California theme parks to ring in the New Year

Shortly after Christmas, the same question arises every year: What are we going to do on New Year’s Eve?

Here’s what California amusement and theme parks have planned for the last night of 2008:

Disneyland in Anaheim stays open until 2 a.m. with live bands and midnight fireworks. Across the way, Disney’s California Adventure remains open until 1 a.m.

For the first time ever, Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia stays open until midnight on New Year’s Eve with Rock N’ Ride — a mix of dance music and roller coasters.

“Praise ‘09” at Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park features a contemporary Christian music concert with Kutless, Todd Agnew, Brandon Heath and Addison Road. The $40 separate admission event runs from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.

The Countdown Bash at Universal Studios Hollywood’s CityWalk features live music with a fireworks finale at midnight. Most of the shopping mall’s clubs throw New Year’s Eve parties. Park closes at 8 p.m.

Kids’ New Year’s Eve at Carlsbad’s Legoland California starts the countdown in Miniland’s New York City at a family-friendly hour with a giant Lego brick drop and fireworks at 6 p.m. plus music by Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime Players. Park closes at 7 p.m.

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo stays open until midnight for Holiday in the Park with shows, dance music and fireworks on New Year’s Eve.

And for those looking to kick it old school, there’s always prime rib dinner and dancing to the Joel Nelson Orchestra at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk’s Cocoanut Grove ballroom.

So, what are you doing on New Year’s Eve?

Find the latest amusement and theme park news at the Los Angeles Times Funland blog: latimes.com/funland.

— Brady MacDonald, Los Angeles Times staff writer

[Photo: Disneyland revelers bring in the New Year. Credit: Kevin P. Casey / Los Angeles Times]

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This entry was posted on Friday, December 26, 2008 at 6:00 am by Brady MacDonald and is filed under California, Disney's California Adventure, Disneyland, Family & Kids, Knott's, Legoland, Los Angeles, Magic Mountain, Northern California, Orange County, San Diego, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, Theme Parks, Universal Studios Hollywood. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a comment, or trackback from your own site.