With this list, we have taken the hassle and stress of finding the perfect location for your holiday party. Whether it is for Hanukkah, Christmas, a holiday party, or New Year’s Eve, we have you covered!
Hotel Ballroom
It may or may not seem obvious, but there are huge benefits to having your soiree at a hotel. The amenities offered provide all you will need for a large holiday party: accessible locations, excellent catering, various bar and drinking options, and a safe space for your guests to spend the night. Other benefits include having the hotel staff handle all the set-up and clean-up. You can also host all sizes of groups and get different types of banquet rooms and set-ups for your specific needs. You can choose from many in Orange County—just in Huntington Beach, choose from The Hyatt, the new Pasea, or the Waterfront Beach Resort. The Kimpton hotels are found in several OC locations. Then there are the posh resorts of the South County, like the Ritz, the Monarch, or Montage, where you’re sure to get spectacular views. Plus there are dozens of ballrooms in Anaheim near Disneyland, which is a great option for your visitors from out of town (and their families).
Winery/Vineyard
You don’t have to travel to Murrieta or Napa to surround your guests with the intimate feel of a winery and vineyard. For a picturesque and unique venue, a winery offers a warm ambiance for your guests. You will enjoy an event-ready venue, with holiday decorations already creating the festive vibe. For the perfect surprise holiday gift, you can provide guests with wine from the venue to commemorate the event. For catering, most wineries provide outside catering and dining spaces, like a “wine cave,” which makes for an elegant atmosphere. One choice is the gorgeous Newport Beach Vineyards and Winery, which has space for up to 125 guests and plenty of options for live music, catering, and wine tasting. Check them out at www.nbwine.com.
Rooftop Bar
For sweeping views and a more modern feel, rooftop bars can be the perfect chic atmosphere for your guests. These bars provide a view of the city lights, fantastic food, and a stylish feel. Allow your guests to dress up and enjoy the view of Orange County at night. Besides the sky rise hotels, the rooftop bar at La Casa Del Camino is famous for its ocean and city views, and don’t forget to try their Mojitos! www.rooftoplagunabeach.com
Country Clubs
Go for a classic venue with a country club setting. Most rooms are open to the public for rent and come provided with a list of event items you can rent. These venues are all-inclusive, with service that will take care of just about everything. One of the most famous clubs in town is the Balboa Bay Club, with a waterfront setting and gorgeous views of the Newport Beach Boat Parade. This club also has an on-site hotel with amenities such as a pool, lounge, restaurant, and beach access; check it out at www.balboabayresort.com. If you don’t want to break the bank, the Costa Mesa Country Club or the Coyote Hills in Fullerton are excellent alternatives.
Car Museum
If you have car enthusiasts, places like Crevier Classic Cars and the Marconi Automotive Museum have amazing displays of classic cars and exotics in southern California. They have tons of memorabilia—and even a few race cars! Air Museum Even most locals don’t even know about the one-of-a-kind venue Orange County has … the Lyon Air Museum, which boasts an impressive collection of World War II aircraft and other vehicles, including vintage airplanes and warbirds, military vehicles, military motorcycles, and classic cars on display. And you can truly transform this fantastic facility into a blast from the past for your holiday party. They can even have guests arrive by private plane or helicopter to their own hangar overlooking the runways at John Wayne Airport. Check out this unique event venue at www.lyonairmuseum.org. And be sure to plan ahead, as this place books up quickly. In fact, plan ahead for any venue so you, too, can be relaxed at party time and enjoy it. As long as you choose a venue that has an inviting ambiance, fantastic food, and ample space for your guests to enjoy one another’s company, you will be sure to host the event of the year!
