Are you looking for the best New Year's Eve in Southern California? Look no further! Southern California is known for its vibrant nightlife and exciting events, and New Year's Eve is no exception. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly celebration or a night out on the town with friends, there are plenty of options to choose from.
From Universal Studios Hollywood's New Year's Eve celebration to the Flamingo Resort's White Lotus New Year's Eve party, there is something for everyone. If you're looking for a more low-key celebration, Santa Monica Playhouse is livestreaming a family-friendly musical revue that is sure to delight. And if you're a foodie, Napa Valley's Silverado Resort and Spa is offering a five-course dinner or a DJ-fueled party at the hotel's 150-year-old Mansion. Whatever your preference, Southern California has you covered.
The Best New Year's Eve Events in Southern California
New Year's Eve in Southern California
Southern California is a fantastic place to celebrate New Year's Eve. With a variety of events and parties, you're sure to find something that fits your style. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly event or a night out with friends, Southern California has something for everyone.
One popular option is to attend a New Year's Eve Gala. The Big Night New Year's Eve Gala at the Hilton hotel in San Diego is among the most famous parties. This event features live music, multiple dance floors, and a variety of food and drink options. Another option is to attend a fireworks show. The San Diego Bay is a popular location for fireworks shows, and many restaurants and hotels offer specials for the holiday.
If you're looking for family-friendly New Year's Eve events in Southern California, the San Diego Symphony is proud to present an “at-home” New Year's Eve concert program of joyous music by Johannes Brahms, “Duke” Ellington, J. Strauss Jr. and Sr., plus a special performance of George Gershwin's immortal Rhapsody in Blue featuring young piano sensation Ray Ushikubo.
For those who prefer to spend the holiday outdoors, there are plenty of options as well. The Redding Garden of Lights experience in Turtle Bay Exploration Park is a great way to celebrate the holiday season. You can walk through Redding's one million-strong light display, spread across 10 acres, while also enjoying live music at both ends of the park, multiple food-and-drink stations, and a heated lounge that runs until midnight.
No matter how you choose to celebrate, Southern California is the perfect place to ring in the New Year. With a variety of events and activities, you're sure to have a memorable holiday season.
Family-Friendly Events
Looking for a fun way to celebrate New Year's Eve with your family in Southern California? Look no further than these exciting family-friendly events!
Disneyland Celebrations
Disneyland is the perfect place to ring in the new year with your family. The park is open until 2 am on New Year's Eve, and features special events to celebrate the occasion. You and your family can enjoy the park's thrilling rides, watch the fireworks display at midnight, and dance the night away with live music and entertainment.
Make sure to book your tickets in advance to avoid the crowds and ensure a spot at this exciting event. With so much to see and do, Disneyland is the perfect place for a family-friendly New Year's Eve celebration.
Aquarium of the Pacific
If you're looking for a more laid-back celebration, the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach is the perfect choice. This family-friendly celebration features live music, a countdown to midnight, and even a special appearance by the aquarium's resident sea lion.
Your children will love exploring the aquarium's exhibits and learning about the amazing creatures that call the ocean home. With plenty of family-friendly activities and entertainment, the Aquarium of the Pacific is the perfect place to ring in the new year with your loved ones.
No matter which event you choose, you're sure to have a fun and memorable New Year's Eve celebration with your family in Southern California.
City Celebrations
If you're looking for a New Year's Eve event in Southern California, you've come to the right place. Here are some of the best city celebrations for you to choose from.
Los Angeles Countdown
If you're in Los Angeles, head to Grand Park for N.Y.E.L.A. This free event is open to the public and features live music, food trucks, and a countdown to midnight. The event takes place at the City Hall building, which is lit up with colorful projections.
San Diego Fireworks
San Diego is known for its stunning waterfront, and the New Year's Eve fireworks show is no exception. Head to the Embarcadero to watch the fireworks light up the sky over the bay. The show starts at midnight and is free to the public.
Santa Monica Playhouse
For a more intimate celebration, head to the Santa Monica Playhouse for their annual New Year's Eve party. The event includes a buffet dinner, live entertainment, and a champagne toast at midnight. Tickets are required and can be purchased in advance.
