The best New Year’s Eve in Orange County is a midnight fireworks show at Disneyland or Knott’s Berry Farm. Winter Fest OC in Costa Mesa adds a third fireworks countdown with snow, skating and live music.
Want something grown-up? Newport Beach has a dressy 21-and-over party at Balboa Bay Resort and dinner cruises on the harbor. Families with little kids can ring in the year at noon at Pretend City in Irvine.
New Year’s Eve 2026 falls on a Thursday. That means a long weekend for a lot of people, and the big events will sell out.
Some venues have posted their 2026 plans already. Others repeat the same party every year but have not released times yet, so I note which is which below.
How I ranked these New Year’s Eve events
I put the midnight moment first: real fireworks, a real countdown and a crowd that feels like a party. Then I weighed price, ages, parking and how easy it is to get home.
Every listing was checked against its official site in early November 2026. Where 2026 details are not out, I give last year’s format as a guide.
1. New Year’s Eve at Disneyland Resort
Disneyland is the biggest New Year’s Eve party in Orange County. The park runs a special show, the New Year’s Eve Fantasy in the Sky Fireworks Spectacular.
It is bigger than the nightly holiday fireworks. A DJ countdown in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle leads into Auld Lang Syne and a medley of Disney songs.
Two shows, two countdowns
On Dec. 31, 2025, Disney ran the show twice. The 9 p.m. show matched midnight on the East Coast, and the second show hit at midnight Pacific.
The early show is the smart move with young kids. Between shows, dance parties pop up around the park, including near “it’s a small world” and in Tomorrowland.
What to know for 2026
Disney has not posted New Year’s Eve 2026 showtimes yet. Last year, Disneyland stayed open until 2 a.m. Its fireworks page says the New Year’s Eve show happens every year, weather permitting.
This is one of the most crowded days of the year. Buy date-based tickets early, and expect the parks to hit capacity.
Best places to watch
Disney’s top picks are Sleeping Beauty Castle, Main Street and “it’s a small world.” The Rivers of America works too. Guests claim castle spots hours ahead.
If you only want the sky, Fantasyland and Galaxy’s Edge are calmer. You will miss some music, but the lines after midnight are much shorter.
Getting there
The resort is at 1313 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA 92802. Check hours on the Disneyland hours and events calendar and showtimes on the Disneyland fireworks page.
Locals who want more park strategy can use our Disneyland guide for Orange County locals.
2. New Year’s Eve at Knott’s Berry Farm
Knott’s is the best family New Year’s Eve in Orange County. It feels festive but far less packed than Disneyland.
The park stays open late during Knott’s Merry Farm, and a fireworks show lights up the sky right at midnight.
What last year’s party included
Guests got party hats and noisemakers for the countdown. The Art Deco Jazz Orchestra played the Boardwalk Ballroom, with swing dance lessons included.
Dueling pianos played at Boardwalk BBQ, and a DJ ran the Calico Mine Stage. Peanuts characters posed for photos in party outfits.
Mrs. Murphy’s Kitchen served a walk-up New Year’s Eve buffet with a champagne toast from 3:30 to 9:30 p.m. Park hours ran from 9 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Tickets and 2026 status
The celebration was included with regular admission. Knott’s has not posted its 2026 schedule yet, so check the event page before you go.
The park is at 8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620. Details are on the Knott’s New Year’s Eve page.
3. Winter Fest OC New Year’s Eve Celebration
Winter Fest OC is the best all-ages New Year’s Eve deal in Orange County. It takes over the OC Fair & Event Center with real snow, ice skating and a midnight fireworks show.
The 2026 season runs Nov. 27 through Jan. 3, 2027, on select dates. Its calendar lists Dec. 31 as a special New Year’s Eve night, open 5 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
What to do before midnight
Last year’s 8,000-square-foot snow play area and the 150-foot ice tubing slide were the big draws. Kids can also ride carnival rides and walk the light displays.
New for 2026, unlimited ice skating comes with select passes or as an add-on. That makes the long night easier to fill.
