Where To Celebrate New Year's Eve 2025 In SoCal

If you're looking for a place to celebrate New Year's Eve, there are plenty of places to toast 2026 in Southern California.

New Year's Eve celebrations mark the transition from one year to the next. It is a time for reflection on the past, setting resolutions for self-improvement, and welcoming new beginnings. Communal rituals like fireworks and toasts embody hope, joy, and the symbolism of good fortune and a fresh start.

We've rounded up 10 can't-miss New Year's Eve events:

Denim & Diamonds

The Diamonds & Denim event transforms Paséa Hotel & Spa's oceanfront lawn and ballroom into a coastal playground featuring high-energy country vibes, party-ready beats, specialty cocktails, and photo-perfect moments set against sweeping Pacific views. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the celebration rolls through 1:30 a.m.

Paséa Hotel & Spa, 21080 CA-1, Huntington Beach

Eve at Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood's Eve event, billed as Hollywood's biggest New Year's Eve celebration, offers multiple party areas featuring music, dancing, photo ops and a midnight countdown celebration with fireworks. Live entertainment begins at 9 p.m., while the theme park stays open until 2 a.m.

Universal Studios Hollywood, 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City

Masquerade Soirée

Ring in 2026 aboard the Queen Mary. The iconic retired ocean liner hosts its annual Masquerade Soirée on New Year's Eve, featuring live music, performances, casino games and fireworks as the clock strikes midnight. The soirée starts at 8 p.m. and ends at 1 a.m.

Queen Mary, 1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach

New Year's Eve at Knott's

The countdown to 2026 is on at Knott's Merry Farm with live entertainment, special fireworks and extended hours for this one-night celebration. New Year's Eve at Knott's features activities for the whole family, including a family-friendly comedian, live bands, swing dancing and more. Fireworks will light the skies above the theme park at midnight. Knott's Berry Farm is open until 1 a.m. for the special event.

Knott's Berry Farm, 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park

New Year's Eve at Legoland California Resort

Midnight comes early for families at Legoland California Resort. The theme park's annual Kids' New Year's Eve offers live entertainment, special treats and a fireworks show, counting down to an early midnight at 7 p.m. Special 3D viewing glasses transform fireworks into exploding Lego bricks. Legoland is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on News Year's Eve.

Legoland California Resort, 1 Legoland Drive, Carlsbad

New Year's Eve at SeaWorld

After a day of animals, rides and shows, SeaWorld San Diego will transform at dusk into a New Year's Eve celebration featuring festive lights and music. The celebration kicks off at 5 p.m., with a family-friendly DJ Dance Party at Skytower Lawn. A special New Year's countdown and fireworks show starts at 9 p.m. The park is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on New Year's Eve.

SeaWorld San Diego, 500 SeaWorld Drive, San Diego

New Year's Eve at Terranea

Terranea offers something for everyone to celebrate the New Year. Kiss 2025 goodbye and the kids good night as they head off to their own party, hosted by Kids Club. The special celebration features dinner, a bounce house, movies and a special countdown to 2026. The kid-friendly event runs from 6:30 p.m. to midnight. Terranea also hosts a Great Gatsby-inspired soirée, with flapper dancers, handcrafted speakeasy cocktails, and aerial chandelier acts. The event runs from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Terranea, 100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes

New Year's Eve Grape Drop

Ring in 2026 with Temecula's signature Grape Drop. The annual event features live music, food vendors and kid's activities. This family-friendly event goes by the East Coast's countdown, with a 9 p.m. grape drop in the form of a drone show. The event runs from 6 to 10 p.m.

Temecula Civic Center, 41000 Main St., Temecula

NYE LA

NYE LA, billed as the West Coast's largest free New Year's Eve party, rings in 2026 with DJs and musicians who will perform on two stages, plus food trucks, interactive art installations and more. The family-friendly event culminates with the park's signature countdown-to-midnight art show projected onto Los Angeles City Hall. The free event runs from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Gloria Molina Grand Park, 200 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles

Proper NYE

This two-day house music festival takes place Dec. 31 through Jan. 1 at Petco Park and neighboring Gallagher Square. The lineup features nearly 50 acts on five stages.

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