2020 Here We Come: The Best New Year's Eve Events in California

New Year’s Eve is fast approaching, and that means we’re running out of time to solidify our end-of-year plans. While holiday gift-giving, decorating, and seasonal festivals are still on our minds, figuring out how to spend the first few moments of 2020 is an important decision—and one that needs to be made quickly, as several of the top events are already sold out. 

Before you resolve to stay home or start frantically searching for “New Year’s Eve events near me” on Google, take a look at the things to do on New Year’s Eve in these top California destinations.

SnowGlobe Music Festival, South Lake Tahoe

Price: $160 for a 1-day pass

Who: The whole family

When: 3 p.m. to 1 a.m. 

MTV’s SnowGlobe Music Festival is a New Year’s celebration like no other. Enjoy the fresh mountain air, white blankets of snow, and all of your favorite music as you say goodbye to 2019 and hello to a brand-new decade. This year’s SnowGlobe event is shaping up to be the best ever. Besides, who else can say they went to a New Year’s Eve party with E-40 and Skrillex? 

Ace Hotel + Swim Club, Palm Springs

Price: Free

Who: 21+ 

When: 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Celebrate the New Year at an epically Californian NYE party with DJ Alf Alpha and the Ace Hotel Palm Springs. Reserve your spot at King’s Highway for a special five-course New Year’s Eve dinner to end the year on an even higher note. 

Disneyland Park, Anaheim

Price: $149 for a 1-day, 1 park ticket

Who: The whole family

When: 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. 

Ring in the New Year at Disneyland, where fireworks burst above Sleeping Beauty’s iconic castle and snow falls on Main Street. Make sure you get to the park early, though—Disneyland typically reaches capacity around noon. While I will always think that this is one of the best places to celebrate New Year’s, it is incredibly crowded, so come prepared. Take advantage of your time before 11 a.m., plan your snack breaks, and check out our tips for sticking to your budget (but we will admit that this is much more difficult to do during peak days such as New Year’s Eve).

Hotel del Coronado’s New Year’s Eve Gala, Coronado

Price:  $375 for general admission 

Who: 21+ 

When: 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Add a dash of glamour to your end-of-year plans by attending the New Year’s Eve Gala at the Hotel del Coronado. Don your dressy attire, bring your appetite, and get ready to dance the night away before the countdown begins. This oceanfront event features a five-course dinner, live music, and much more, so grab your tickets before it’s too late.

Grand Park + The Music Center’s New Year’s Eve L.A., Los Angeles

Price: Free

Who: The whole family

When: 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Have a happy New Year’s Eve with the entire family—for free! Drive over to Grand Park + The Music Center in downtown L.A. to listen to music, chow down on food-truck fare, take commemorative pictures in the photo booths, and ring in 2020 with a 3-D interactive countdown.

New Year’s Eve Glow Party, Marina del Rey

Price: Free

Who: The whole family

When: 7 p.m. to 12 a.m., with fireworks at 8:59 p.m. and 11:59 p.m.

If you’re looking for places to go for New Year’s Eve in Marina del Rey, look no further than Burton Chace Park. Cruise over around 7 p.m. to enjoy entertainment, including face painting, DJ beats, food trucks, and dancing. 

EVE at Universal Studios Hollywood, Los Angeles

Price: $129 for general admission to the theme park and EVE event

Who: The whole family

When: EVE entertainment from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Join Hollywood’s largest New Year’s Eve party to end the year in style. Spend the afternoon visiting your favorite attractions (or getting the VIP experience) before dancing the night away. Look forward to photo booths; three midnight fireworks displays; and multiple entertainment areas featuring Latin, electronic, pop, rock, and hip-hop music.  

New Year’s Eve at Knott’s, Buena Park

Price: $59 for general admission to the theme park and event

Who: The whole family

When: 9 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Knott’s Berry Farm is one of the best places to go for New Years and is an unforgettable event for the entire family. Grab your party hats and noisemakers before taking photos with the Peanuts characters, listening to live music, watching dueling pianos, laughing along to a family-friendly comedy set, and watching the fireworks display.