Best New Year's Eve Events in Monterey County

WhatsUpMonterey New Year's Events Roundup has us feeling grateful as it's full of ways to get the most out of life in Monterey County throughout the holiday.

* Most 2021 events are canceled due to COVID-19. Will be updated end of November. 

Experiencing the New Year in beautiful Monterey County, California can be a pure joy for anyone. If you want to enjoy a fantastic Monterey NYE (New Year's Eve) experience, you don't have to fret at all. There are quite a few exciting NYE dinner and event options available to people in the area. Checkout our NYE picks for the top events: (updated weekly)

FIRST NIGHT MONTEREY (confirmed)

As a community celebration of the arts on New Year's Eve, First Night is Monterey is an exciting, imaginative and uplifting cultural event. FNM is an affordable, alcohol-free family celebration from 3 pm to midnight. Performances range from Classical to Hip-Hop, Jazz to Reggae, dance ensembles and artwork created at our year-round outreach programs. Kids' Night Out features music, art & activities for the little ones, culminating with the Twilight Procession at 5:30 pm.

NOON YEAR'S EVE PARTY

Celebrate with MY Museum’s Staff and Board of Directors for an unforgettable “Noon Year’s Eve Celebration” complete with noisemakers, face painting and party hats. Watch the Noon Year’s Ball light up as we count down together. This family signature event has become a much anticipated celebration. Members: Free, Non-Members: $15.

NEW YEAR'S EVE DINNERS

Carmel-by-the-Sea

New Years Eve Party at Coffee Bank in the Courtyard will feature live music, dancing and complimentary toast. Starts at 8pm until 12:30am.

You can say hello to the brand new year in Carmel-by-the-Sea at elegant Anton & Michele, a sophisticated American eatery that's full of beautiful fireplaces and fountains. From 5pm to 11pm, the restaurant will host a classic ala carte dinner that's full of timeless favorites and also includes some irresistible seasonal specials.

People who want to usher in the New Year in Carmel can also head to L'Auberge Carmel, an inn that boasts a refined European ambiance. This inn is home to Aubergine, a dining establishment that specializes in creative New American cuisine. Aubergine offers two seatings with optional wine pairings. The initial seating begins promptly at 5:30PM while the second one begins at 8:30PM. If you want to experience an extensive tasting menu that comes with four or six separate courses, you should head straight to Aubergine on New Year's Eve. First seating is $205 per person (wine pairings are an additional $175 per person) and the second seating is $575 per person with wine pairings & champagne toast.

Carmel Highlands

Enjoy an amazing four course New Year's Eve Dinner with a view of the Pacific Ocean, live music, party favors and a champagne toast at Pacific's Edge Restaurant at the Highlands Inn. Dinner will be served from 5:30pm to 9:30pm.

Carmel Valley

Ring in the New Year with a focus on healthy, seasonable, sustainable, yet decadently prepared fare at Bernardus Lodge. The 6-course tasting menu costs $195 per person, plus tax & gratuity, served from 5:30pm to 9:30pm.

Monterey

The city of Monterey makes a wonderful destination for people who want to revel in the spirit of the holiday. Visit the Hyatt Regency Monterey to savor a relaxing and tasty New Year's Eve dinner at Tusca Ristorante that specializes in Italian classics with fresh Californian approaches. Diners who visit Tusca Ristorante on New Year's Eve can order from the normal menu or choose between numerous holiday specials. Dinner is from 5pm to 9pm. Live music in the adjacent Fireplace Lounge will be available from 6pm to 12:30am

For an unforgettable waterfront prix-fixe New Year's Eve dinner reserve a table at the C Restaurant + Bar at InterContinental The Clement Monterey from 5:30pm to 10pm. Enjoy a multi-course dinner featuring dishes like black truffle risotto, Sonoma duck and cheesecake mousse. $125 per person or $190 with champagne pairings.

If you're looking for a French cuisine and theme, head to Bistro Moulin for a four-course prix fixe Parisian bistro menu. $95 per person.

Pebble Beach

Stop by Pebble Beach's The Inn at Spanish Bay to have a lively, energetic and totally unforgettable New Year's Eve experience. The inn is organizing a fun-filled "Masquerade Ball, where elegance and intrigue reign supreme. Don a Venetian mask as you mix and mingle through extravagantly decorated rooms. The event will feature arcade games, numerous DJs, door prizes and psychic consultations galore! It starts at 8PM, $395 per person.

EVENTS

Monday, January 1st

Live up to your New Year's resolutions with a run to kick off the beginning of 2022 during Rio Grill's Virtual Resolution Run! This 6.5 mile foot race and 3-mile family fun run are set on a breathtaking cross-country course. The race begins at Rio Grill in Carmel, CA.

Have a wonderful holiday If you’re looking for non-holiday events, check out upcoming events calendar.