Countdown to 2027: Family-Friendly New Year's Eve Events in LA
Updated: 4 days ago
Is your family team "stay up for the ball drop" or team "asleep by 8:30 with confetti still in their hair"? Either way, Los Angeles has you covered. New Year's Eve 2026 falls on a Thursday, December 31, 2026, and Southern California is packed with family-friendly New Year's Eve events in Los Angeles and beyond, from noon countdowns and balloon drops to free fireworks, theme park parties, and the Rose Parade on New Year's Day.
We rounded up the best ways to count down to 2027 with kids of every age. Many venues announce their New Year's Eve plans in November and December, so we note what is already confirmed for 2026 and link each official page so you can check for updates. Bookmark this guide, and we will keep it current as details roll in.
New Year's Eve 2026 in Los Angeles at a Glance
Date: Thursday, December 31, 2026 (New Year's Day falls on Friday, January 1, 2027)
Best for toddlers and preschoolers: Noon Year's Eve parties at kids' museums
Best free events: Marina del Rey Glow Party, Temecula Grape Drop, and Grand Park's NYELA (2026 plans to be announced)
Best "stay up late" options: Theme parks, Winter Fest OC, and Universal Studios Hollywood's EVE
East Coast countdown trick: The Times Square ball drops at 9 p.m. Pacific time
New Year's Day: The 138th Rose Parade starts at 8 a.m. on Friday, January 1, 2027
Because New Year's Eve lands on a Thursday this year, many families will have a four-day weekend if schools and workplaces close on Friday. That makes a noon countdown on the 31st and a Rose Parade morning on the 1st very doable in the same trip.
Noon Year's Eve Celebrations for Little Kids
Let's be honest: midnight is a lot to ask of a four-year-old. A Noon Year's Eve party gives little ones the countdown, the confetti, and the big cheer, and everyone still makes it home for nap time. These are our favorite noon countdowns in and around Los Angeles.
Discovery Cube Los Angeles
11800 Foothill Blvd.
Sylmar, CA 91342
Thursday, December 31, 2026
Museum hours: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Discovery Cube LA has already confirmed its 2026 Noon Year's Eve, and it is one of the most popular kid countdowns in the Valley. Families can expect apple cider and ginger ale toasts, live music, access to the science exhibits, and mega balloon drops. Balloon drop times are to be announced, and the museum says official ticket information is coming soon.
Parent tip: This event tends to sell out as December 31 gets close, so buy tickets as soon as they go on sale and aim for an earlier balloon drop if your kids nap in the afternoon.
Pretend City Children's Museum
29 Hubble
Irvine, CA 92618
2026 dates and times to be announced
Pretend City's annual celebration turns the calendar into a trip around the globe. In recent years, the museum has hosted several confetti drops during the day, each one timed to midnight in a different country, with music, dancing, and cultural traditions in between. It is a clever way to explain time zones to preschoolers without a single worksheet.
Pretend City has not posted its 2026 schedule yet. The museum notes that this celebration sells out, so check the official page in November and book early. Ticket prices are to be announced.
Kidspace Children's Museum
480 N. Arroyo Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91103
2026 dates and times to be announced
Kidspace's Happy Noon Year has been a favorite for Pasadena-area families, with party-hat crafting and a confetti dance party before lunch. Last year the celebration was included with general admission, and the winter exhibits added a no-ice skating rink and a giant gingerbread house to explore. Watch the official page for the 2026 schedule.
Parent tip: Kidspace is a great warm-up if you plan to watch the Rose Parade the next morning, since it is just a few minutes from the parade route.
MOXI
125 State St.
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
2026 dates and times to be announced
If your family is spending winter break up the coast, MOXI throws a sparkly science-meets-party celebration with ice races, noisemaker-making, crafts, and a rooftop dance party. Past editions required a special event ticket for every guest, including members, and the museum closed to general admission that day. Plan ahead once 2026 tickets are released.
