Where to Celebrate New Year in California: Best Places for an Unforgettable Holiday

30.12.2025

Reading time: 6 minutes

New Year is a time of magic, fireworks, and new experiences. California offers a multitude of options for celebration, from theme parks with attractions to picturesque coastal areas with grand shows. In this article, we will explore the top locations where you can welcome 2026 brightly and joyfully. For convenience, a table with all the mentioned locations is provided at the beginning.

Place	Location	Brief Description
Anvio VR	Redondo Beach (Los Angeles)	Virtual reality: immersive games and adventures in a VR park.
Disneyland Resort	Anaheim	Theme park with fireworks, parades, and New Year's shows.
Universal Studios	Hollywood	Hollywood party with music, dancing, and midnight festivities.
Knott’s Berry Farm	Buena Park	Family park with attractions, live music, and fireworks until 1 AM.
Legoland California	Carlsbad	Children's New Year's party with early fireworks and LEGO themes.
SeaWorld San Diego	San Diego	Marine park with animals, shows, and special fireworks at 9 PM.
Gloria Molina Grand Park	Los Angeles	Free city event with music, food, and projections on buildings.
San Francisco Bay	San Francisco	Fireworks over the bay, cruises, and street parties.
Marina del Rey	Marina del Rey (Los Angeles)	Glow party with fireworks at 9 PM and midnight, family format.
Queen Mary	Long Beach	Masquerade on board the legendary ship with music, casino, and fireworks.

Innovative Approach: Virtual Reality

Anvio VR

Don't forget about a modern option—Anvio VR in Redondo Beach. This VR park offers immersive adventures: from zombie apocalypses to escape rooms in virtual reality. For New Year's, you can arrange a unique party with friends or family, diving into worlds unavailable in reality. Although no specific New Year's events are announced, the park is open for group visits—an excellent way to celebrate the holiday unusually, with adrenaline and laughter.

The Magic of Theme Parks: From Fairy Tales to Adrenaline

California is famous for its amusement parks, which turn into true festivals of light and sound on New Year's.

Disneyland Resort

Let's start with Disneyland Resort in Anaheim. The celebration lasts from November to January, but the climax is on December 31. The park operates late, offering special fireworks over Sleeping Beauty Castle, parades with beloved characters, and New Year's shows. Expect crowds, but the atmosphere is fairy-tale-like: lights, music, and a countdown at midnight. It's best to buy tickets in advance, as the park often fills up.

Universal Studios

Nearby, in Hollywood, Universal Studios Hollywood hosts a grand EVE party. On December 31, the park is open until 2 AM, with live music, DJ sets, dance zones, and multiple countdown areas. Fireworks, special effects, and themed zones inspired by movies will make the night unforgettable. This is perfect for movie lovers and adrenaline seekers—the attractions run all night.

Knott’s Berry Farm

For family fun, Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park is ideal. During Knott’s Merry Farm, the park extends hours until 1:00 AM, with live performances, seasonal shows, and midnight fireworks. Here, you can enjoy attractions, delicious food (don't forget the signature berry pies), and a cozy atmosphere. A special buffet and entertainment for kids make this place versatile.

Legoland California

In Carlsbad, Legoland California organizes Kids' New Year's Eve—the largest children's New Year's party in San Diego. The park is open until 7:00 PM, with early fireworks at 6:00 PM, so the little ones don't miss the holiday. LEGO themes, interactive shows, dancing, and attractions create a fun atmosphere. Perfect for families with children—the countdown is adapted for early timing.

SeaWorld San Diego

SeaWorld San Diego in San Diego combines nature and entertainment. During the day, there are animal shows and attractions, and in the evening, the park turns into a New Year's zone with lights, music, and fireworks at 9:00 PM. This allows you to celebrate New Year's a bit earlier, enjoying the marine theme and special performances.

Urban and Coastal Celebrations: Fireworks and Megacity Atmosphere

If you prefer urban charm, head to these spots.

Gloria Molina Grand Park

Gloria Molina Grand Park in Los Angeles is the largest free New Year's event on the West Coast—from 8:00 PM to 12:30 AM. Live music, food trucks, family activities, and projections on buildings, culminating in a countdown. The atmosphere of unity and joy, with thousands of people celebrating together.

San Francisco Bay

For romance over the water—San Francisco Bay. Fireworks are launched at midnight from barges in the bay, near the Ferry Building. The best views are from the Embarcadero or on a cruise. The celebration includes street parties, bars, and views of the Golden Gate Bridge. This is classic San Francisco: cool air, city lights, and explosions over the water.

Marina del Rey

In Marina del Rey (near Los Angeles), the Glow Party takes place at Burton Chace Park—a free family event from 7:00 PM to midnight. Fireworks at 9:00 PM and midnight, glow accessories, music, and food. Ideal for viewing from yachts or the shore, with ocean views.

Queen Mary

Finally, Queen Mary in Long Beach is a masquerade on board the historic ship. From 8:00 PM (VIP from 7:00 PM)—live music, performances, casino, and fireworks at midnight. The elegant atmosphere, with harbor views, makes this a premium choice for adults.

Conclusion: Make New Year Special

California offers options for every taste—from family parks to urban fireworks. No matter the choice, 2026 will start brightly. And if you're looking for something innovative and memorable, be sure to visit Anvio VR—here you can experience adventures that will stay in your memory for a long time! Happy New Year!

1815 Hawthorne Blvd Ste. 202, Redondo Beach, CA 90278, 2 level