Monterey, Carmel, Pebble Beach, and the surrounding areas offer many events for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day that can be exciting, relaxing, or both. Whether you are looking at partying the night away, spending time with family, or just having an intimate dinner between you and a loved one, there are venues to appease everyone. Keep reading to see just some of the fantastic events taking place.
First Night Monterey
If you are looking for a fun event for the whole family, then look no further than First Night Monterey. This event celebrates all the arts and culture that Monterey has to offer by dancing the night away to live music at a completely alcohol-free event, so you do not have to worry about your kids being around people who have had a bit too much to drink.
The day is split into three sections, the first starting at 3 PM, titled Kids Night Out. The event will begin with Taiko drummers welcoming you to the party. The rest of the festivities include music, drumming, dancing, including ballet and folk, arts and crafts, hat-making, and more! This is the perfect place for your kids to let their creative juices flow. This portion ends with a Twilight Procession at 5:30 PM.
After Kids Night Out has concluded, the main event takes over with over 50 live musical performances in various genres, including classical, jazz, blues, rock, samba, and folk. Alongside the music, professional and youth dancers will perform beautiful pieces for your enjoyment. The Monterey Center for Spiritual Living will be open for a more casual environment, and here you can enjoy beautiful voices and arrangements throughout the night. Multiple venues Downtown will also be available showcasing music and art all night long.
The night comes to an end with a live musical countdown at two separate locations; one at the Golden State Theater featuring the Latin Jazz Collection with John Nava and the other in the Sierra Ballroom at the Monterey Conference Center featuring SambaDá. You can pick up your tickets after 8 PM.
If you are interested in getting involved, the event is always looking for volunteers to help out. You can find more information on how to volunteer on their website.
Coffee Bank
If you want to enjoy your New Year’s in Carmel-by-the-Sea, head to Coffee Bank. This coffee shop is putting on an all-night party complete with live music and dancing. The party starts at 8 PM, and there will be complimentary party favors and appetizers available throughout the night. Of course, when the clock strikes midnight, there will also be a complimentary champagne toast to kick off the new year. Reservations for the shindig can be made at their website.
Anton & Michele
Before you hit the party, you will want to get some food in, and one of the amazing restaurants offering a New Year’s celebration is Anton & Michele. This American restaurant features gorgeous scenery, including fireplaces and fountains surrounding you while you enjoy your meal. They will be hosting an ala carte dinner full of timeless favorites and some seasonal specials. The event will take place from 5 PM to 11 PM, just in time for you to leave and get to your final destination before the countdown. You can make your reservations for the night on their website.
Aubergine
This Carmel by the sea destination offers more of an intimate feel for your night; the inn L’Auberge Carmel is home to the restaurant Aubergine. The New American eatery is offering two seatings with optional wine pairings. The first seating is at 5:30 PM and costs $205 per person or $380 with the wine pairing. It will feature a four-course tasting menu full of delicious options. The second will be at 8:30 PM and will cost $575. This seating includes a six-course meal with both wine pairings and a champagne toast. You can make reservations for the night via their website.
Pacific’s Edge Restaurant
Enjoy spectacular coastline views at the Pacific’s Edge Restaurant at the Highlands Inn for your New Year’s Eve dinner. They will be hosting a New Year’s Eve extravaganza with a four-course meal that will leave you full and energized for your night ahead. Their food is a delightful blend of both land and sea that perfectly reflects the restaurant's natural surroundings. Along with your meal, they will be providing complimentary favors, a champagne toast, and fantastic live music to entertain you. They will be offering the dinner from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM, and reservations can be made at on Open table.
Bernardus Lodge and Spa
The Lucia restaurant and bar at Bernardus Lodge and Spa is setting up an exquisite evening full of romance, celebration, and cheer. They are offering a six-course tasting menu full of seasonal and sustainable food paired with wines from across the globe. The meal costs $250 per person, with gratuity and tax not included. The dinner will take place from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM, and you can make your reservation by calling the lodge. There is a credit card required to make your reservation, and due to limited space, they are enforcing a 72-hour cancellation policy. Cancellations made within 72 hours or no-shows will be charged $75 per person.
Rio Grill’s Virtual Resolution Run
If you are looking for the perfect way to start your new year, there is no better way than taking part in the Rio Grill’s Virtual Resolution Run! This year will mark the 32nd year the event has been held, but the first time it has been held virtually. What does that mean? It means that instead of the race being held at a specific destination, you get to dictate your own route from start to finish. You can choose to do a 5k or a 10k, either walking or running or split the two and do part walk part run. You can go solo or grab a group of family, friends, and even pets to accompany you on your run. It is also encouraged that you dress up so especially if you are running in a group, have some fun, and go all out on your costumes; what better way to start off the new year than by being goofy.
It costs $50 per person to participate, and all of the proceeds go to benefit CASA (court-appointed special advocates for children) of Monterey County. Also, by enrolling, you are automatically added to a drawing to win some fantastic prizes. There are individual prizes as well as ones for the largest team, fastest team, and best dressed team. All winners will be announced on January 5th, 2022, by e-mail.
Pebble Beach New Year’s Championship
The Pebble Beach resorts are helping you say goodbye to 2021 and hello to 2022 with a rousing tournament of golf! This year marks the 16th anniversary of the event that allows two-person teams to compete in best-ball format with gross and net flights.
The event takes place from December 30th, 2021, to January 1st, 2022. The entry fee gets you a two-night stay at the Inn at Spanish Bay, two championship rounds, one at Pebble Beach Golf Links and one at The Links at Spanish Bay, either a complimentary round at The Links at Spanish Bay or Del Monte Golf Course or one reduced rate practice round at Spyglass Hill Golf Course, tee gifts and awards and a 20% retail shop discount. The price is $2,800 per player for single occupancy, and for double occupancy, the price is $2,375 per player. It is an additional $500 for a player’s spouse or other non-playing guests.
On Thursday, you can spend all day at the practice rounds until 5:30 PM, when the welcome reception and registration begins. On Friday at 9 am, the Pebble Beach Golf Links championship starts, and then starting at 8 PM, the New Year’s Eve celebration begins and runs until 1 AM. On Saturday at 9 AM is the Links at Spanish Bay championship, and then the awards luncheon runs from 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM.
Whatever you choose to do for your New Year’s Eve, you know you will have a great time along the coast in Monterey County.
If you are interested in real estate in Carmel, Pebble Beach, Monterey, or other Monterey County locations, contact Tim Allen Properties and let their skilled real estate agents guide you to your perfect future home.
