A giant orange will fall in Redlands and Temecula will drop a bunch of grapes as communities across the Inland Empire say farewell to 2024 and ring in the new year.
New Year’s Eve revelers looking for a free, communal experience can watch as Redlands and Temecula drop their favorite fruits to mark the final moments of 2024 — on New York City time. Both events start at 6 p.m. Dec. 31, with the orange and grapes descending in their respective locales at 9 p.m. to usher in the new year.
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Activities associated with the New Year’s Eve Orange Drop in Redlands, which honors the city’s citrus heritage, will take over Citrus Avenue between Sixth and Eighth streets. A kids’ zone, food and dessert vendors, confetti canons and music are planned.
In Temecula, the annual “grape drop” honors the region’s many vintners will be held at Town Square Park, 41000 Main St., which will undergo a temporary conversion to a Times Square-themed venue.
The countdown celebration will feature live music by Bad Chemistry and Groove Squad, food vendors and children’s activities, including a “giant slide.” A local “drone show” is also planned.
Other celebrations planned for New Year’s Eve include:
Noon Year’s Eve — End-of-year dance party Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday, Dec. 28-29 and Dec. 31, at Castle Park, 3500 Polk Ave., in Riverside. Guests can enjoy activities, festive treats, and a lively countdown on New Year’s Eve. Tickets and more information: castlepark.com
New Year’s Eve Gala — A roaring 20’s-themed event at The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa is 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31 to 1 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 1 in the hotel’s Parisian Ballroom. A five-course meal is to be served and Nick D’egidio and the Dry Martini Orchestra Band are set to perform. Tickets for the event, which is for those 21 and older, start at $160 per person. Information: 951-784-0300
City News Service contributed to this report.
