Happy New Year 2018
New Year’s Eve plans have completely changed since having my son almost six years ago. It started when I was 9 months pregnant. We started the countdown at 9 pm and called it a night. Little did I know that this was going to be a tradition for a while longer. Now that my son is getting older, we have found new ways to “live it up” on New Year’s Eve. Here’s a list of family-friendly New Year’s events that are guaranteed to ring in 2019 with a whole lot of cheer!
December 31 from 10 am-12:30 pm
MY Museum’s Noon Year’s Eve
- 425 Washington St, Monterey, 93940, (831) 649-6444
- https://mymuseum.org/event/noon-years-eve-special-event-10-12/
5..4..3..2..HAPPY NOON YEAR! Join the MY Museum Staff and Board of Directors for an unforgettable Noon Year’s Eve Celebration complete with noisemakers, face painting and party hats. Watch the Noon Year’s Ball light up as we count down together. This signature event has become a much-anticipated celebration; reservations fill quickly and this event will sell out.
December 31 from 10 am-12 pm
Noon Year’s Eve Party at Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery
- 1855 41st Ave #10, Capitola, 95010, www.sccmod.org
Who says you have to wait until midnight to celebrate the New Year? If you’ve got little ones that won’t be up at midnight then head to the Children’s Museum of Discovery in the Capitola Mall for a mid-day New Year’s Eve celebration. Space is limited so you’ll want to reserve a spot ahead of time. 1-888-424-8035.
December 31 from Noon-3 pm
Noon Year’s Eve at Children’s Discovery Museum
- 180 Woz Way, San Jose, 95110
- 408-298-5437, www.cdm.org
The night might belong to the adults but New Year's Eve day belongs to the kids at CDM. Participate in the “countdown to noon across time zones” with family hugs, a noisy celebration, and the Museum’s version of the famous Ball Drop in Times Square at 1pm, 2pm and 3pm.
December 31 from 3 pm-12 am
First Night Monterey
- Colton Hall, Downtown Monterey
- www.firstnightmonterey.org
The most creative New Year’s Eve for your family! First Night Monterey and Kid’s Night Out kicks off at 3pm with the Opening Ceremony at Colton Lawn on Pacific Street; Kid’s Night Out culminates with the 5:30pm Twilight Procession serving as the Finale. Music, song, drumming, dance, ballet, folk dancing in traditional costumes, face art, art creating, hat making and more will complete your artful time!
When you buy a button you have access to 9 hours of entertainment. From Classical to Jazz, Blues to Rock, Samba to Folk! First Night Monterey 2019 has a line-up of over 65 performances designed to delight the entire family. There will be international costumed dancers, including the Chinese Lion dancers. There will be dancing to the sounds of oldies, rock-n-roll and tropical beats. Enjoy many different venues around Downtown Monterey until the countdown at midnight.
December 31 from 7 pm-8:30 am
New Year’s Eve Sleepover at The Monterey Bay Aquarium
- 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, 93940
- www.montereybayaquarium.org/visit/hours-and-schedule/sleepovers/new-years-eve
Celebrate the countdown to 2019 with a sparkling cider toast. Throughout the evening you can take silly snapshots in the photo booth, satisfy your sweet tooth at the sundae bar and show off your best moves at our pajama dance party! Beverages will be available for purchase, including beer, wine and kid-friendly drinks. In the morning, wake up with the fishes as the first guests on New Year’s Day. Enjoy a full breakfast in the café and then join our naturalists in watching wildlife from the Great Tide Pool deck to welcome 2019.
December 31 from 4 pm-midnight
Gardens@Night Gilroy Gardens
- 3050 Hecker Pass Hwy, Gilroy, 95020
- www.gilroygardens.org
Discover the magic and wonder of the season with twinkling lights throughout the park, ice skating under the stars, a traditional Holiday Feast, Charlie Brown and friends in a live show and more.
Tuesday, January 1 9:00 am
Rio Grill Resolution Run
- www.riogrillsresolutionrun.com/
Start off 2019 on the right foot by walking/running a 10K/5K race! This race features a gorgeous course that includes trails, roads and water vistas along the way. The Run starts at the Rio Grill in the Crossroads Shopping Village, Highway 1 at Rio Road in Carmel.