Last year’s lineup
For 2025, the night had two DJ sets, the Queen Nation tribute band at 9:30 p.m. and a fireworks countdown at midnight. The 2026 lineup has not been announced yet.
Parking and tickets
The fairgrounds are at 88 Fair Dr, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, and parking is $15. Buy tickets on the Winter Fest OC website.
4. Balboa Bay Resort New Year’s Eve Celebration
Balboa Bay Resort throws the dressiest New Year’s Eve party in Newport Beach. Its 2026 plans are already posted, which makes it easy to lock in early.
The Gold Standard band and a DJ play the Grand Ballroom. Light bites run all night, then a sparkling wine toast and balloon drop hit at midnight.
The wine dinner option
For a full night, book the New Year’s Eve Wine Dinner. A reception starts at 6:30 p.m., and a three-course dinner with wine pairings starts at 7 p.m.
Dinner tickets include the ballroom party, which runs 8:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. A vegan option is available.
Dress code and rules
Both events are 21 and over, with semi-formal or cocktail attire required. The resort asks guests to wear something that sparkles.
Party tickets are final sale, while the wine dinner has a 7-day cancellation window. Valet costs extra. Rideshare is the easy call here.
The resort is at 1221 W Coast Hwy, Newport Beach, CA 92663. Tickets are on the Balboa Bay Resort holidays page.
5. City Cruises Newport Beach New Year’s Eve Cruise
A harbor cruise is the most romantic way to count down in Orange County. City Cruises runs New Year’s Eve dining cruises out of Newport Harbor every year.
City Cruises is already promoting its New Year’s Eve 2026 cruises. Newport Beach sailings and times for this year haven’t been posted yet, so check the Newport Beach page before you plan around one.
What last year’s cruise looked like
The 2025 Premier Dinner Cruise ran from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. It included a three-course dinner, full bar, DJ, dancing and a sparkling wine toast.
There was also a daytime New Year’s Eve brunch cruise. That is a good fit if you want to be home before the ball drops.
Booking tips
Cruises sell out, so book in the fall. City Cruises has two docks on Mariner’s Mile, so check your ticket for the boarding spot.
Last year’s dinner cruise left from 2431 W Coast Hwy, Newport Beach, CA 92663. Book on the City Cruises Newport Beach website.
6. The FIFTH Rooftop New Year’s Eve Party
The FIFTH is my pick for watching Disneyland’s midnight fireworks with a cocktail in hand. The rooftop sits atop the Grand Legacy at the Park hotel, across Harbor Boulevard from the resort.
For New Year’s Eve 2025, it threw a ticketed 21-and-over party. It ran 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. with a DJ, champagne and a view of the fireworks.
Before you book
Tickets for 2026 have not been posted yet. Last year, general admission was $95 and included a champagne toast and two appetizers. Follow the restaurant on social media for the release.
Fireworks depend on the weather, so treat the show as a bonus. On-site parking is limited at $17, and Anaheim GardenWalk offers validated parking nearby.
Find it at 1650 S Harbor Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92802. Details are on the The FIFTH website.
For more skyline views, see our best rooftop bars in Orange County guide.
7. Camelot Golfland Anaheim New Year’s Eve Party
Camelot Golfland is the best budget New Year’s Eve for families with tweens and teens. One ticket covers unlimited attractions until 1 a.m.
Last year’s party ran 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. It included unlimited video games, mini golf, race cars and laser tag, plus a dance floor and a midnight countdown.
Price and 2026 status
Tickets were $36.99 online in advance and $39.99 at the door last year. Golfland has not posted 2026 details yet, so check before you plan around it.
Golfland is at 3200 E Carpenter Ave, Anaheim, CA 92806. Watch the Golfland Anaheim website for tickets.
8. New Year’s Eve Around the World at Pretend City
Pretend City is the best Noon Year’s Eve in Orange County for toddlers and preschoolers. The Irvine children’s museum celebrates as midnight hits other countries.
The 2026 event is set for Dec. 31, with countdowns to 2027 throughout the day. Expect music, dancing, cultural activities and confetti drops.
