Countdowns that count

Ready to party like it’s 2010?

Try these choices for a world-class New Year’s Eve in Newport-Mesa’s own backyard. Call in advance, as many of these options are likely to sell out.

New Year’s Eve OC — NYEOC

When: 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Where: Hilton Costa Mesa, 3050 Bristol St.

Cost: General admission $60 pre-sale or $100 at the door; VIP $150 pre-sale or $250 at the door; after-hours party and breakfast buffet $30 pre-sale or $50 at the door

Minimum Age: 21

Information: nyeoc.com

Thousands of Orange County’s most beautiful and hip people descend on the Hilton Orange County Costa Mesa each year for Ones We Love’s New Year’s Eve OC bash. There will be seven separate areas taking up tens of thousands of square feet of space, featuring different musical genres; an exclusive VIP area with faux casino games and two VIP lounges; a giant video countdown and midnight balloon drop; and an after-hours dance party and breakfast until 5 a.m.

Music choices this year include Latin, house and retro. The evening also includes a designer fashion show, go-go dancers and sponsor giveaways and gifts.

The entire party is broadcasted live, and people around the world tune in to view it.

VIP admission includes access to the VIP level, party favors, red carpet express VIP entrance into the party, and complimentary champagne from 8 to 10 p.m.

A limited number of pre-sale tickets is still available as of press time, including general admission for $60 ($100 at the door), VIP for $150 ($250 at the door), and an after-hours ticket including breakfast for $30, or $50 at the door.

Oh, and your T-shirt and shorts won’t get you in the door; dress to impress.

New Year’s Eve at Five Crowns

When: 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Where: Five Crowns, 3801 E. Coast Hwy., Corona del Mar

Cost: Entrees $33 to $49

Minimum Age: N/A

Information: (949) 760-0331 or at LawrysOnline.com

Culinary legend Five Crowns has a full slate of classic seasonal favorites for New Year’s Eve, in a festive atmosphere with Old English appeal. Each guest will receive a party favor; a champagne toast will be held at midnight. First course options include butternut squash soup, lobster bisque, Caesar salad and hearts of romaine salad. Entrees include traditional prime rib, Nova Scotia lobster tail, pepper steak, roasted Long Island duckling, roasted rack of Colorado lamb, free range chicken, swordfish and salmon. Desserts include English trifle, fudge-crusted flourless chocolate torte, raspberry crème brûlée, hot fudge sundaes and more.

RED Nightclub New Year’s Eve Party

When: 9 p.m. to 4 a.m.

Where: 4647 MacArthur Blvd., Newport Beach

Cost: Presale $15; $40 at door

Minimum Age: 21

Information: (949) 660-1010 or rednightclub.com

RED features two large rooms and a large patio. There will be a ball drop and champagne toast at midnight. DJs like the Roaring Felons and DJ Tre will spin Top 40, house, trance, hip-hop and current hits. Upscale dress code.

NYE Yacht Party by Un4Seen

When: 8:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Where: Departing from Newport Beach

Cost: $155 early presale or $170 presale

Minimum Age: 21

Information: (800) 985-9072 or un4seenproductions.com

The seventh annual New Year’s Eve Yacht Party 2010 by Un4Seen will take place on the 130-foot Ambassador yacht in Newport Harbor. The four-hour cruise has sold out for six years in a row. Admission includes a hosted premium bar all night; a champagne greeting; an appetizer buffet court; New Year’s Eve party favors; and lots of restrooms with no lines. Level 1 of the ship will feature a bar and lounge; Level 2 will have music by DJ K-otic, spinning hip hop, dance and Top 40, and Level 3 will let patrons hang out and dance under the stars. Hotels near each dock will offer special rates to patrons; ask for details.

Murder Mystery Dinner Show

When: 8:30 p.m. to midnight

Where: Wyndham Garden Hotel, 3350 Ave. of the Arts, Costa Mesa

Cost: $100 per person all inclusive

Minimum Age: Teenage

Information: (888) 833-4898 or killerentertainment.com

This event includes a professional, interactive comedy murder mystery; a four-course meal with choice of entree and dessert; a costume contest (costumes are not required for admission); prizes; a champagne toast and party favors at midnight; a full bar during and after the show; tax and tip. For every four tickets purchased, the venue will provide a free bottle of champagne.

Shark Club

When: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Where: Shark Club, 841 Baker St., Costa Mesa

Cost: $15 presale

Minimum Age: 21

Information: (714) 751-6428 or sharkclub.com

Admission includes a complimentary champagne toast, confetti blast, kryogenics blast, party favors and music by DJs like DJ Kazaa, Alex Nrg, Vinyl Dave, Geo and Curious. The venue has a capacity of 1800 people. Room One will feature hip-hop, mashups, Top 40, electronic music and house music. Room Two will include merengue, bachata, reggaeton, 80s, cumbia and punta music. The venue sports a 2,000-gallon shark tank, VIP lounges, custom pool tables, an outdoor fire patio, state-of-the-art multimedia system and five large projection screens.

Sutra Lounge

When: 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Where: 1870 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa

Cost: $55 advance presale

Minimum Age: 21

Information: (949) 722-7103 or sutrabar.com

The venue has a capacity of 800 people. At midnight, there will be a champagne toast and dancing to the sounds of the Starkillers, who bring their dance mixes from Las Vegas. Two stages will feature a range of top DJs including DJ Deone, DJ EFX, Graham Fee and DJ Zemo, playing Top 40, mashups, dance, and hip-hop.