From the annual balloon drop at Kidspace to the Zoo Lights show at the L.A. Zoo, many of the great in-person family events we’re used to attending at on New Year’s Eve are canceled this year. But fear not. Before you tune in to the Rose Parade Special on New Year’s Day (with highlights and floats from the past, as the parade is canceled as well) there are four virtual family events that let you ring in 2021 safely at home.
Aquarium of the Pacific Noon Year’s Eve: Join an Aquarium educator from 11:15 a.m.-noon Dec. 31 as you and your family celebrate the New Year. Have your craft supplies ready so that everyone can create their fish party hats. Then meet a live Ambassador Animal and dance your way to the Noon Year’s countdown with the Pacific Pals puppets! There will be a countdown to noon (rather than midnight) so that everyone can get to bed on time. The event takes place on Zoom and turining your camera on is optional. $5.
Santa Monica Playhouse New Year’s Eve Musical Revue: New Year’s Eve will be a little different at the Playhouse this year, but just as much fun. Playhouse alumni from around the globe will join in the singing, dancing, humor and other delights during this family-friendly musical review. From finger-snapping country rock to romantic ballads to fairytale sing-alongs, this show has it all! The early bird 7:30 p.m. celebration is a great way to enjoy New Year’s Eve with the entire family, letting the kids have a real New Year’s Eve treat. The 10:30 p.m. show features a midnight countdown with the cast. Livestream tickets, $20 per household, are available online.
Grand Park’s N.Y.E.L.A.: The celebration goes digital this year. The 90-minute happening will feature music performances with a DJ between sets. It will stream on Grand Park’s social channels beginning at 11 p.m. and there will be a digital countdown to midnight! This one’s free.
A Faery Hunt Show and Zoom Fairy New Year’s Celebration: Here a celebration you can enjoy after all the New Year’s fuss has died down (and everyone has caught up on their sleep). On Jan. 2, A Faery Hunt will offer 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. recorded performances of “Auntie Angelica’s Fairy Garden.” Each show will be followed by a “Fairy New Year’s Celebration” live on Zoom, with Auntie Angelica as your Host. The event promises games, singing and other fun for the young and young at heart. $15 per household.
