2022 Best Family Friendly New Year’s Eve Celebrations in Southern California

Updated for 2021

Are you looking for a family-friendly New Year’s Eve Celebration to take your kiddos to this year?  If so, then SoCal Field Trips got you covered with the Best Family Friendly New Year’s Eve Celebrations in Southern California and beyond!  

In fact, if you attend one of these events virtually or in person you might just be able to tuck your children in before the ball drops at midnight in Times Square.  Please visit each individual celebration’s website for dates, times, pricing and locations.

2022 Virtual New Year’s Eve Celebrations

Grand Park N.Y.E.L.A, Downtown Los Angeles, 12/31 @ 11:00 pm (Virtual)

New Year’s Eve Celebrations Returning in 2021

New Year’s Eve Celebrations in the Inland Empire

New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade at Snow Summit, Big Bear, 12/31 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm (Returning in 2021!)

Ring in 2019 at the 55th annual Snow Summit Torchlight Parade. Watch 200+ skiers and snowboarders light up the night as they make their way down the face of the mountain in the dark with torches to create a spellbinding spectacle of light before the (snow)ball drops.   Other activities include DJ entertainment, activation booths, face painting, champagne toast, stilt walkers, fire dancers, a photobooth and bounce house for kids.  Come early and enjoy the snow!

New Year’s Eve Grape Drop, Temecula, 12/31 @ 6:00 pm – 12:30 am (Returning in 2021!)

Ring in 2020 Temecula-style at the annual Grape Drop with two countdowns – east coast style (9 pm) and west coast style (midnight).  The celebration offers live bands and a free fun zone for kids (open 6 pm – 10 pm) with hat making, calligraphy art, face painting and a giant slide.  Patio heaters and some chairs provided.  Bring jackets to keep warm and extra chairs for extra seating.

Festival of Lights Family Celebration, Main Library Plaza, Mission Inn, Riverside, 12/31 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm (Returning in 2021!)

If you want to have an early night, there will be a family-friendly New Year’s Eve event with music, activities and a confetti celebration in addition to the usual Festival of Lights happenings.

Pennypickle’s Workshop New Year’s Event, Temecula, 12/31 @ 11:00 am – 12:30 pm (Returning in 2021!)

Celebrate the New Year Pennypickle-style…at noon instead of midnight!  You won’t want to miss the Professor’s very special party for those too young to stay up late.  Call 951-308-6376 to reserve tickets.  Space is limited.

John’s Incredible Pizza, Riverside and Montclair, 12/31 @ 7:00 pm – 1:00 am  (Returning in 2021!)

John‘s Incredible Pizza will celebrate New Year’s Eve with special hours and celebration packages.  Each John‘s location will be open from 7:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. on New Year’s Eve.

New Year’s Eve Celebrations in Los Angeles

LA Zoo’s Family New Year’s Eve Party, Los Angeles, 12/31 @ 6:00 – 9:00 pm (Returning in 2021!)

Attend the annal LA Zoo Family New Year’s Eve Party!  Celebrate the new year in style with express entry to the LA Zoo Lights, a dinner buffet that includes soft drinks and dessert, a carousel ride, games, dance party, and live broadcast of the Times Square ball drop.  Raise a toast to the new year with complimentary champagne for adults (21+) and sparkling apple cider for kids. Festive photos courtesy of PRIMs Photo Booth.  After the party, families are welcome to enjoy L.A. Zoo Lights until closing. Fun for all ages!

Old Town Music Hall New Year’s Eve, Los Angeles, 12/31 @ 8:30 pm – Midnight (Returning in 2021!)

The New Year’s celebration at Old Town Music Hall features music, great performers, a grab bag of classic shorts and a surprise feature film.  Guests can enjoy complimentary light refreshments and sparkling apple cider.  For ages 10 and up.  Reservations required.

New Year’s Eve Family Fireworks Cruise, Rainbow Harbor, Long Beach, 12/31 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm (Returning in 2021!)

Harbor Breeze Cruises is hosting a special evening lights and fireworks cruise on the waters of Long Beach Harbor.  Boarding at 7:30 pm you will have a narrated cruise to view Long Beach harbor lit up at night.  Observe the awe-inspiring firework displays performed at 9 pm.

New Year’s Eve at the Waterfront, Shoreline Village, Long Beach, 12/31 @ 5:00 pm – 10:30 pm (Returning in 2021!