Free New Year's Eve Events in Los Angeles and Nearby
Celebrating does not have to cost a thing. These free New Year's Eve events welcome families, though a few are still finalizing their 2026 plans.
Burton Chace Park
13650 Mindanao Way
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
Thursday, December 31, 2026
7 p.m.–midnight (per the official event page)
This all-ages waterfront party is one of the best free New Year's Eve events in Los Angeles for families. The official page lists a live DJ, gourmet food trucks, face painting, photo booth fun, and glow activities, plus two fireworks shows over the marina at 8:59 p.m. and 11:59 p.m. That early show is the real gift for parents: you get fireworks and still make it home at a reasonable hour.
Admission is free. You can also watch the fireworks from Fisherman's Village or from participating waterfront restaurants. Confirm final 2026 details on the official page in December.
Parent tip: Bring a blanket and warm layers. It gets chilly by the water after dark, and the lawn fills up well before the early fireworks.
Gloria Molina Grand Park
200 N. Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
2026 dates and times to be announced
Downtown LA's big free countdown is billed as the largest free New Year's Eve celebration on the West Coast. Last year's party ran from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. with two music stages, food trucks, and a colorful projection show on City Hall, with free RSVP. The 2026 edition has not been announced yet.
This is a huge crowd, so it works best for older kids and teens who can handle late nights and loud music. Check the official page for rules on bags and prohibited items before you go.
Temecula Civic Center
41000 Main St.
Temecula, CA 92590
Thursday, December 31, 2026
5:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m.
The City of Temecula has confirmed its 2026 Grape Drop, and it is a winner for families who want a countdown without the midnight meltdown. Expect live music, food, fun activities, and a drone show with an animated grape drop at 9 p.m. to match the East Coast countdown. The city has hosted this as a free community event in past years.
Parent tip: Temecula is about 90 minutes from LA without traffic. Make it a mini getaway, grab dinner in Old Town, and let the kids sleep in the car on the drive home.
Pershing Square
532 S. Olive St.
Los Angeles, CA 90013
New Year's Eve hours to be announced
Downtown's outdoor rink returns in November 2026, according to its official site. Skating under the skyscrapers is a festive way to spend the last afternoon of the year, especially before a downtown dinner. The rink is not free, and New Year's Eve hours and ticket prices are to be announced.
Theme Park New Year's Eve Parties
Theme parks go big on December 31, with fireworks, DJs, and extended hours. Expect heavy crowds, and buy tickets or reservations early.
100 Universal City Plaza
Universal City, CA 91608
Thursday, December 31, 2026
Hours to be announced
Universal's official event guide confirms that EVE, the park's annual family-friendly New Year's Eve party, returns to ring in 2027 with DJs, dance floors, fireworks, and attractions open into the early morning. Last year, the festivities were included with theme park admission and ran until 2 a.m., with a midnight fireworks show. Exact 2026 hours and pricing are to be announced.
Heading there earlier in December? Read our guide to Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood for Grinchmas and the Wizarding World's holiday fun.
1313 Disneyland Dr.
Anaheim, CA 92802
November 13, 2026 - January 6, 2027
Disneyland has confirmed that its holiday season runs from November 13, 2026, through January 6, 2027, which covers New Year's Eve. Expect holiday decor, characters in festive outfits, and seasonal treats at both parks. New Year's Eve hours and any special fireworks for 2026 are to be announced.
December 31 is one of the busiest days of the year at Disneyland, and theme park reservations and tickets can sell out. If you go, arrive early, pick a fireworks spot well ahead of time, and build in breaks for little legs.
8039 Beach Blvd.
Buena Park, CA 90620
2026 dates and times to be announced
Knott's Merry Farm traditionally stays open late on New Year's Eve with live bands, a family-friendly comedian, swing dancing, party hats, noisemakers, and fireworks at midnight. The official page still shows last year's event, so 2026 hours and pricing are to be announced.
One LEGOLAND Dr.
