Finally, we get to celebrate a boring...

Finally, we get to celebrate a boring old New Year’s Eve again. Remember the hubbub that preceded the last day of 1999? New Year’s Eve of 2000 was less vexing, but there was still the curiosity about whether Stanley Kubrick was right and 2001 would find us living in plastic white rooms. But, this end-of-the-year celebration promises to be fairly ordinary.

Thankfully, Orange County shows no signs of slowing down on the last day of the year. Somewhere around town, you’ll find the New Year’s party to fit your style.

For sheer geographical space, few New Year’s celebrations are bigger than First Night Fullerton. This 11th annual festival covers historic downtown Fullerton along Harbor Boulevard, and features live music, art exhibits, children’s rides and a 10-minute fireworks show at midnight. More than 200 cities in the United States and Canada offer First Night programs, but Fullerton is the only one in Orange County. First Night Fullerton, Harbor Boulevard in downtown Fullerton. 7 p.m.-midnight. Free. (714) 738-6545.

Community, in a greater sense, is the key to Praise 2002, the annual contemporary Christian music festival at Knott’s Berry Farm. Along with fireworks and the usual rides and attractions, this event features performances by the O.C. Supertones, Stacie Orrico, True Vibe, All Together Separate and the Benjamin Gate. Praise 2002, Knott’s Berry Farm, 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park. 7 p.m.-1 a.m. $27-$35. (714) 220-5200.

Disneyland offers its latest night of the year on Dec. 31, remaining open until 3 a.m. After a day of holiday staples, including the Christmas Fantasy Parade and Minnie’s Christmas Party, the fireworks go off at midnight and lead to three more hours of family fun. Disney’s California Adventure, which features such popular holiday attractions as Luminaria and the Electrical Parade, remains open until 1 a.m. Disneyland, 1313 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim. 8 a.m.-3 a.m. $33-$43. (714) 781-4565.

Sometimes the new year makes you want to dance, and the Sequoia Conference Center’s New Year’s Eve Bash in Buena Park offers you a chance. Dale Spalding’s All-Star Band, who recently recorded with jazz legend Poncho Sanchez, will shake up the dance floor with blues, swing, R&B;, smooth and Latin. There’s also a five-course dinner, unlimited hors d’oeuvres and drinks, dancing and thousands of dollars worth of door prizes. New Year’s Eve Bash, Sequoia Conference Center, 7530 Orangethorpe Ave., Buena Park. 7 p.m. $135 for a 7 p.m. arrival, which includes dinner, and $80 for a 9 p.m. arrival, which covers only the party. (714) 670-9252.

For those who like posh style, the Ritz-Carlton hosts a lavish Ballroom Gala. Executive chef Christian Rassinoux serves his “year’s best” dishes while the Front Row Orchestra swings away. After an 8 p.m. reception, the wine and song continue until 1 a.m., with party favors handed out at midnight. Ballroom Gala, Ritz-Carlton, 1 Ritz-Carlton Drive, Dana Point. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. $350. (949) 240-2000.

For some, of course, New Year’s Eve means rock ‘n’ roll, and the House of Blues in Anaheim heads the pack this year with Pat Benatar, the rocker whose hits include “Heartbreaker” and “Hit Me With Your Best Shot.” Her show features three packages: concert only, with a buffet and with a sit-down dinner. Pat Benatar, House of Blues, 1530 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim. Dinner at 6 and 8:30 p.m. $178-$185. Buffet at 8 p.m. $148-$155. Show at 10 p.m. $103-$110.

Orange County’s two premiere rock clubs, the Galaxy Concert Theatre and the Coach House, also offer a rocking good time. At the Galaxy, Great White heads the bill and leads the audience in a countdown at midnight. Singer-pianist Marc Cohn, of “Walking in Memphis” fame, does the same at the Coach House. Both offer party favors and champagne. Great White, the Element, Full Blown Karma, Galaxy Concert Theatre, 3503 S. Harbor Blvd., Santa Ana. 9 p.m. $39.50. (714) 957-0600. Marc Cohn, Tim Moyer, Cindy Alexander, Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 7 p.m. $25. 10:30 p.m. $40. (949) 496-8930.

For the Orange County Crazies, New Year’s Eve means celebrating a good year’s work. At Orange Lang Syne, members of the Crazies and their second-tier group, the Crazie Beez, perform their most popular sketches, as well as some new improv bits. These two performances are the group’s annual fund-raisers. Guests receive champagne, dessert and party favors. Orange Lang Syne, DePietro Performance Center’s Don Cribb Theater, 809 N. Main St., Santa Ana. 7 and 10 p.m. $40. (714) 550-9890.

Sometimes it isn’t enough to celebrate the new year just once. Thankfully, the Brea and Irvine Improvs allow you to celebrate it twice--once for the East Coast countdown, once for the West. George Lopez, the veteran comic, leads the rumpus in Brea, while “The Love Master,” Craig Shoemaker, does the honors in Irvine. Both clubs offer dinner for the first show and free-flowing champagne for the second. George Lopez, Brea Improv, 945 E. Birch St., Brea. 7:30 p.m. $40-$80. 10 p.m. $100. (714) 529-7878. Craig Shoemaker, Irvine Improv, 71 Fortune Drive, Irvine. 7:30 p.m. $40-$75. 10 p.m. $75. (949) 854-5455.

--Michael Miller