High Sierra
Family Fun Atop Lake Tahoe Mountains
The New Year's Eve Family Celebration at Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows promises an evening of family friendly mountaintop magic, from a fireworks spectacular and party at Olympic House, to a Torchlight Parade, Glow Stick Carnival Games and a ball drop with DJs and a Balloon Drop. Northstar California hosts the annual “Fire & Ice” New Year’s Eve Celebration, including an outdoor ice skating rink, live and DJ music, face painting, warm fire pits all night long and one of the area’s best fireworks shows.
San Francisco Bay Area
Jazz It Up with Kenny G in Napa
Jazz superstar Kenny G returns to downtown Napa for a year-end holiday residency, performing at Blue Note Napa for multiple shows leading up to the New Year’s Eve event. Sit down to dinner and wine in an intimate, up close and personal evening with one of the world’s most iconic musicians.
Welcome 2020 at a Wine County Castle
Celebrate Napa Valley style with an elegant New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball at Castello di Amorosa, featuring a red-carpet welcome, decadent plated dinner paired with Castello wines in the Grand Barrel Room, sweet wines and desserts in La Fantasia Lounge and two dance floors.
Float into 2020 in the City by the Bay
The marquee event in San Francisco every New Year’s Eve is its stunning fireworks display. One of the great ways to see them is by boat. Board at Fisherman’s Wharf for New Year’s Eve cruises of the Bay offered by Hornblower, Red & White, SF Bay Adventures, The Empress Yacht and more. On the other side of the Golden Gate Bridge, hop aboard the Tamalpais ferry in Tiburon to watch the festivities with a champagne toast.
Central Coast
Party in the Garlic Capital
Gilroy Gardens kicks off its 20th season in 2020 with gourmet food—with a little garlic of course—local wines, craft beers, live music and spectacular fireworks at midnight.
Ring in the New Year and the Centennial at Pebble Beach Resorts
Mark a once-in-a-lifetime historic moment at Pebble Beach Resorts’ Centennial New Year’s Eve Gala, celebrating 100 years as an iconic coastal golf resort. The Inn at Spanish Bay will boast decorated rooms reflecting major milestones, live music, casino action, psychic readings, caricature artists, lavish buffets, open bars and breakfast starting at 11:30 p.m.
Sleep Under the Sea Stars at Monterey Bay Aquarium
Kids of all ages can celebrate the countdown to 2020 at Monterey Bay Aquarium with a sparkling cider toast, take a silly snapshot in the photo booth, enjoy a make-your-own taco dinner and sundae bar, and a pajama dance party and fall asleep under the sea stars. Wake up with the fishes on New Year's Day with a breakfast in the Cafe, followed by wildlife viewing with naturalists from the Great Tide Pool Deck.
Celebrate Girl Power with the Santa Barbara Symphony
Down in Santa Barbara, ring in the holiday with the symphony’s high-spirited New Year’s Eve Pops, celebrating the music of legendary women, Carole King and Tina Turner to Aretha Franklin and led by conductor Bob Bernhardt.
Celebrate Under the Wings of Air Force One
At the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum’s 11th Annual New Year’s Eve Celebration, guests enjoy an elaborate night of celebration, extensive hors d’oeuvres, dinner stations, gourmet desserts, party favors and a champagne toast at midnight—all under the wings of Air Force One. Dance to live and DJ music and view the Christmas Around the World holiday tree exhibit and watch the ball drop.
Los Angeles County
Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Party City
The Entertainment Capital of Los Angeles knows how to throw a party, and New Year’s Eve is no exception. One of the standouts is the free Grand Park + The Music Center’s N.Y.E.L.A., which includes some L.A.’s best music-makers on two stages, an interactive countdown 3D digital video mapping on City Hall, art installations, food trucks, photo booths, light show and more.
Spirited New Year’s Aboard the Queen Mary
Sail into 2020 about the Queen Mary with their New Year’s: Past and Present party. The ship’s decks and ballrooms come alive with music on multiple stages, dancing, themed experiences, and immersive entertainment, with a nod to Art Deco and Roaring Twenties. Don’t miss the hidden speakeasy and VIP experiences, and a dazzling fireworks display. You might just meet a ghost from an old New Year’s party!
Orange County
Get Pumped Up for NYE at Iconic Southern California Theme Parks
A sure way to get fired up about 2020 is to get an adrenaline rush at Southern California theme parks. Disneyland stays open late to ring in the New Year, including the Believe in…Holiday Magic Fireworks Spectacular. We recommend getting there early in the day as they often reach capacity by afternoon. Make a note to see the new Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge attraction, as well as the World of Color – Season of Light. Knott's Berry Farm goes all out for New Year’s Eve, including a fireworks extravaganza, Merry Farm seasonal performances, family-friendly comedian, live bands, swing dancing, photos with PEANUTS characters, special New Year’s Eve Buffet and more.
San Diego
Party on the Bay at Maritime Museum of San Diego
Ring in the new year aboard an historic steam ferryboat overlooking San Diego Bay at Maritime Museum of San Diego. The Black & Gold New Year’s Eve Party at the museum, home to historic sailing ships, steam-powered boats, and submarines, offers a glamorous deck lounge for taking in the sites, with music, food, dancing, midnight champagne toast and traditional party favors.