Times and tickets
The 2026 schedule has a members-only confetti drop at 9:40 a.m., then public drops at noon and 2 p.m. The museum closes at 3 p.m.
Admission is $22, and the museum is built for kids up to age 8. Space is limited, so register ahead.
The museum is at 29 Hubble, Irvine, CA 92618. Register on the Pretend City website.
For more ideas with little ones, see our best activities for toddlers in Orange County.
Planning New Year’s Eve in Orange County
Lock in the big tickets in November. Theme park dates, rooftop parties and harbor cruises all fill up.
Getting home safely
Plan your ride before the first toast. Rideshare prices spike right after midnight near Disneyland, so waiting 30 minutes can save money.
Staying close to the party is the easiest fix. Many Anaheim hotels are a short walk from both the resort and Harbor Boulevard rooftops.
Watch the weather
Wind can cancel fireworks, and rain can close outdoor events. Check each event’s site and social pages that afternoon.
If December is your favorite month, our best Christmas events in Orange County guide covers the weeks before. For more dates, check the Orange County events calendar.
New Year’s Eve events in Orange County compared
| Event | City | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disneyland Resort | Anaheim | Iconic fireworks, two countdowns | Park ticket (date-based) |
| Knott’s Berry Farm | Buena Park | Families, swing dancing | Included with admission |
| Winter Fest OC | Costa Mesa | Snow, skating, fireworks | Ticketed; $15 parking |
| Balboa Bay Resort | Newport Beach | Dressy 21+ ballroom party | Ticketed; dinner package |
| City Cruises Newport Beach | Newport Beach | Dinner and dancing on the harbor | Ticketed cruise |
| The FIFTH Rooftop | Anaheim | Disneyland fireworks views, 21+ | $95 GA (2025); 2026 TBA |
| Camelot Golfland | Anaheim | Tweens, teens, budget | $36.99 online (2025) |
| Pretend City | Irvine | Toddlers, Noon Year’s Eve | $22 admission |
How to choose your New Year’s Eve in Orange County
Pick Disneyland for the most famous fireworks and the biggest crowd. Pick Knott’s for the same midnight bang with more breathing room.
Pick Winter Fest OC if your kids want snow and you want a fireworks finale. Pick Pretend City if bedtime is 7 p.m.
Pick Balboa Bay Resort or a City Cruises sailing for a dressed-up night out. Pick The FIFTH for cocktails with a fireworks view.
Need a quieter plan for two? Our date night ideas in Orange County work any night of the year.
People Also Ask
The biggest New Year’s Eve events in Orange County are the midnight fireworks at Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm. Winter Fest OC in Costa Mesa adds snow play and fireworks. Newport Beach has a 21+ party at Balboa Bay Resort and harbor dinner cruises.
Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm and Winter Fest OC at the OC Fair & Event Center have all held midnight fireworks. Disneyland ran two shows last year, at 9 p.m. and midnight. Rooftops like The FIFTH in Anaheim face the Disneyland fireworks.
Disney has not announced 2026 showtimes yet. On Dec. 31, 2025, the New Year’s Eve Fantasy in the Sky show ran at 9 p.m. and at midnight. Check the Disneyland calendar and app in December.
Yes. Knott’s has held a midnight fireworks show on New Year’s Eve, with live bands, swing dancing and extended hours. Last year the celebration was included with regular admission. The 2026 schedule has not been posted yet.
Knott’s Berry Farm and Winter Fest OC are the top family picks with midnight fireworks. Camelot Golfland in Anaheim has a late-night party for older kids. Pretend City in Irvine holds daytime countdowns for kids up to age 8.
Yes. Pretend City Children’s Museum in Irvine hosts New Year’s Eve Around the World on Dec. 31, 2026. It has daytime confetti countdowns, including one at noon. Admission is $22, and registering ahead is advised.
Yes. City Cruises runs New Year’s Eve dining cruises from Newport Harbor. Last year’s dinner cruise ran 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. with a three-course dinner, DJ and sparkling wine toast. A daytime brunch cruise was also offered.
