Ring in the New Year with style at some of Southern Maine’s most exciting bars and lounges. Whether you’re staying at one of our beautiful Odessa by the Sea vacation rentals in Old Orchard Beach or exploring nearby Portland, you’ll find the perfect spot to celebrate. From beachfront bonfires to rooftop cocktails, this guide covers the best bars and lounges for New Year’s celebrations from Old Orchard Beach to Portland and everywhere in between.

Old Orchard Beach New Year’s Celebrations

Start your New Year’s Eve right in Old Orchard Beach with the Last Blast Beach Party. This SDfamily-friendly event features a bonfire on the beach in front of the Carousel, where you can toss your old Christmas trees. The celebration includes spectacular fireworks at approximately 7:30 p.m. It’s the perfect way to celebrate before heading to one of the local bars and lounges for the midnight countdown.

GFB Scottish Pub

Located at 32 Old Orchard Street, GFB Scottish Pub is the only brewpub in Old Orchard Beach. This year-round venue welcomes guests daily from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. The pub features craft beers alongside classic pub fare in a Scottish-inspired atmosphere. With spacious seating and lively entertainment like karaoke and live music, it’s a favorite among locals and visitors. The laid-back vibe makes it perfect for ringing in the New Year with friends.

The Brunswick

The Brunswick, affectionately called “The Swick,” is a lively oceanfront spot that comes alive at night. Known for bluesy jazz music and fresh, locally sourced ingredients, this establishment serves everything from seafood and steaks to hearty burgers. The Mexican Street Corn and mussels are crowd favorites. While they don’t take reservations, the laid-back yet refined atmosphere is worth any wait.

Big Daddy’s Bar & Grill

Open Thursday through Sunday evenings from 4 p.m., Big Daddy’s is a go-to spot for nightlife fun in Old Orchard Beach. Famous for their spicy mussels with locally sourced, fresh seafood, this venue also offers spicy margaritas that pair perfectly with their signature dishes. The combination of great food and vibrant atmosphere makes it an excellent choice for your New Year’s celebration.

Sunset Bar & Grill

This beachside venue offers island-style vibes with live music and entertainment. During special events, Sunset Bar & Grill transforms into a festive gathering spot with tiki bar flair. Check their event calendar for New Year’s Eve specials and entertainment options.

Portland’s Best Bars and Lounges

Just 20 minutes north of Old Orchard Beach, Portland offers an incredible array of bars and lounges perfect for celebrating the New Year in style.

Luna Rooftop Bar

Six stories above Portland’s working waterfront at the Canopy Portland Waterfront Hotel, Luna Rooftop Bar offers breathtaking panoramic views stretching from the harbor to Casco Bay. This year-round venue features expertly crafted cocktails, including classics and innovative Luna specialty drinks. The shareable plates celebrate Maine’s fresh seafood and local ingredients. Open Sunday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., Luna hosts special New Year’s Eve celebrations starting at 6 p.m. with a special menu and DJ entertainment.

Top of the East

Perched on the 15th floor of the Westin Portland Harborview Hotel at Congress and High streets, Top of the East features panoramic views through floor-to-ceiling windows. This sophisticated lounge offers cozy seating, high bar tops, and communal tables. New Year’s Eve 2025 celebrations include live music from The Dapper Gents, a Portland-based folk-rock ensemble, plus hand-crafted cocktails and complimentary Champagne toast. The party begins at 9 p.m. with tickets at $20.

Aura

Aura nightclub promises one of Portland’s biggest New Year’s Eve parties. Dance until 2 a.m. to the hottest beats mixed by talented DJs. The venue features mesmerizing performances and an incredible visual and light show. Early ticket purchase is recommended as events frequently sell out.

Ri Ra Pub

This Irish pub hosts one of southern Maine’s largest New Year’s Eve celebrations. The lively atmosphere and authentic Irish pub experience make it a favorite annual destination for those looking to ring in the New Year with Celtic flair.

Bayside Bowl

Bayside Bowl combines bowling with rooftop revelry. This venue features 20 sanctioned bowling lanes, award-winning food, craft cocktails, and a rooftop deck with excellent city views. Live music and dancing complement the unique bowling alley atmosphere for a one-of-a-kind New Year’s celebration.

Portland House of Music

For a different kind of celebration, Portland House of Music hosts live music performances on New Year’s Eve. Past events have featured tribute bands and popular acts. Music typically starts at 9 p.m. with a midnight countdown before continuing the party into the early morning.

Beyond Old Orchard Beach and Portland

Jonathan’s Ogunquit

Located in nearby Ogunquit, Jonathan’s features Jeff Pitchell’s Rock & Roll Allstars Dance Party. This all-star lineup includes musicians from legendary acts like The Rolling Stones, Rod Stewart, J. Geils Band, Stryper, and The Commitments. The 10 p.m. show offers dinner before the show and a live countdown at midnight followed by dancing. Tickets must be purchased in advance, and dinner reservations are required.

Mainestreet Ogunquit

Mainestreet is a gay bar that celebrates New Year’s Eve with a bash featuring dance floors, bars, DJs, pizza, party favors, and a champagne toast at midnight. The celebration makes it perfect whether you want to stay until midnight or head home early.

Wild Blueberry Drop in Kennebunk

Experience a uniquely Maine tradition just 30 minutes from Old Orchard Beach. Watch a giant wild blueberry drop from the First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church bell tower at midnight. The celebration includes ice skating at the Waterhouse Center, free admission to the Brick Store Museum from 6-9 p.m., and both 9 p.m. and midnight drop times. This free event is family-friendly and celebrates Maine’s iconic state fruit.

Planning Your Stay at Odessa by the Sea

Our vacation rentals provide the perfect home base for your New Year’s celebration. Whether you book one of our cozy cottages sleeping 2-6 guests or one of our luxurious homes accommodating 10-24 people, you’ll be perfectly positioned to explore all these fantastic bars and lounges.

The Odessa Cottages sit just 30 seconds from the beach, while our Odessa Victorian and condos offer comfortable accommodations within walking distance of local celebrations. The Odena Beach House features six bedrooms and is ideal for large groups wanting to ring in the New Year together before heading out to celebrate.

All our properties include modern amenities like Wi-Fi, TVs with Amazon Fire Stick, fully equipped kitchens, and comfortable bedding. Many feature outdoor spaces perfect for pre-party gatherings or late-night reflections after returning from your New Year’s adventures.

Making the Most of Your New Year’s Eve

Start your evening at the Last Blast Beach Party in Old Orchard Beach for the bonfire and fireworks. Then choose whether to stay local at GFB Scottish Pub or The Brunswick, or venture to Portland for rooftop views at Luna or Top of the East. The short drive between Old Orchard Beach and Portland makes it easy to experience multiple venues in one night.

For a more adventurous celebration, consider Ogunquit’s Jonathan’s or Mainestreet, or take in the quirky Maine tradition of the Wild Blueberry Drop in Kennebunk. No matter which venues you choose, Southern Maine offers unforgettable ways to welcome the New Year.

Book your stay at Odessa by the Sea today and secure your perfect vacation rental for an unforgettable New Year’s celebration. With our prime location near Old Orchard Beach and easy access to Portland, you’ll have the best of both worlds for ringing in the New Year.