Free things to do for New Year’s in L.A.

Stake out a spot in downtown Long Beach to catch this waterfront fireworks show at midnight on New Year’s Eve. You can catch the display from pretty much anywhere near the water, like Shoreline Park and Village, and you can expect dinner specials and parties at plenty of local businesses nearby (including, yes, the Queen Mary, which has again revived its on-board party—a ticketed masquerade soirée).

Marina del Rey rings in the new year with two pyro-filled countdowns. The waterfront city has fireworks at both 9pm and midnight (or a minute before, to be precise). While the fireworks are set off near Burton Chace Park (which hosts a family-friendly “glow party” from 7pm to midnight), all of the restaurants with harbor views should have visibility of the fireworks. Some of the restaurants host ticketed (read: pricey) dinners, so we suggest finding a spot along the water and enjoying the fireworks for free.

Most New Year’s Eve parties in L.A. celebrate the stroke of midnight on the West Coast, and a bunch mark the ball drop on the East Coast, as well. But Big Bar celebrates the occasion with 10 countdowns. That’s nine themed cocktails (for purchase) and one complimentary champagne toast at midnight. This year’s “Alice in Oz” theme mashes up two fantasy favorites—Alice in Wonderland and The Wizard of Oz outfits are encouraged—and culminates in three cheers with a ruby glass.

Angel City Brewery’s annual New Year’s Eve bash is going Art Deco this year, ringing in 2026 with gilded glamour and great beer. Dress to impress and show off your fabulous flapper energy at themed photo ops. As the name implies, there’s no cover to attend—just make sure to secure a seat early. You can grab dinner from ACB’s on-site House Made food truck.

The Freehand hotel will bring the house down New Year’s Eve at its rooftop oasis, Broken Shaker. Local music collectives Made to Move and LOW Recordings have curated a lineup of artists—agraybé, Akumen, Andy Oro, Beggar, Dirt Vibes and Naomi Green—who will be spinning infectious house, disco and electronic music all night long. Grab a handcrafted cocktail and dance with the DTLA skyline as your backdrop—you might even be able to spot some NYE fireworks from up there. The best part: Entry is free (last year there was a complimentary champagne toast at midnight too).

Step inside a Christmas tree made of lights during the return of this illuminated installation at Downtown shopping center the Bloc. Sparkle DTLA is lighting up the night with 18 million different hues through the end of the year, and every night you can catch its displays dance to synchronized holiday music on the hour (5–9pm). The lights will switch off for the season after December 31, so if you’re already on your way to a Downtown NYE party, swing by early for a free light show.

The first Rose Parade in 1890 was staged to show off California’s sun-kissed climate. The tradition is still going strong, complete with elaborate floral floats, musical performances and marching bands, but the celebration now draws more than a million spectators who line the streets of Pasadena at the start of the new year. Bleacher seats are available for $80 and up, but you can grab a spot on the sidewalk for free. People traditionally camp out overnight, but if you’d rather show up the morning of, head east of Lake Avenue and you’ll have an easier time.

Swimmers across the city will take to the not-so-icy waters to welcome the new year with the annual Polar Bear Plunge. Water and air temperatures on New Year’s Day typically hover around 60 degrees, which is Arctic enough if you ask us. You can spectate or dive in during meet-ups in Huntington Beach (dubbed Surf City Splash) and San Pedro, whose plunge at Cabrillo Beach tends to be the most consistent one.