Kid-Friendly New Years Eve Events in San Diego in 2024
Looking for New Year’s Eve events in San Diego that are great for the whole family? We’ve got you covered! There’s plenty for the little ones to do around San Diego County this New Year’s Eve, from a pajama party at the Children’s Museum to an extravagant ice skating and dinner party at the Hotel Del Coronado. Bring the whole family and make NYE a night to remember at these kid-friendly New Year’s Eve events and festivities in San Diego!
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“All That Jazz” Lightshow Spectacular
Where: Hotel Del Coronado; 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado
When: Nov 21-Jan 5
Enjoy holiday cheer with the kids at the Hotel Del Coronado! Experience the magic of the season as The Del’s historic pine trees are draped in a spectacular light show with festive holiday jazz and a finale of snow flurries. The grove of towering Norfolk Island Pines on the Founders Lawn is the scene of a dynamic light show orchestrated to lively holiday jazz music, a brilliant ethereal experience that captivates guests with a finale of snow flurries. Showcased is the Norfolk Pine originally made famous in 1904 as the world’s first electrically lit outdoor Christmas tree. A 12-foot-tall replica of the hotel’s signature red turret complete with holiday lights serves as the focal point of the adjacent bar, surrounded by Victorian-inspired lounge seating for the perfect spot to watch the show. The complimentary 10-minute show takes place every 30 minutes from 5-9pm nightly. Open to the public (no reservations needed).
NYE at LEGOLAND California
Where: LEGOLAND California; 1 Legoland Drive, Carlsbad
When: December 31st
Midnight comes early for families at LEGOLAND California Resort, celebrating the New Year together without missing their bedtimes. LEGOLAND California creates fun for the entire family at San Diego’s largest Kids’ New Year’s Eve Party. Join in the festivities and celebrate the New Year early with rides, activities, and a whole lot of fun. Celebrate with an early fireworks display illuminating the sky and welcoming the new year.
Little Explorer’s Winter Camp at the SD Children’s Museum
Where: 320 North Broadway, Escondido, CA 92025
When: December 31st, 9am – 2pm
Is your child a creative and curious problem solver? Spend the fall exploring with San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum! Each day of camp includes access to Museum exhibits, hands-on exploration with trained education staff, and an opportunity to make new friends. Calling all music lovers! Join us this New Year’s Eve as we let our inner musicians run free and make some music! Explore the science of sound and fun ways to make music through fun STREAM activities and crafts.
Rady Children’s Ice Rink at Liberty Station
Where: 2875 Dewey Rd, San Diego, CA 92106
When: December 31st, 10am – 5pm
Celebrate the holidays at Liberty Station by skating with your loved ones at the Rady Children’s Hospital Ice Rink on Liberty Station from Thursday, November 21st through Sunday, January 5th. Put on your most festive holiday sweaters and get ready to skate. Located in the Central Promenade at ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station, Rady Children’s Ice Rink is in its 27th year and is a fun, family-friendly way to spend time together, raising funds for the Thriving After Cancer program at the Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders. The Ice Rink is a hub for joy and inspiration throughout the holiday and will be open Monday through Sunday from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., with modified hours on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve.
New Year’s Eve: Masquerade at the Marsh
Where: Living Coast Discovery Center; 1000 Gunpowder Point Dr., Chula Vista CA 91910
When: December 31st, 6pm – 9pm
Ring in the New Year with a Family-Friendly Masquerade Party at the Living Coast Discovery Center! Join them for a mystical New Year’s Eve celebration for the whole family! Put on your favorite masquerade mask and prepare for an evening packed with fun, adventure, and surprises featuring scavenger hunts and activities to learn about the power of camouflage, encounters with some of your favorite animal ambassadors, a mingling magician who will amaze you throughout the night, a silent disco so you can dance the night away, a 360 photo booth so you can remember the night for years to come, a variety of tasty treats and refreshments available for purchase, and so much more!
The NYE Grape Drop
Where: Temecula Town Square Park; 41000 Main St, Temecula, CA 92590
When: December 31st, 6pm – 10pm
Though not technically in San Diego, Temecula is about an hour’s drive northeast and a fun way to get out of town for New Year’s Eve! Party like it’s 1999 (or any year!) and watch the Temecula grape drop at Town Square Park. There will be plenty of free activities for kids, food vendors, and live music. There will also be a Free Fun Zone for the kids with face painting, carnival games, and a giant slide. Don’t miss the Temecula-themed drone show at 8:50pm followed by the grape drop at 9pm.
Skating by the Sea
Where: Hotel Del Coronado; 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado
When: December 18 – January 5th, rink is open daily between 10am and 10pm
Glide into the new year by bundling up and ice skating by the sea with the entire family. Make a day of it by eating dinner at the outdoor patio and gazing at the lights and holiday decorations that adorn the gorgeous Hotel del Coronado. Skate to holiday music, and afterward, little revelers can sip on hot cocoa and take in the lights. Tickets are $40 per person for skating; be sure to purchase tickets in advance on the Hotel Del’s website.
Looking for more adult-friendly happenings this NYE? Check out our roundup of the best New Year’s Eve parties in San Diego!
Note: This information is up to date for the current year. However, please check with events and vendors, as dates and times are subject to change.