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Thursday, December 31, 2026
Countdown and fireworks times to be announced
LEGOLAND's Kids' New Year's Eve is built for families who want the big moment without missing bedtime. The official page promises fireworks, live music, and an early New Year's Eve countdown, and the celebration is included with park tickets and select passes. Specific 2026 times have not been posted.
Planning a whole LEGOLAND day in December? Our LEGOLAND Christmas Bricktacular guide covers the holiday lights and shows.
OC Fair & Event Center
88 Fair Dr.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Season: November 27, 2026, through January 3, 2027 (select dates)
New Year's Eve hours to be announced
Winter Fest OC is back for the 2026–2027 season with ice skating, snow play, carnival rides, and nightly light displays, and it adds unlimited skating with select passes this year. Last New Year's Eve, the festival stayed open from 5 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. with live bands and a midnight fireworks show. Watch the official site for 2026 New Year's Eve plans and ticket prices.
Parent tip: Winter Fest is outdoors and cold at night. Pack gloves, hats, and a change of socks if the kids plan to hit the snow area.
Dinner Shows, Cruises, and Unique Ways to Ring In 2027
Newport Landing
309 Palm St. No A
Newport Beach, CA 92661
December 4, 2026 - January 1, 2027
Newport Landing's Holiday Lights Cruises float past waterfront homes and boats glowing with holiday lights, and the season runs right through New Year's Day. The booking page currently lists a $23 discount on holiday cruise tickets with promo code Lights20. New Year's Eve departure times are to be announced, so check the reservation page.
If you want to see the harbor during the big week before Christmas, don't miss our guide to the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade 2026.
7600 Beach Blvd.
Buena Park, CA 90620
New Year's Eve showtimes to be announced
Swordfights, acrobats, and a pirate ship indoors make this a lively way for kids to spend the last night of the year. In past years, the show has offered early and later New Year's Eve performances, which makes it easy to pair with a countdown at home. Ticket prices are to be announced for the holiday.
7662 Beach Blvd.
Buena Park, CA 90620
New Year's Eve showtimes to be announced
Knights on horseback, jousting, and dinner eaten with your hands: kids think this is the best rule-breaking ever. Medieval Times keeps a dedicated New Year's Eve page for its Buena Park castle, and 2026 showtimes and prices will be posted there. An early show is the best bet for younger kids.
Santa Monica Playhouse
1211 4th St.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
2026 dates and times to be announced
This long-running tradition has offered an early family-friendly show and a late show in past years, complete with hats, noisemakers, streamers, and sparkling apple juice for kids. The 2026 revue has not been announced yet, so check the playhouse's site in the fall.
140 Richmond St.
El Segundo, CA 90245
2026 New Year's Eve program to be announced
This vintage theater with its Mighty Wurlitzer pipe organ has celebrated New Year's Eve with live jazz, silent film comedy, and desserts. It is a charming pick for kids who love old movies and music. Watch the official site for the 2026 program.
Marina del Rey, Long Beach, and Newport Beach
2026 dates and times to be announced
City Experiences has offered New Year's Eve dinner cruises from several Southern California harbors, with buffets, DJs, and midnight views on the water. These cruises lean toward an adult crowd, so they work best with teens. Check the official site for 2026 sailings and age policies.
Watch the Times Square Ball Drop at 9 p.m. Pacific
Here is our favorite parent hack: the famous Times Square ball drops at 9 p.m. Pacific time. That means your kids can watch the real New York countdown, throw confetti, and still be in bed before 10.
The official Times Square New Year's Eve webcast is free and begins at 6 p.m. Eastern, which is 3 p.m. Pacific, on December 31. The organizers say a captioned stream with American Sign Language interpretation will also be available on YouTube, with the link posted in December 2026.
Want to turn the living room into party central? Our list of fun ways to celebrate New Year's Eve at home with kids is full of easy ideas.
