Celebrate 2026’s arrival at these New Year’s Day events in L.A.

The first Rose Parade in 1890 was staged to show off California’s sun-kissed climate, and it’s still the best way to boast to your friends and family who are typically snowed in this time of year. The parade—and its floral floats, marching bands and equestrian outfits—steps off around 8am near the Norton Simon Museum; head to the eastern half of the route and you can easily find a spot with a decent view in the morning, no camping out required.

Interested in the floral floats but not a multi-hour parade? Watch the L.A. tradition from home and mosey on over to Sierra Madre and Washington Boulevards in Pasadena to view the floats post-parade, through January 3. Though the thick crowds can rival the parade itself, this is the best opportunity to view the floats close up. The stunning float showcase allows you to marvel at the intricate floral handiwork in person, from just a few feet away.

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. 

This KCRW-presented music festival at Union Station is taking the place of erstwhile New Year’s Eve bash Prohibition NYE. After ringing in the new year with a set from Bonobo, the fun continues the next day from 4pm till midnight, with sets from German techno duo Âme, Colyn, Jimi Jules and Marsh, complemented by state-of-the-art production, 10-point sound and visual elements. It’s being billed as a “melodic daytime journey to start the year with intention and sunshine energy.” Fingers crossed that rubs off on the rest of 2026.

L.A. doesn’t typically seem like much of a winter wonderland, until, that is, you create an ice skating rink right in the midst of Downtown skyscrapers. Come glide around and pretend there’s snow on the ground at Pershing Square’s outdoor holiday skating rink. Skate rentals are included in admission, though lockers and skating aids costs a few dollars extra.

Located just blocks from the ocean, Ice in downtown Santa Monica brings a bit of winter to the comfortable coastal city. The 8,000-square-foot outdoor rink runs daily from November to mid-January on the corner of Fifth Street and Arizona Avenue (less than a 10-minute walk from the E Line). Tickets for an hourlong slot ($24) include skate rentals, and you can book private parties and fire pits if you’re looking for something a bit more premium. 

The annual L.A. Kings ice skating rink presented by Coca-Cola once again returns to L.A. Live. Skate around the dazzling Christmas tree that stands in the middle of the outdoor rink, and take in an LED holiday light show on the huge screens around the plaza. Choose from four nightly skating sessions. Note: General admission tickets, which include skate rental, are only sold on-site, and can’t be purchased online ahead of time.