Tuesday, October 14, 2025

10 Free or Cheap Things to Do on New Year’s Eve

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New Year’s Eve Celebrations

New Year’s Eve is one of the biggest party nights of the year, and it can also be the most expensive since tickets to many events can cost a pretty penny. But you don’t have to go broke before the year even starts because here are ten free or inexpensive ways to celebrate the new year on Dec. 31.

First Night Fullerton

Where: Downtown Fullerton Plaza, 125 E Wilshire Ave, Fullerton

Cost: Free

Information: cityoffullerton.com

Live music, carnival rides and a fireworks show are on the roster for the city’s 7 p.m.-midnight celebration. It’s free to attend but tickets are required for things like carnival rides, games, and other activities. They start at $1 each with carnival rides costing 4-10 tickets and games up to 5 tickets. Live music includes performances by band like The Dreamboats, performing ’50s and ’60s hits and Tania y su Nueva Era, who play lively Latin music.

Grand Park NYE

Where: 200 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles

Cost: Free

Information: grandparkla.org/nyela

Thousands of people are expected to party in downtown Los Angeles at the city’s largest celebration in Grand Park. The 8 p.m.-12:30 a.m. party will encompass several city blocks with musical performances on two stages, 30 food trucks and a 3D light show projected onto City Hall at midnight.

Marina Del Rey’s NYE Fireworks and Glow Party

Where: Burton Chace Park, 13650 Mindanao Way, Marina del Rey

Cost: Free

Information: lacounty.gov

The glow party will include glowsticks of course, as well as DJs, food trucks, a 9 p.m. countdown and a midnight countdown followed by a 10-minute fireworks show.

New Year’s Eve Party at Broken Shaker

Where: The Freehand hotel, 416 W. 8th St., Los Angeles

Cost: Free

Information: brokenshaker.com/happenings-los-angeles/

Dance the night away to house music and a complimentary Champagne toast at the Freehand hotel’s rooftop bar. The music lineup includes DJ Akumen, Andy Oro and No Pressure. The party starts at 8 p.m. and goes on until 2 a.m. Yes, it’s free to get in. And no, you don’t have to be on the nice list either, just bring your dance moves and money for drinks and food.

New Year’s Eve Skate Party

Where: Fountain Valley Skating, 9105 Recreation Circle, Fountain Valley

Cost: $20 admission

Information: fvsc.com

Roll into the new year at Fountain Valley Skating during a skate party. There are two sessions available on Dec. 31 from 6 to 9 p.m. and 9 p.m. to midnight. The roller party will include DJs spinning music, a countdown and of course, lots of skating.

Noon Years Eve Party

Where: Pinstripes restaurant and bowling at Westfield Topanga, 6600 Topanga Canyon Blvd, Canoga Park.

Cost: $10

Information: eventbrite.com/e/pinstripes

This one is for the young ones as the restaurant and bowling celebrates Noon Year’s Eve with an 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. party for the kids. For $10 per ticket kids will get to see a balloon drop, get party favors and free kid’s meals, plus mocktails to make it all more legit.

NYE Torchlight Parade

Where: Snow Summit, 880 Summit Blvd., Big Bear Lake

Cost: Free

Information: bigbearmountainresort.com

More than 200 skiers and snowboarders will light up the snowy mountain on New Year’s Eve when they make their way down with torches during the annual Torchlight Parade. The event starts at 6 p.m. with a DJ spinning tunes followed by a performance from Woodland Hills rockers Bad Suns. The skiers and snowboarders will make their way down starting at 9 p.m.

Redlands NYE Orange Drop

Where: Citrus Avenue between 6th and 8th streets, Redlands

Cost: Free

Information: redlandschamber.org/orangedrop

Once again the orange will drop at 9 p.m. and not midnight this year so more families can attend. Those who do attend will be able to check out a kids activity zone, hear music, see confetti cannons and eat from food vendors.

Temecula Grape Drop

Where: 41000 Main Street, Temecula

Cost: Free

Information: temeculaca.gov/1425/Holiday-Fun

The grape drops at 9 p.m. this year for Temecula’s annual celebration. The event will take place 6-10 p.m. and will include the city’s first ever drone show, live music, food and kid activities. The drone show is happening at 8:50 p.m.

Y2K New Year’s Eve Bash

Where: Angel City Brewery, 216 Alameda St., Los Angeles

Cost: Free

Information: angelcitybrewery.com/event/no-cover-new-years-y2k-edition/

Party like it’s 1999 again with a free throwback party at Angel City Brewery from 4 p.m.-2 a.m.. This one is for the 21 and over crowd and will include DJs spinning throwback hits from the era, retro photos and people are encouraged to come dressed in their best 90s gear, velour tracksuits are highly encouraged.

Conclusion

New Year’s Eve can be a fun and festive celebration without breaking the bank. With these ten free or inexpensive options, you can ring in the new year with friends and family without overspending. Make sure to check the dates, times, and details for each event to plan your celebration accordingly.

FAQs

Q: What is the first event listed?

A: The first event listed is First Night Fullerton, a free New Year’s Eve celebration in downtown Fullerton.

Q: What is the cost for the Noon Years Eve Party?

A: The cost for the Noon Years Eve Party is $10 per ticket.

Q: What is the Temecula Grape Drop?

A: The Temecula Grape Drop is an annual New Year’s Eve celebration in Temecula where the grape drops at 9 p.m. instead of midnight.

Q: What is the Y2K New Year’s Eve Bash?

A: The Y2K New Year’s Eve Bash is a free throwback party at Angel City Brewery, where people are encouraged to dress in their best 90s gear and enjoy music and drinks.

Q: What is the main difference between the Redlands NYE Orange Drop and the Temecula Grape Drop?

A: The main difference is that the Redlands NYE Orange Drop takes place at a different location and has different activities, while the Temecula Grape Drop drops the grape at 9 p.m. instead of midnight.

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