This free family-friendly celebration takes place from 5:00 to 10:00 pm at Rainbow Harbor.  There will be live music, a photo booth, face painting, interactive games, arts & crafts, food, jugglers and stilt-walkers.  Then at 9 p.m., the sky will light up for an East Coast countdown with a fireworks spectacular from Rainbow Harbor’s lighthouse peninsula!

New Year’s Eve Glow Party, Burton Chace Park, Marina del Rey, 12/31 @ 7:00 pm – Midnight (Returning in 2021!)

Join us for a Glow Party at 7 pm with fun activities for the whole family!  Featuring Live DJs, dance music, dancers, circuit breaker robot, face painting, bubbles, photo booth, food trucks and more.  At 8:59 p.m, there will be 30-second countdown and view of the Times Square ball drop followed by an amazing 10-minute fireworks display.  Then at 11:59 pm, there will be another 30-second countdown to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Marina del Rey followed by another amazing ten-minute fireworks display.  Watch the spectacular fireworks from Burton Chace Park, Fisherman’s Village, or the many waterfront restaurants in Marina del Rey!  Parking is $8.00.

Boomer’s Noon Year’s Eve Celebration, Upland, 12/31 @ 11:30 am (Returning in 2021!)

Who says you have to wait until midnight to celebrate?  Join Boomer’s in Irvine as we ring in the New Year with a fun, new twist! The party starts at 11:30AM— that’s right, AM!  There will be a fun photo op, party hats and noisemakers, a traditional countdown to 12 o’clock, a balloon drop when the clock strikes noon and a new year’s toast with kid-friendly bubbly.  All the fun and excitement of New Year’s without missing bedtime!

Kidspace Children’s Museum Noon Year’s Eve Party, Pasadena, 12/31 @ 9:30 am – 3:00 pm (Returning in 2021!)

Midnight is way past bed time, so celebrate the new year a bit early with Kidspace!  Experience the ginormous balloon drop at noon, sip and toast cups of sparkling cider, and create your own noisemakers to ring in 2020.  Dress in your festive New Year’s attire and dance with us as we countdown to the stroke of NOON!  Kidspace will close at 3pm.  Expect heavy traffic and parking delays in the Rose Bowl area.  Cannot guarantee participation in the countdown if arriving after 11:00am.  Available space in the balloon drop areas are first-come-first-serve.

EVE at Universal Studios Hollywood, Hollywood, 12/31 @ 10:00 am – 1/1 at 2:00 am (Returning in 2021!)

Be part of Hollywood’s biggest New Year’s Eve celebration at Universal Studios Hollywood’s EVE event!  Fill your day with heart-pounding rides and attractions like Jurassic World, then party til 2am with music, dancing, photo-ops and a special midnight countdown celebration with fireworks.

New Year’s Eve Celebrations in Orange County

Knott’s New Year’s Eve Celebration, Buena Park, 12/31/19 @ 10:00 am – 1/1/20 @ 1:00 am (Returning in 2021!))

The countdown to the New Year is on at Knott’s Merry Farm with special fireworks, live entertainment, and special extended hours for the one-night event. Guests have a chance to say goodbye to the final moments of 20202 at Knott’s as the park celebrates with memorable festivities including Merry Farm seasonal performances throughout the day on December 31st.  The enchanting Knott’s New Year’s Eve celebration gives guests front row seats to the final event of the year as the park rings in 2019 with a park wide-party unlike any other and everyone is invited.

The New Year’s celebration features entertaining activities for the whole family including a family friendly comedian, live bands, swing dancing and more. Guest are invited to count down the final moments of 2018 with festive music, party hats and noisemakers making this night extra special. The spectacular firework celebration sets the skies above Knott’s ablaze at the stroke of midnight as colorful fireworks light the start of the New Year. The nighttime extravaganza offers a stress-free night perfect for family and friends to come together and create new memories by starting a new tradition by celebrating the New Year ’s Eve at Knott’s.  Knott’s Berry Farm is open from 10:00 am – 1:00 am and the New Year’s Eve Celebration is included with regular daytime admission.

Boomer’s Noon Year’s Eve Celebration, Irvine, 12/31 @ 11:30 am (Returning in 2021!)

