Looking for ways to ring in 2023? We’ve rounded up the best family-friendly New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day events happening in L.A. and a few just a short drive down the coast.
Los Angeles
Grand Park’s NYELA
Ring in the new year at Grand Park’s free NYELA music and dance party, featuring DJs and musicians, including DJ Marques Wyatt and Cuban Funk band Cimafunk, performing on two stages. The family-friendly, alcohol-free celebration crescendos with an epic countdown to 2023 depicted by Grand Park’s signature 3-D video projection and light show on City Hall. FREE. grandparkla.org
Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert
The annual concert returns to the Walt Disney Concert Hall on Jan. 2. Inspired by the annual Viennese New Year’s concert tradition, “Salute to Vienna” features music by Johann Strauss and his contemporaries, performed by singers, dancers and a full orchestra. Ages 5 and up. $49 – $150. musiccenter.org
Pull My Finger New Year’s Eve Edition
Ring in the new year by laughing with the family in this family-friendly comedy show on Dec. 31 at Bergamot Station Arts Center. Hosted by The Crow, a mom-owned and operated comedy club, “Pull My Finger” is G-rated. $25. crowcomedy.com
New Year’s Eve with The Roots
Ring in the New Year with GRAMMY-award-winning hip-hop band The Roots on Dec. 31 at Walt Disney Concert Hall. $69 and up. laphil.com
L.A. Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow
Celebrate the New Year at L.A. Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow. The all-ages celebration includes express entry to the lights display, buffet dinner, kid-friendly dance party, games, photo ops, live broadcast of the Times Square ball drop and a New Year’s toast with complimentary champagne for adults and sparkling apple cider for kids. $100 for 18 and over; $75 for ages 2-17, free for ages 0-2. lazoo.org
Swan Boat Night Rides
Grab a blanket and hot chocolate to ride the Swan Boats at Echo Park Lake, which are decorated with holiday garlands and LED lights for the season. Online reservations are required. Open NYE and New Year’s Day. $11; $6 for ages 0-17. wheelfunrentals.com
GLOW Party and New Year’s Eve Fireworks
Join Marina Del Rey for their annual GLOW Party and New Year’s Eve Fireworks at Burton Chace Park on Dec. 31 from 7 p.m. The family-friendly event features DJs, live entertainment, food trucks, face painting, photo booths and more. FREE. visitmdr.com
EVE
Ring in 2023 with EVE, Universal Studios Hollywood’s annual NYE celebration featuring music entertainment fireworks and access to select rides and attractions with extended hours until 2 a.m. $139. universalstudioshollywood.com
Tournament of Roses Parade
Catch the annual Tournament of Roses Parade on Jan. 2 in Pasadena. Camp out along the 5.5 mile route or hang out at Pasadena Hotel & Pool’s newly renovated lobby bar, which will open at 6 a.m. with a breakfast and bar menu on the day of the parade. tournamentofroses.com
New Year’s in Pasadena Walking Tour
Walk the first leg of the Rose Parade route before the parade and learn all about the festivities and activities around the Rose Bowl. The 1.8 mile guided walking tours take place on Dec. 30 and 31 and last about two hours. $28 for ages 13 and up; $16 for ages 5-12; free for ages 4 and under. lawalkingtours.com
Oshogatsu in Little Tokyo
Celebrate the first day of 2023 with a traditional Japanese New Year celebration in Little Tokyo. Oshogatsu in Little Tokyo will will feature taiko drum performances, calligraphy demonstrations, mochi making workshops, Japanese dances and food booths at Weller Court and Japanese Village Plaza. FREE. littletokyola.org
Orange County
32nd Annual Lighting of the Bay
Watch more than 50 electric Christmas trees and holiday decorations float along the bay every evening through New Year’s Day at the Annual Lighting of the Bay at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort. Make it an extra magical evening with s’mores around the beach bonfire. Newport Dunes’ public fire pits are available on a first-come basis. FREE. newportbeach.com
New Year’s Eve at Knott’s
Ring in the new year with Knott’s New Year’s Eve celebration, featuring a midnight fireworks spectacular, PEANUTS characters dressed in their New Year’s best, dance classes from the Jitterbug Jumpers and more. Included with admission. knotts.com
Winter Fest OC
Winter Fest OC will have extended hours on New Year’s Eve for family-friendly fun. The celebration includes a holiday parade and tree lighting spectacular show, an early 6 p.m. NYE countdown and firework show with 80s tribute band, ice tubing, carnival rides, seasonal food and drinks and more. $21.95 and up. winterfestoc.com
San Diego County
Kid’s New Year’s Eve at LEGOLAND
Spend the last day of 2022 at LEGOLAND California Resort. The Carlsbad theme park gets into the holiday spirit with a winter wonderland transformation, including elaborate décor, twinkling lights and falling snow. Ring in the New Year with fireworks, treats and entertainment at their Kids’ New Year’s Eve with a bedtime-friendly countdown at 7 p.m. Enjoy live singers, fireworks and confetti surprise. Included with park admission. legoland.com
Virtual
Story Pirates New Year’s Eve Virtual Party
NAPPA Award-winning improv comedy artists Story Pirates invite kids to join the year-end interactive Story Creation Zone and virtual party. FREE. storypirates.com