New Year's Day: The 2027 Rose Parade in Pasadena
Orange Grove Blvd. and Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena, CA
Friday, January 1, 2027
8 a.m.–10 a.m.
The Rose Parade is Southern California's signature start to the new year, and the 2027 theme is "Welcome." The 5.5-mile route begins at Green Street and Orange Grove Boulevard, and sidewalk viewing is free on a first-come basis. Grandstand seats are sold through the Tournament of Roses' ticket partner.
Some families make New Year's Eve part of the parade adventure. According to the Tournament of Roses, curbside camping along the route is allowed starting at noon on December 31, and at 11 p.m. campers may move up to the blue honor line. Bring warm layers, sleeping bags, and plenty of snacks.
Can't handle a sidewalk sleepover? The Tournament of Roses lists several family events around the parade:
Decorating Places: December 28–30, 2026, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., watch volunteers add flowers to the floats.
Equestfest: December 29, 2026, at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center.
Bandfest: December 29–30, 2026, at Pasadena City College.
Floatfest: January 1–3, 2027, a close-up look at the finished floats after the parade.
For tickets, parking, and more tips, read our Rose Parade 2027 family guide.
Tips for New Year's Eve With Kids in Los Angeles
Pick your countdown before the day. Noon, 9 p.m. East Coast time, or midnight: decide as a family so nobody is surprised.
Buy tickets early. Noon Year's Eve parties and dinner shows often sell out in December.
Plan for crowds and traffic. Big events fill parking lots fast. Take Metro when you can, and have a meeting spot if you get separated.
Protect little ears. Pack headphones or earplugs for fireworks.
Check age rules. Some New Year's Eve events are adults-only. For example, the Aquarium of the Pacific's New Year's Eve Night Dive was 18 and over last year, so it is not on our family list.
Dress in layers. Outdoor parties get cold after sunset, especially near the water.
Stay safe at home, too. Fireworks are illegal in the City of Los Angeles and most of LA County, so leave the show to the pros.
Event details are believed to be accurate at the time of posting but are subject to change. Please confirm all details with the event organizer before attending. FUN WITH KIDS IN LA® is not liable for errors, omissions, or changes to listings.
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Takeaway
New Year's Eve 2026 lands on a Thursday, which gives Los Angeles families plenty of ways to celebrate. Little ones can toast with apple cider at a Noon Year's Eve party, school-age kids can catch early fireworks in Marina del Rey or the Temecula Grape Drop, and night owls can party at a theme park until well past midnight.
Many venues are still finalizing their 2026 plans, so bookmark the official pages above and buy tickets as soon as they are released. Then wake up on January 1, 2027, grab a cocoa, and cheer on the Rose Parade floats. Happy New Year from all of us at FUN WITH KIDS IN LA®.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What day is New Year's Eve in 2026?
New Year's Eve falls on Thursday, December 31, 2026. New Year's Day and the 138th Rose Parade are on Friday, January 1, 2027.
2. What are the best Noon Year's Eve events for toddlers in Los Angeles?
Discovery Cube Los Angeles has confirmed its 2026 Noon Year's Eve with museum hours of 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and balloon drops. Pretend City in Irvine and Kidspace in Pasadena have hosted popular noon countdowns in past years, with 2026 details to be announced.
3. Are there free New Year's Eve events for families in LA?
Yes. The Marina del Rey Glow Party at Burton Chace Park is free and lists fireworks at 8:59 p.m. and 11:59 p.m. The Temecula Grape Drop runs 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., and Grand Park's NYELA has been free with RSVP, with 2026 plans to be announced.
4. What time does the Times Square ball drop in California?
The ball drops at midnight Eastern, which is 9 p.m. Pacific. The free official webcast starts at 3 p.m. Pacific on December 31.
5. Can you camp out for the Rose Parade on New Year's Eve?
Yes. The Tournament of Roses allows curbside camping along the route starting at noon on December 31, and campers may move up to the blue honor line at 11 p.m. The parade starts at 8 a.m. on January 1, 2027.
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