Who says you have to wait until midnight to celebrate?  Join Boomer’s in Irvine as we ring in the New Year with a fun, new twist! The party starts at 11:30AM— that’s right, AM!  There will be a fun photo op, party hats and noisemakers, a traditional countdown to 12 o’clock, a balloon drop when the clock strikes noon and a new year’s toast with kid-friendly bubbly.  All the fun and excitement of New Year’s without missing bedtime!

Happy Noon Year’s Eve, Heritage Park Library, Irvine, 12/31 @ 11:30 am – 12:30 pm (Returning in 2021!)

Celebrate the new year at the library with free crafts, activities, treats, and a countdown to noon with a balloon drop!

Kid’s Balloon Drop Party, Costa Mesa Donald Dugan Library, 12/31 @11:00 am – 12:30 pm (Returning in 2021!)

Celebrate the end of 2019 and the beginning of 2020 at Costa Mesa Donald Dungan’s first Ballon Party Drop!  Enjoy crafts, snacks and sparkling cider and prepare for a dazzling balloon drop at noon.

John’s Incredible Pizza, Buena Park & Westminster, 12/31 @ 7:00 pm – 1:00 am (Returning in 2021!)

John‘s Incredible Pizza will celebrate New Year’s Eve with special hours and celebration packages.  Each John‘s location will be open from 7:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. on New Year’s Eve.

Noon Year’s Eve, Cypress Library, Cypress, 12/31 @ 11:30am – 12:20pm (Returning n 2021!)

Kids, teens, and families can ring in the New Year at the Cypress Library.  Enjoy a photocbooth, exciting party favor crafts and a countdown to noon with balloon drop!

Pretend City’s Noon Year’s Confetti Countdown, Irvine, 12/31 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm (Returning in 2021!)

5..4..3..2..1..HAPPY NOON YEAR! Join us for our annual New Year’s Celebration in the middle of the day! We will celebrate the new year at different times throughout the day as the sun travels across the different time zones! There will be a confetti countdown 4 different times to celebrate the new year in Bangladesh, Dubai, Athens, and London, as it turns to midnight in these different cities! We will also have New Year’s activities and art for our little ones to enjoy.

Twas’ the day before New Year’s and all through the city the citizens are stirring and buzzing about!  With sparkling streamers, blowouts, noise makers, and confetti that will make this the party of all parties!

It’s Midnight Somewhere” Confetti Countdown Times: 

• 9:45 a.m.    (Dhaka, Bangladesh) (Member’s Only Countdown)
• 12:00 p.m.    (Dubai, United Arab Emirates)
• 2:00 p.m.      (Athens, Greece)
• 4:00 p.m.      (London, England)

Smart Art:  We will be making Noon-Year’s eve noise makers, working with the numbers 1-12, and making your very own Noon-Year’s eve party hat to take home.

• Noise Makers – Come make a noise maker for our Noon-Year’s Eve Countdown.
• Party Hats– Join us in one of our community rooms to make and decorate a party hat!

Math Matters (11:30 am & 3:00 pm):  Countdown Clock – Let’s count from 1-10 and then back down again from 10-1! Children will use various materials such as buttons, beads, and other manipulatives to practice their counting skills, learn one to one correspondence, and the ability to count backwards which will be a useful skill to use for our Noon-Year’s eve countdown.

Noon Year’s Eve, Chapman Library, Garden Grove, 12/31 @ 11:15 am – 12:15 pm (Returning in 2021!)

Ring in 2020 at the library where can kids can enjoy music, crafts, and small snacks before the big balloon drop at noon.

First Night Fullerton New Year’s Eve Party, Fullerton, 12/31 @ 7:00 pm – 12:00 am (Returning in 2021!)

The City of Fullerton will be celebrating the 28th anniversary of the annual “First Night Fullerton” on Tuesday, December 31, 2019 from 7:00 p.m. to 12 midnight. This popular family-oriented, alcohol-free event will take place in Downtown Fullerton on Harbor Blvd., Pomona Ave., and Wilshire Ave. The event is free to the public and has an estimated attendance of over 15,000 guests every year.

This year’s festival will feature musical stage performances by a variety bands, stilt walkers, carnival games, food vendors and the Kids Lane. Back by popular demand, Zip Lining will be the main attraction on Harbor Blvd.   The festival ends at midnight as the sky lights up with an incredible aerial display of fireworks to ring in the New Year.