Temecula Grape Drop
If you're in Temecula, head to Old Town for the annual Grape Drop. The event includes live music, food vendors, and a countdown to midnight. At the stroke of midnight, a giant grape drops from the sky to ring in the new year. The event is free to the public.
No matter where you are in Southern California, there's a New Year's Eve celebration for you to enjoy. From fireworks shows to intimate parties, there's something for everyone.
Music and Dance Parties
Looking for an exciting way to ring in the New Year? Southern California has plenty of music and dance parties to choose from. Here are some of the best options to help you dance your way into 2024.
Hollywood Parties
If you're looking for a Hollywood-style party, head over to Universal Studios Hollywood for their New Year's Eve bash. Besides getting to take the tram tour and going on the rides, Universal Studios will stay open until 2 a.m. for the party. You'll get to dance to live music, enjoy a midnight countdown, and watch a fireworks display.
Concerts and Music Festivals
For music lovers, Southern California has a lot to offer. Catch The Roots live at the Hollywood Bowl or attend the Johannes Brahms New Year's Eve Concert at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. If you're looking for a music festival, check out the SnowGlobe Music Festival in South Lake Tahoe. This three-day festival features top DJs and bands, as well as a massive snow-covered dance floor.
Dance Yourself Clean
If you're ready to dance the night away, check out Dance Yourself Clean. This popular dance party takes place at The Satellite in Los Angeles and features indie-pop and dance music. You'll dance to music from artists like LCD Soundsystem, CHVRCHES, and Daft Punk. The party also includes a live photo booth, free pizza, and a midnight champagne toast.
No matter what your music taste is, Southern California has a New Year's Eve party for you. Whether you're looking to dance to live music, attend a music festival, or dance party, you're sure to find the perfect event to help you ring in the New Year.
Special Events
If you're looking for a unique way to ring in the New Year, Southern California has plenty of special events to choose from. Here are a few that you won't want to miss:
Eve at Universal Studios
For a family-friendly New Year's Eve celebration, head to Universal Studios Hollywood in Universal City. The park stays open until 2 a.m. on New Year's Eve and features live music, DJs, and a special countdown to midnight. Plus, you can enjoy all of the park's rides and attractions throughout the night.
Queen Mary Celebration
If you're looking for a more glamorous New Year's Eve celebration, consider the Queen Mary Celebration in Long Beach. This historic ocean liner hosts a black-tie gala with multiple ballrooms, live music, and a fireworks show at midnight. You can also enjoy a four-course dinner and champagne toast as you ring in the New Year.
Rose Parade
If you're an early riser, you can start your New Year's Day with the famous Rose Parade in Pasadena. This annual parade features elaborate floats, marching bands, and equestrian units, and draws more than 700,000 spectators each year. The parade starts at 8 a.m. on January 1st, so be sure to arrive early to get a good spot.
No matter how you choose to celebrate, Southern California has plenty of options for a memorable New Year's Eve. From fireworks and champagne to torchlight parades and ball drops, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Virtual Celebrations
If you're looking to celebrate New Year's Eve from the comfort of your own home, there are plenty of virtual events happening in Southern California. Here are a few options to consider:
- Universal Studios Hollywood Virtual Countdown: Universal Studios Hollywood is hosting a virtual countdown to midnight, complete with fireworks and a performance by DJ Marshmello. You can tune in on the park's YouTube channel to join the celebration.
- Grand Park NYELA: Grand Park in downtown Los Angeles is hosting a virtual New Year's Eve celebration called NYELA (New Year's Eve Los Angeles). The event will feature music, dance performances, and a countdown to midnight. You can watch the livestream on Grand Park's website or YouTube channel.
- Queen Mary Virtual New Year's Eve: The Queen Mary in Long Beach is hosting a virtual New Year's Eve celebration that includes live music, a virtual tour of the ship, and a countdown to midnight. You can tune in on the Queen Mary's website or Facebook page.
- Virtual New Year's Eve Bash: The City of West Hollywood is hosting a virtual New Year's Eve bash that includes performances by drag queens, DJs, and other entertainers. You can watch the livestream on the city's website or YouTube channel.
