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Top New Year’s Eve Celebrations for Families in Southern California

fireworks in the sky

2022 is almost gone, and what better way to usher in the new year in Southern California than one of these incredible family-friendly events? Whether you’re a night owl or only stay up past 9 PM one night of the year, there are plenty of things to do on New Year’s Eve for the whole family. We’ve checked out events from Temecula and Orange County to San Diego and LA to find the top New Year’s celebrations for families of all ages. Let’s look at our top event choices. 

Noon Year’s Eve

Anyone who has had kids, has lived with kids, or appreciates their well-earned sleep knows how hard it can be to stay up until midnight. That’s where Noon Year’s Eve comes into play. This fun kids’ event lets you celebrate the New Year at noon by counting down to New Year’s Day in four different countries. 

From confetti releases to arts and crafts and snacks, this celebration is perfect for those with little ones looking to keep bedtime at a reasonable hour. The staff at Pretend City bring the magic of New Year’s with sensory play activities, hands-on arts and crafts, and fun games to help kids learn about time zones and New Year’s traditions in other countries. Check out their website for more information, including alternate countdown times and a members-only countdown at 9:45 in the morning.

New Year’s Eve at Knott’s Berry Farm

Going to a berry farm for New Year’s Eve may be underwhelming if you’re new to the area. But we promise Knott’s Berry Farm is not your ordinary farm, and it’s got a holiday celebration sure to knock your socks off. Seasonal performances, extended amusement park hours, and fireworks are just a few of the events on offer at Knott’s Berry Farm. 

Live music events range from local favorites to the captivating power of a set of dueling piano players. There are plenty of kids’ activities here, with Peanut’s characters posing throughout the cart and a Snoopy’s Night Before Christmas ice skating show perfect for young kids and adults alike.

There’s so much to do at Knott’s Berry Farm on New Year’s Eve; we promise you’ll be sure to ring 2023 in style. To find out more or to purchase tickets, check out their website.

Kid’s New Year’s Eve at LEGOLAND

LEGO’s latest round of advertising reminds us that LEGOs are not just for kids. If you want to ring in the New Year in a way your kids will never forget, check out Kids New Year’s Eve at LEGOLAND. Your kids can enjoy the usual LEGOLAND rides, activities, and more on New Year’s Eve, along with a fantastic firework show that will stun. This event sells out fast, so book tickets ahead of time. 

Even if you have to end the party before midnight, there’s still plenty to experience at this amusement park, including fun rides, incredible displays, and feats of LEGO engineering that will blow your mind. To find out more or their other upcoming events, check out the LEGOLAND website. 

New Year’s Eve at the Living Coast Discovery Center

Pop into 2023 with the Living Coast Discovery Center’s New Year’s Eve celebration. This celebration is great for families with young kids, as the party stops at 9 PM, the perfect time for kids to head to bed so their parents can celebrate the New Year in peace. 

Have you ever wanted to hang out with a Bubble Pirate? How about attending a silent disco? All these things and more are possible at the Living Coast Discovery Center. With guided night hikes, science experiments, animal encounters, and more on the schedule for this New Year’s Eve celebration, your kids can start 2023 with a love of learning. To find out more about this event or to book tickets, check out their website.

New Year’s Eve Grape Drop at Temecula Civic Center Quad

Want a way to enjoy Temecula on New Year’s Eve without all the wine? While we’re not saying wine is entirely off the table this New Year, this event is great for parents looking to celebrate the end of 2022 without breaking out the “fancy grape juice” in front of the kids. The New Year’s Eve Grape Drop may sound a little funny, but this Temecula tradition is a fantastic event for the whole family. This event features kids’ activities, food vendors, live music, and more. 

For those looking to celebrate the New Year without being up all night, there’s both an East Coast and a West Coast New Year’s celebration, meaning you can bring your younger kids home closer to 10 PM without missing all the fun. Plus, the earlier end time allows parents to sit back and enjoy a glass of Temecula wine in the comfort of their own homes as they welcome 2023. To find out more about this event and all the other events hosted in Temecula, check out the town website to find out more. Also, plan for parking, as this event may get crowded.

Finally, what better way to celebrate the New Year than with a tour? Best Coast Tours offers guided tours around Southern California. From an exploration of Los Angeles to a fantastic Temecula wine-tasting tour, there are so many options to choose from you can make a New Year’s resolution to try them all. Our tours range from family-friendly van tours to bachelor and bachelorette wine tours, so be sure to check out our offerings in the New Year.