After all of the Christmas presents have been unwrapped, the halls have been decked, the goose basted, buttered, and consumed, the obligatory fruit cake partially eaten and then thrown away, the same question arises every year: “What are we going to do for New Year’s Eve?”

While the big C may get far more attention in the months leading up to the end of the year, New Year’s Eve is a more hurried, frenzy affair for many. So if you find yourself, like many, caught up in the chaos of the holidays and uncertain where to go to ring in the New Year, Southern California theme parks have you covered. Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, Universal Studios Hollywood, SeaWorld San Diego, and Legoland California have festivities planned for those looking to ring in 2025 with thrill rides, live music, and midnight fireworks.

Let’s take a closer look at what’s on tap at local theme parks on the last night of 2024.

Disneyland

Disneyland will ring with “Fantasy in the Sky” fireworks at 9 p.m. and midnight in the new year. Main Street, USA, in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle, is often jam-packed hours before midnight, with visitors waiting for the nighttime spectacular. Much like Cinderella herself, everyone in the park will be racing to beat the clock and party as hard as they can before midnight. 

Additional fireworks viewing locations are the plaza in front of “It’s a Small World” and the “Fantasmic” viewing area along Rivers in America.

The Disneyland website and app will post details on countdown parties with DJs throughout the park days before the celebration.

Disneyland will open at 8 a.m. on New Year’s Eve until 2 a.m.

Disney California Adventure

Disneyland’s sister park is usually far less crowded on New Year’s Eve. Disney’s Festival of the Holidays at California Adventure will offer live music and dance performances until 1 a.m. on New Year’s Eve.

Disneyland’s fireworks show will be visible from DCA — without the projection show or soundtrack accompanying the nighttime spectacular. The “World of Color — Season of Light” water show will play on Paradise Bay at Disney California Adventure at 7 and 8:15 p.m.

Disney California Adventure will open at 8 a.m. on New Year’s Eve until 1 a.m.

Knott’s Berry Farm

Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park will stay open late on New Year’s Eve with live music, comedy, dueling pianos, dance lessons, and midnight fireworks.

Tomasina will play pop and rock music on the Calico Mine Stage with DJ Kenny J spinning dance music between sets. The PianoMania dueling piano duo will wage a head-to-head musical battle on the Boardwalk BBQ stage.

The Art Deco Jazz Orchestra will take over the Boardwalk Ballroom with the Jitterbug Jumpers and dance instructors on hand to keep the dance floor hopping.

Knott’s will open at 9 a.m. on New Year’s Eve until 1 a.m.

Universal Studios Hollywood

The annual in-park New Year’s Eve celebration at Universal Studios Hollywood will ring in the new year with DJs, dancing, and midnight fireworks.

The New Year’s Eve celebration occurs throughout the park at multiple party hub locations. Specialty food, desserts, cocktails, beer, wine, and champagne will be sold throughout the evening party.

Universal will open at 8 a.m. on New Year’s Eve until 2 a.m.

Legoland California

Midnight comes early at Legoland California, with the New Year celebration ending long before the kids’ bedtimes at the Carlsbad theme park.

The New Year’s Eve countdown party starts at 6 p.m. “Kid Standard Time,” with a fireworks finale.

Countdown dance parties will be held throughout the park, and dancing, singing, and pop music will be played.

Legoland will open at 10 a.m. on New Year’s Eve until 7 p.m.

SeaWorld San Diego

The San Diego aquatically themed park will celebrate the year’s final night with a champagne toast and a special New Year’s Eve fireworks show at 9 p.m.

SeaWorld will open at 10 a.m. and stay open until 9 p.m. on New Year’s Eve.