It’s certainly no secret that it costs a fortune to go out on New Year’s Eve. Restaurants and clubs know that it’s one night they can expect to charge big prices. But what if you don’t want to spend a fortune? But you still want to have a good time?
Well, here are our suggestions for things you can do that won’t break the bank — both during the day and at night. (But if the event is outdoors, you’d better make sure it’s not canceled, since at this writing, rain was forecast.)
Anaheim: So sorry. The countdown to 2026 at the STC GardenWalk has been canceled due to a forecast of inclement weather. anaheimgardenwalk.com/event/33593-countdownto2026
Brea: Have fun counting down at the “Noon Year’s Eve” party at the Brea library, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. All ages. Enjoy a craft, snacks and a balloon drop. 1 Civic Center Circle, Brea. ocpl.libcal.com/event/16062370
Cypress: Celebrate “Noon Year’s Eve” early with Magician Dave Skale at the Cypress library. His family-friendly performance is at 11 a.m. and then stay for the balloon drop at noon. 5331 Orange Ave. Cypress. ocpl.libcal.com/event/15787730
Fullerton: That’s right, it’s time for the annual “First Night” in Fullerton, a longstanding tradition. Head downtown from 7 p.m. to midnight for live entertainment on two stages, fireworks, kids activities, a DJ and more. There will be a kids’ countdown at 9 p.m. Fullerton Downtown Plaza, 125 E Wilshire Ave. cityoffullerton.com/government/departments/parks-recreation/city-events/first-night-in-fullerton
Garden Grove: Celebrate “Noon Year’s Eve” early and enjoy a special storytime, followed by a fun craft at the Chapman branch of the Garden Grove library. Then count down together and ring in the “noon” year with a balloon drop at 12 p.m. 9182 Chapman Ave. Garden Grove. ocpl.libcal.com/event/15843994
Ladera Ranch: Head over to the family-friendly “Noon Year’s Eve” with other families at the Ladera Ranch branch library. 11:30-12:30. Crafts, fun and a balloon drop at noon. 29551 Sienna Parkway, Ladera Ranch. ocpl.libcal.com/event/15792817
Lake Forest: Celebrate “Noon Year’s Eve” early with other families at the El Toro branch library. 11:30-12:30. Crafts, fun and a balloon drop at noon. 24672 Raymond Way, Lake Forest. ocpl.libcal.com/event/15711617
Long Beach: Enjoy this family “Noon Year” celebration from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the 2nd & PCH mall. There will be games, fun and giveaways at their outdoor Kids Club (weather permitting.) Check in between 10-11:15 a.m. and enjoy crafts, face painting, bingo and a dance party before a countdown to “noon year” with bubbles. Mickey and Minnie are rumored to be there. 6400 Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach. 2ndandpch.com/portfolio/kids-club-noon-year-bubble-show-party/
Long Beach: Head over to Shoreline Village for a free dance party, followed by fireworks at midnight. DJ Rome is scheduled to play dance music from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. There’s a self-serve photo booth from 9 p.m. to midnight near Louisiana Charlies. Get there early, rideshare or expect a hunt for nearby parking. And then enjoy the fireworks show near the Queen Mary. 429 Shoreline Village Drive. facebook.com/events/830685192682976
Long Beach: The Long Beach Public Library is holding a “Noon New Year’s Eve Party” at several locations. Enjoy a dance party, crafts, balloon drop at noon and more. a fun craft, a dance party and more. Hours vary but are generally from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.. Check out these locations: Billie Jean King Main Library. 200 W. Broadway; Mark Twain Neighborhood Library, 1401 E. Anaheim St.; Harte Neighborhood Library, 1595 W. Willow St. longbeach.gov/library/events/
Los Alamitos/Rossmoor. Celebrate “Noon Year’s Eve” with other families at the Los Alamitos branch library. 11:30-12:30. Crafts, fun and a balloon drop at noon. 12700 Montecito, Seal Beach ocpl.libcal.com/event/15803407
Los Angeles: Organizers are promising a huge event at Gloria Molina Grand Park downtown from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. including two stages with live music, a spectacular City Hall light show and interactive art installations. Live performances by Ruby Ibarra, Ceci Bastida, DJ Wayne Williams, Bardo and more. Food trucks will be there. Parking is $10 or ride the Metro. Gloria Molina Grand Park, 200 North Grand Ave. Los Angeles. RSVPs are not mandatory but requested at grandparkla.org/nyela
Los Angeles: Don’t want to drink? Enjoy this party sponsored by Artists In Recovery from 7-11:59 p.m. It includes an open AA meeting (all welcome to attend), live music, games, food and drinks. Even a guitar raffle. At the C.A.P.O. center, 7946 W 3rd St. Los Angeles.
Marina del Rey: Enjoy the countdown at this Glow Party at Burton Chace park, including fireworks at midnight (Organizers say rain or shine.) Plans include music, magic shows, face painting, stilt walkers, fairies, robots, a giant LED screen showing the ball drop from Times Square and more. Two fireworks shows, at 8:50 p.m. and 11:59 p.m. shot from the south jetty. The event is free but parking is paid. Plan to get there early because of traffic and parking. 13650 Mindanao Way, Marina del Rey. Check the website for parking locations. beaches.lacounty.gov/nye2025/
Redlands: This town was built on citrus, so head out for the annual NYE Orange Drop from 6 to 9 p.m. and celebrate the East Coast countdown. The countdown starts at 8:45 p.m. Music, live performances, kid zone, confetti cannons, food vendors and more. On Citrus Avenue between 6th and 8th streets. redlandschamber.org/orangedrop/
Rowland Heights: The countdown to 2026 starts at 5 p.m. at the STC Rowland Legacy (formerly the Rowland Ranch Plaza). Festivies include a dance party with live music and DJs, a Happy Market with food and shopping, giveaways and more. There’s a community countdown at midnight. The evening runs until 1 a.m. STC Rowland Legacy, 18991 Colima Road, Rowland Heights. Reserve a free ticket online: eventbrite.com/e/ocla-countdown-to-2026-stc-rowland-legacy-tickets-1963611325333
San Juan Capistrano: Have a family-friendly “Noon Year’s Eve” party with other families at the library. 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.. Crafts, fun and a balloon drop at noon. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. ocpl.libcal.com/event/15784435
Seal Beach: Enjoy “Noon Year’s Eve” eat the Seal Beach branch library. 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Dancing, crafts, fun and a balloon drop at noon. 707 Electric Ave. Seal Beach. ocpl.libcal.com/event/15586083
Stanton: Celebrate “Noon Year’s Eve” eat the Stanton branch library. 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Crafts, snacks, fun and a balloon drop at noon.7850 Katella Ave. Stanton ocpl.libcal.com/event/15737660
Temecula: Yes, it’s time for the annual Temecula Grape Drop festivities, from 6 to 10 p.m. It’s family friendly with an East Coast countdown at 9 p.m. and a drone show. Live entertainment, kid activities, food vendors and more. Civic Center, 41000 Main St., Temecula temeculaca.gov/1425/Holiday-Fun
Tustin: Start the new year off at the Tustin library …. at noon! Enjoy a balloon drop and fun crafts at the “Noon Year Eve” celebration from 11 a.m. to noon. 345 E. Main St., Tustin. ocpl.libcal.com/event/15881080
Westminster: Start early by celebrating “Noon Year’s Eve” early at the Westminster branch library. This is family friendly. 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Crafts, fun and a balloon drop at noon. 8180 13th St. Westminster. ocpl.libcal.com/event/15798822