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

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 ticket dinners for a pricey cost, so we suggest finding a spot along the water and enjoying the fireworks for free.

Stake out a spot in downtown Long Beach to catch this waterfront fireworks show on New Year’s Eve. You’ll actually have to chances to see fireworks: an early one at a more family-friendly time of 9pm, followed by another at midnight. You can catch the shows 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 revived its on-board party).

Getting out for New Year’s Eve can become one of the priciest dates of the year, but thankfully DTLA’s Grand Park continues to offer an affordable and family-friendly option for the holiday. Flanked by the Music Center and City Hall, every inch of this three-block greenspace and three other surrounding blocks will be covered in culture, including City Hall, which will be used as a 22-story canvas for countdown projection. Crowds will rock steady to a soundtrack of DJ-driven tunes and live bands across a pair of stages while hitting up a selection of food trucks (but do note: there’s no alcohol permitted or sold here). If you dare attempt to drive, you’ll find $10 parking at the Music Center, but taking Metro is a much better bet—especially since fares tend to be free for NYE.

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 Lord of the Rings theme takes you to Middle Earth and back again, starting at the Shire (with free Bilbo’s birthday cake shots for those who arrive before 3pm) and ending at Mount Doom, where they’ll literally ring in the new year by dropping the ring into a volcano.

Party like it’s 1999 at Angel City Brewery’s Y2K-themed bash, where soundtrack will range from Britney to Blink-182. Snap some shots at the retro photo ops, then ring in the new year with a “midnight meltdown” countdown. Grab dinner from ACB’s House Made food truck, and relive some of the year’s best pours. As the name implies, there’s no cover to attend—just make sure to secure a spot early.

The Freehand hotel will bring the house down New Year’s Eve at its rooftop oasis, Broken Shaker. Organizers Made to Move’s resident DJs, Akumen, Andy Oro and No Pressure, will be spinning bouncy, infectious house music all night long. Grab a tropical cocktail and dance with the DTLA skyline as your backdrop. Entry is free, and there will be a complimentary champagne toast at midnight.

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. Bleacher seats are available for over $75, 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 at meet-ups in Huntington Beach (dubbed Surf City Splash) and San Pedro, whose plunge at Cabrillo Beach tends to be the most consistent one.