WinterFest New Year’s Eve Celebration, OC Fair and Event Center, Costa Mesa, 12/31 @ 6:00 pm – Midnight (Returning in 2021!)

New Years Eve, Winter Fest OC plans to drop the inaugural Orange Ball and light up the sky with fireworks, cover band and a not-to-miss 1,000 balloon drop at midnight. For families looking for a fun experience to ring in the New Year, a special countdown, drop of the inaugural Orange Ball, 1,000 balloon drop, cover band and fireworks will be celebrated at 6pm.  No additional fee for New Years Eve Celebration, it is included in your December 31 admission ticket or season pass.

Happy Noon Year’s Eve, Mary Wilson Library, Seal Beach, 12/31, 11:00am – 12:00pm (Returning in 2021!)

Enjoy making noisemakers and party hats, play games, and dance to music from the library’s Freegalapp.  At noon, release a balloon drop and celebrate the “Noon Year!”

The Children’s Museum at La Habra New Year’s Noon Party, La Habra, 12/31 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm (Returning in 2021!)

No longer will your little ones feel left out by the late night New Year’s festivities!  The whole family can celebrate the countdown to 12 o’clock noon!  Complete with hat making, face painting, dancing, and a balloon drop.  Advance reservations required.  Free to CMLH Members & visitors with paid admission.

Disneyland’s New Year’s Eve Celebration, Anaheim, 12/31, Various Times (Returning in 2021!)

Join the countdown during the happiest New Year’s Eve on earth with fantastical fireworks at 9:00 PM and midnight.  The choice is yours: welcome the new year in synch with New York City’s Times Square, wait for the west coast clock to strike 12 or celebrate twice by enjoying both shows!

The Disneyland tradition of nightly fireworks first debuted in 1958, when Walt Disney asked his Imagineers to create a memorable finale for park Guests. They created Fantasy in the Sky, a fireworks show set to beloved Disney music. Kids of all ages can watch with nostalgia or view the extravaganza for the very first time.

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament New Year’s Eve Celebration, Buena Park, 12/31 @ 9:45 pm – Midnight (Returning in 2021!)

The New Year’s Celebration at Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament includes a two-hour tournament, four-course feast, admission to the Museum of Torture, midnight countdown with the Knights of the Realm, champagne toast for the adults, party favors, DJ and dancing.

Pirate’s Dinner Adventure New Year’s Eve Celebration, Buena Park, 12/31 @ 10:00 pm – Midnight (Returning in 2021!)

The Pirate’s Dinner Adventure show and dinner begins at 10:00 pm.  Afterward, you will be given party favors and a glass of champagne or apple cider to ring in the New Year!

Boomer’s Noon Year’s Eve Celebration, Fountain Valley, 12/31 @ 11:30 am (Returning in 2021!)

Who says you have to wait until midnight to celebrate?  Join Boomer’s in Irvine as we ring in the New Year with a fun, new twist! The party starts at 11:30AM— that’s right, AM!  There will be a fun photo op, party hats and noisemakers, a traditional countdown to 12 o’clock, a balloon drop when the clock strikes noon and a new year’s toast with kid-friendly bubbly.  All the fun and excitement of New Year’s without missing bedtime!

Rancho Santa Margarita New Year’s Eve Celebration, Rancho Santa Margarita, 12/31 @ 5:00 – 9:00 pm (Returning in 2021!)

This annual celebration, which commemorates Rancho Santa Margarita’s anniversary of City incorporation, features food, fun, musical, strolling entertainment, inflatable rides, crafts, games and a children’s art contest supported by local schools in the district.

New Year’s Eve Celebrations in San Diego

The Living Coast Discovery Center New Year’s Eve Family Party, San Diego, 12/31 @ 7:00 – 9:00 pm (Returning 2021!)

Gather your family and friends and dress in your most dapper outfit for the “Soaring 20’s” New Year’s Eve party at The Living Coast Discovery Center.  Enjoy an evening filled with interactive games, trivia, crafts, snacks, dancing, and of course- animal encounters. Turn up the volume with a DJ (DJ Sure Flow), dance floor, and karaoke, plus some adult beverage options for purchase. Take home a keepsake photo by Pic Addict Photobooth. New Year’s Eve is one of our most popular events and we hope you’ll ring in 2020 with us!  Premium parking is available this year for $20.  Enjoy early admission at 6:30, valet parking, and drive right to the front doors.  Premium parking is $20 per vehicle.

