New Year’s Eve in Carlsbad doesn’t have to be loud or late. Whether you’re planning a sit-down dinner, celebrating early with the kids, or staying in with great food, these local ideas make it easy to keep things simple and close to home.

Get your jam on at Carlsbad's top live music spots—The Camp Store’s jazz, live bands at The Landings, Village performances at Le Papagayo and The Coyote Bar, and daytime sets at Prager Brothers.