you haven’t made plans yet, here are a few of the top New Year’s Eve events in Carlsbad:

Omni La Costa Resort & Spa – Bob’s Steak & Chop House and Recovery Brunch at Vue

This year, the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa is offering two fun events to say ‘goodbye’ to this year and ‘hello’ to the next. On New Year’s Eve, the resort’s Bob’s Steak & Chop House will feature a lavish dinner, with live entertainment and a champagne toast at midnight.

The next morning, VUE restaurant will be serving up a Recovery New Year’s Day Brunch, where guests can enjoy a tasty meal and relax after the previous night’s celebrations. The Recovery Brunch menu features a made-to-order pancake bar with a variety of toppings such as berries, chocolate, Oreo, M&Ms and sprinkles. There will be breakfast favorites like cage-free eggs cooked with peppers, ham, onions, mushrooms, spinach, tomatoes, jalapenos, chicken apple sausage, bacon, jack cheddar and feta. Other options include raisin french toast with berries and maple syrup, breakfast potatoes with caramelized onions, and freshly baked pastries. Lunch choices include grilled flat iron steak with mushrooms and red wine sauce and salmon teriyaki. And for dessert, you can indulge in the chef’s choice of sweet treats. Cost is $48 per adult and $15 per child ages 4-10.

The Omni La Costa Resort & Spa is located at 2100 Costa Del Mar Road in Carlsbad. Phone (760) 438-9111.

Park Hyatt Aviara Resort- Aviara Salon Ballroom Celebration, Roaring ‘23 Party at Ember & Rye and New Year’s Eve Dinner at Ponto Lago

Another popular destination for New Year’s Eve in Carlsbad this year is the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa. The resort is hosting a range of events, including a New Year’s Eve Ballroom Celebration, where guests can enjoy sumptuous snacks and live entertainment. The special event will feature indoor and outdoor seating, live music and photo booths. Guests will be invited to dance the night away with live music from RENTaFRIEND Band and toast to the new year with a complimentary glass of champagne and balloon drop at midnight. Tickets are $150 per person and include light bites such as an assortment of cheese and cured meat with condiments, bread and crackers, salmon gravelax and potato pancakes, and pretzels with cheddar bacon dip and honey mustard dip. A selection of mini desserts will also be available. This celebration is reserved for guests 21 years and older. 

At Ember & Rye, there will be a “Roaring ’23” party that will feature a delectable dinner and dessert spread, live entertainment, a Cognac tasting experience, casino tables, photo booths, complimentary champagne toast and balloon drop to ring in the new year. This unique event is reserved for guests 21 years and older. Tickets start at $375 per person and include dinner and four drink tickets. Doors open at 8:00 pm. There will even be an after party – tickets are available for $225 per person and include two drink tickets. Dinner includes family style snacks, a salad course, choice of entrée, family style sides and dessert. 

Lastly, Ponto Lago will be featuring a New Year’s Eve Feast with a specialty menu created by Chef Christopher Carriker. The mouthwatering menu features dishes like arepas, ahi tuna aguachile, Sea of Cortez fresh blue shrimp and grilled venison rack. There will be sides served family-style, including twice cooked sunchokes and roasted brussels sprouts. For dessert, you can indulge in a dulce triple delight featuring citrus meringue tart, spiced chocolate & dulce de leche macaron and champagne blackberry sorbet.

The Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa is located at 7100 Aviara Resort Drive in Carlsbad. Phone (760) 448-1234.

Family Fun at LEGOLAND and Dave & Buster’s, 

For families with young children, LEGOLAND California offers a special Kids’ New Year’s Eve event. The event features a countdown to an early midnight with fireworks display illuminating the sky with live music to welcome 2023. There will be live entertainment, and a range of activities and games. Countdown with your kids before heading out for the evening at LEGOLAND – Kids’ New Year’s Eve is included with daily tickets to the park. 

Dave & Buster’s in Carlsbad will also be offering New Year’s Eve events for both kids and adults. There will be an early celebration for families from 4 pm to 7 pm, and a main event from 9 pm to close. More information about the evening will be released soon and can be found here. 

LEGOLAND  is located at One LEGOLAND Drive, in Carlsbad. Phone (888) 690-5346.

Dave & Busters is located in The Shoppes at Carlsbad at 2501 El Camino Real, in Carlsbad. Phone (760) 576-3800.

The Holiday Inn in Carlsbad – Vedanza New Year’s Gala Celebration 

If you want to dress it up a bit, the Holiday Inn in Carlsbad will be hosting a Vedanza New Year’s Eve Gala, featuring dinner, live entertainment, and a champagne toast at midnight. It will be a black-tie event where guests are encouraged to dress to impress. The schedule includes a cocktail hour at 6 pm with a cash bar, a multi-course dinner and dessert for gold ticket holders from 7 pm to 8:30 pm, with doors opening to the general public with silver tickets at 8:45 pm. The night will be filled with dancing and entertainment from DJ Robby, DJ Mambo, and DJ OroD, and will culminate in a midnight champagne toast and party favors. Gold tickets are $149 per person or $260 per couple and include early entrance at 6pm, reserved seating and table all night, the multi-course dinner and dessert, and the midnight champagne toast and party favors. Silver tickets are $99 per person and include entrance at 8:45pm, dancing and light appetizers until 1:30am, and the midnight champagne toast and party favors. You can even book a discounted room at the Holiday Inn Carlsbad using code “NYE” to get the special room rate of only $119+tax. 

The Holiday Inn, Carlsbad is located at 2725 Palomar Airport Road in Carlsbad. Phone (866) 238-4218.

Coyote Bar and Grill – New Year’s Eve Festivities in Carlsbad Village

Lastly, Coyote Bar and Grill in Carlsbad will be ringing in the new year with a DJ, party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. There will be a live band, The Evidence Band, playing from 6 pm to 10 pm. More information about the Coyote Bar and Grill’s New Year’s Eve event will be updated on the bar’s website leading up to the event.

Coyote Bar and Grill is located in the Village Faire at 300 Carlsbad Village Dr, in Carlsbad. Phone (760) 729-4695.

Muck Run on New Year’s Day – Start the Year Off On The Right Foot

And, after all the parties are over and the new year has begun, Carlsbad will offer a range of outdoor activities to get the year started. On New Year’s Day, the San Diego Triton Ruck Club and Team RWB San Diego are hosting the Muck Run, a 23-mile ruck along the 101 highway. The event is a fun way to start the new year with some exercise and fresh air. It is an all-day trek with a steady and easy pace. The route goes from the Carlsbad Village Transit Station down the 101 to Encinitas, then back to Carlsbad. Participants are welcome to join in and drop out as needed. This event is a great way to start the new year off on the right foot and challenge yourself – visit the MapMyRun to view the route and get more information.

Whether you’re looking for a fancy black-tie gala or a fun and energetic party followed by a recovery brunch, there’s plenty to choose from this New Year’s Eve in Carlsbad.