No matter which virtual celebration you choose, you can still enjoy the festive spirit of New Year's Eve without leaving your home. So grab some snacks, put on your party hat, and get ready to ring in the new year!
New Year's Eve Outside Southern California
If you're looking for a change of scenery for your New Year's Eve celebration, there are plenty of exciting events happening outside of Southern California. Here are a few options to consider:
New York Ball Drop
One of the most iconic New Year's Eve celebrations in the world is the ball drop in Times Square, New York. If you're up for a trip to the East Coast, this is an experience you won't forget. The ball drop is free to attend, but be prepared for large crowds and cold weather. If you want a more exclusive experience, there are plenty of parties and events happening at hotels and restaurants in the area.
San Francisco and Sacramento
If you want to stay on the West Coast, San Francisco and Sacramento both have exciting New Year's Eve events. San Francisco hosts a massive fireworks show over the bay, which can be viewed from various locations throughout the city. Sacramento's Old Town also has a fireworks display, along with live music and other entertainment.
Lake Tahoe Snowglobe Festival
For a unique New Year's Eve experience, head to the Snowglobe Music Festival in Lake Tahoe. This three-day event features performances by top musicians and DJs, along with skiing and snowboarding during the day. The festival culminates with a New Year's Eve countdown and fireworks show.
No matter where you choose to celebrate New Year's Eve, make sure to plan ahead and stay safe. Remember to designate a sober driver or use public transportation if you're drinking. Happy New Year!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best places to go for New Year's Eve events in Southern California?
Southern California has a lot to offer when it comes to New Year's Eve celebrations. Some of the best places to go include Los Angeles, San Diego, and Orange County. In Los Angeles, you can check out the Grand Park New Year's Eve celebration, which features live music, food trucks, and a countdown to midnight. In San Diego, the Big Night San Diego New Year's Eve Gala is a popular event that features multiple dance floors, live music, and a premium open bar. Orange County also has a lot to offer, with events like the New Year's Eve Block Party in Downtown Fullerton and the New Year's Eve Celebration at the Irvine Spectrum Center.
What are the New Year's Eve events happening at the Queen Mary in 2023?
The Queen Mary is one of the most iconic landmarks in Southern California, and it's also a popular destination for New Year's Eve celebrations. In 2023, the Queen Mary will be hosting a New Year's Eve Gala that includes a four-course dinner, live entertainment, and a fireworks show at midnight. There will also be a VIP option that includes access to a private lounge and premium seating for the fireworks show.
What are some family-friendly New Year's Eve events in Los Angeles?
If you're looking for a family-friendly New Year's Eve celebration in Los Angeles, there are plenty of options to choose from. The Universal Studios Hollywood New Year's Eve celebration is a popular choice, with live music, a DJ dance party, and a countdown to midnight. You can also check out the Kidspace Children's Museum Noon Year's Eve celebration, which features a balloon drop, art activities, and a dance party.
Where can I find information about New Year's Eve fireworks in Los Angeles?
Fireworks are a big part of many New Year's Eve celebrations, and if you're looking for information about fireworks shows in Los Angeles, there are several resources you can use. The Discover Los Angeles website is a great place to start, as it has a list of fireworks shows happening throughout the city. You can also check out local news outlets like ABC7 and NBC4, which often have information about fireworks shows in the area.
What are some unique ways to celebrate New Year's Eve 2023 in California?
If you're looking for a unique way to celebrate New Year's Eve in California, there are plenty of options to choose from. You can take a New Year's Eve cruise in San Diego or Long Beach, or you can check out the New Year's Eve Masquerade Ball at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel in Santa Monica. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even go on a hot air balloon ride to ring in the new year.
Are there any New Year's Eve events happening near Temecula?
If you're in the Temecula area and looking for a New Year's Eve celebration, there are several events happening nearby. The Pechanga Resort & Casino is hosting a New Year's Eve party that includes live music, dancing, and a countdown to midnight. You can also check out the New Year's Eve celebration at Wilson Creek Winery, which features a three-course dinner, live music, and a champagne toast at midnight.