Kids’ New Year’s Eve at Legoland, Carlsbad, 12/31 @ 6:00 pm (Returning in 2021!)

“Midnight” comes early for families at LEGOLAND California Resort, celebrating the New Year together without missing their bedtimes. LEGOLAND California re-creates the Times Square ball drop with a giant LEGO brick falling 22 feet in the air at San Diego’s largest Kids’ New Year’s Eve Party!  Join in the festivities with party hats and special glasses for viewing fireworks. The party concludes just in time for our countdown at 6 p.m. with a fireworks display illuminating the sky and providing a great ending to an amazing year.  If you choose to stay over, room reservations are available at the LEGOLAND Castle Hotel.

Green Flash Noon Years Eve Celebration, San Diego, 12/31 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm (Returning in 2021!)

For those who want an alternative to staying up until midnight with their kids, head to Green Flash Brewery for a kid-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration at noon!  There will be games, crafts, a dessert bar, face-painting, giveaways and a celebratory countdown at noon, complete with a balloon drop and dance party.

Corvette Dinner Rockin’ New Year’s Eve, San Diego, 12/31 @ 9:00 pm – Midnight (Returning in 2021!)

Come on down to the Corvette Diner for our New Year’s celebration!  They’ll be starting the party early as you countdown to the ball drop in New York City, along with a Big Apple New Year’s Toast at 9pm.  They Diner DJ will be spinning tunes and a Balloon Artist will be there for the party.

Pajama Jam 2021, New Year’s Family Night Out at The New Children’s Museum, San Diego, 12/28 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm (Returning in 2021!)

Bring the entire family and get cozy in your jammies at The New Children’s Museum in San Diego!  The night includes New Year’s-themed art activities, games, a dance jam, photo booth, catered dinner and our popular countdown balloon drop.  Plus, parents get a free drink ticket.  Close out the year with a pajama fest you won’t want to miss!  Special event parking is available for $10.

Sheraton Carlsbad’s New Year’s Eve Family Friendly Masquerade Ball, Carlsbad, 12/31 @ 6:30 pm (Returning in 2021!)

Ring in 2020 at The Mad Hatter’s Ball, a family-friendly event that is sure to keep everyone entertained hosted by The Westin and Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa.  Guests can enjoy a night filled with kid-friendly activities, a gourmet buffet, live DJ, balloon drop, and unforgettable memories made while dancing the night away.  Prizes will be given for the Best Dressed Family and Best Dressed Couple. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the event goes until 12:30 a.m.

The Kids Party Zone features a Gamer Room with Xbox, Kinect, Dance Central, racing games, and Wii. Other activities include face painting, ping pong, foosball, billiards, and the Kids Club Party Zone.

The clock strikes midnight twice at this shindig. The Kids Club Party Zone will be counting down with a balloon drop for the East Coast at 9 p.m., and the main drop at midnight will ring in the New Year with a live countdown and a complimentary champagne toast for those 21 and up.

Boomer’s Noon Year’s Eve Celebration, El Cajon, 12/31 @ 11:30 am (Returning in 2021!

Who says you have to wait until midnight to celebrate?  Join Boomer’s in Irvine as we ring in the New Year with a fun, new twist! The party starts at 11:30AM— that’s right, AM!  There will be a fun photo op, party hats and noisemakers, a traditional countdown to 12 o’clock, a balloon drop when the clock strikes noon and a new year’s toast with kid-friendly bubbly.  All the fun and excitement of New Year’s without missing bedtime!

New Year’s Eve Celebrations in Ventura

Skating Plus’ New Year’s Eve Party For Kids, Ventura, 12/31 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm (Returning in 2021!)

Celebrate the New Year while skating and dancing away with your friends!  Hats and horns provided.  Awesome balloon drop at 4 pm.  Admission is $10 per person with skate rental extra.

Skating Plus’ New Year’s Eve Party For Teens, Ventura, 12/31 @ 8:00 pm – 1:00 am (Returning in 2021!)

A special skate party is planned to ring in the New Year!  Admission is $15 per person and includes a special souvenir, hats and horns, pizza, soda and many more surprises.  Strict supervision, no in/out privileges.  No food or drinks may be brought in.  Parents always welcome to watch free of charge.

What are your plans for New Year’s Eve?  Let us know in the comment section below.

Happy New Year’s!

Jilleen