With the countdown and hopeful chimes, people are about to welcome the brand new year of 2025. In Southern California, including locations such as the Los Angeles City Hall Grand Park, the luxurious Queen Mary cruise ship, Hollywood Universal Studios, and Disneyland, New Year’s Eve celebrations and fireworks displays will take place, making them the top choices for ringing in the new year.
At the Los Angeles Convention Center (LACC), the “Forever Midnight” massive New Year’s Eve event organized by Insomniac will run from 4 p.m. on the 31st to 4 a.m. on January 1st. The 12-hour event will feature top DJs like Chris Lake, Diplo, Duke Dumont, Lilly Palmer, Tiësto, and Odd Mob, offering popular electronic music, three stages, multiple bars, as well as dazzling lights, lasers, and powerful sound systems to immerse you in the celebration.
The Gloria Molina Grand Park at the Los Angeles City Hall has been a major public New Year’s countdown venue since 2013, providing free music, dance parties, lights, and drone fireworks displays. People gather to watch the projection on the City Hall building, join in the loud countdown, and celebrate the arrival of the new year together.
Taking a trip down memory lane, aboard the historic Queen Mary enjoy a buffet and champagne reception, live performances, piano duels, casino games, entertainment activities, and a grand fireworks show. Embark on a dazzling adventure without leaving the port.
From 8 p.m. on the 31st to 1 a.m. on January 1st, board a cruise ship at Marina Del Rey, showcasing scenic views, fireworks, top DJ performances, and offering delicious buffet meals and cocktails. Beautiful fireworks displays can also be seen around the harbor.
The New Year’s celebration at Universal Studios Hollywood will kick off at 8 a.m. on the 31st and last until 2 a.m. on January 1st. The Universal Studios will transform into a massive party area, where visitors can experience thrilling rides, entertainment activities, enjoy delicious food, and celebrate the new year with midnight fireworks.
The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach will host its New Year’s Eve event starting from 8 p.m. on the 31st until 1 a.m. on January 1st, featuring live band performances, magic shows, and DJ performances, followed by a collective countdown.
Disneyland in Orange County is where dreams collide with New Year’s Eve celebrations, running from 8 a.m. on the 31st to 2 a.m. on January 1st, with the park adorned in holiday decorations and featuring live music and dance performances. Visitors typically gather on Main Street in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle before the stroke of midnight, awaiting the special “Fantasy in the Sky” fireworks show.
Knott’s Berry Farm in Orange County will run its activities from 9 a.m. on the 31st until 1 a.m. on January 1st. A day filled with Merry Farm seasonal performances, live bands, family comedy shows, piano duels, swing dances, magic shows, and a spectacular midnight fireworks display.
Additionally, Legoland California in San Diego County will conclude its New Year’s celebrations before children’s bedtime, approximately around 6 p.m., with a fireworks display; Sea World San Diego will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., featuring early fireworks to celebrate the new year.