New Year's Eve events underway throughout Southland
With just hours remaining until Americans ring in the new year, plenty of celebrations are underway for Angelenos looking to begin 2023 with some excitement.
Los Angeles County
- Grand Park NYELA celebration (8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.) - For the first time in two years, spectators are invited to enjoy the 3D light show projected on Los Angeles City Hall, along with various live music performances that include Grammy-nominated musicians like Cimafunk and more.
- Long Beach firework show (9 p.m. & 11:59 p.m.) - The City of Long Beach will host two separate live firework shows, viewable from multiple locations, including the Shoreline Village waterfront.
- New Year's Eve Aboard the Queen Mary (8 p.m. to 1 a.m.) - For a unique party experience, people can head to the iconic Queen Mary for a night-long event where the "ship's decks and ballrooms will be brought to life with live music on multiple stages, dancing, themed experiences, and immersive entertainment, with a nod to Art Deco and the over-the-top Roaring Twenties."
- Universal Studios Hollywood (9 p.m. to 2 a.m.) - Park-goers are treated to extended hours, a fireworks display, live music entertainment and all of the other attractions that go along with the theme park to celebrate 2023.
- Pacific Park New Year's Eve Countdown to 2023 (11:30 p.m.) - The annual spectacle returns to the Santa Monica Pier, with beachgoers treated to a "dazzling display of lights on the Pacific Wheel situated over Santa Monica State Beach." The 90-foot ferris wheel will display designs, colorful displays and a 60-second countdown to bring in the New Year.
- Burlesque Preciosa New Year's Eve Party (starts at 9 p.m.) - "Preciosa Night" will ring in 2023 with a huge party for queer women of color at the historic LGBTQ+ venue, Catch One, located on W. Pico Boulevard.
- Marina Del Rey New Year's Eve Fireworks (7 p.m. to 12 a.m.) - People are invited to begin the New Year under a sky filled with an amazing firework show at Fisherman's Village, Burton Chace Park or anywhere near the South Jetty. Prior to the shows, one at 8:59 p.m. and the other at 11:59 p.m., the family-friendly Glow Party returns to Burton Chace Park, beginning at 7 p.m.
Orange County
- Anaheim Countdown to 2023 ( ) - A full day of events includes live music, raffles and a street fair at STC GardenWalk, located at 400 W. Disney Way.
- Orange County WinterFest (12 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.) - WinterFest is a "magical holiday wonderland with oversized décor, over one million lights, immersive walk-through experiences, and of course, Santa."
- New Year's Eve at Knott's Berry Farm with Fireworks Show (9 a.m. to 1 a.m.) - Extended hours allow guests to enjoy one of Southern California's many theme parks throughout the day before a firework show, live entertainment and other special events begin to ring in the new year.
Inland Empire
- Temecula Grape Drop (6 p.m. to 1 a.m.) - For the 14th year in a row, the City of Temecula will hold its annual New Year's Eve Party in Old Town Temecula, which features a "grape drop" similar to the dropping of the ball in Times Square. The 12-by-7 foot cluster of illuminated grapes are dropped both at midnight on the East Coast with the ball, as well as the West Coast. Along with the event there is a children's play zone and outdoor musical entertainment.
- Big Bear Torchlight Parade (7 p.m. to 10 p.m.) - Before the countdown gets underway, hundreds will gather in Big Bear for the 58th annual New Year's Even Torchlight Parade, where more than 200 skiers and snowboarders hit the slopes to light up the night. The spectacle is held at Snow Summit Ski Resort.
