Take a wild walk at the LA Zoo on New Year's Day. Photo courtesy of Jamie Pham/GLAZA 

Fun Things to Do on New Year's Day in Los Angeles

1. 2025 Rose Parade — Pasadena 

The Rose Parade might be the most obvious thing to do in Los Angeles on New Year's Day, but it's worth the hype. While the world watches on television screens, Angelenos can see the magnificent Rose Parade floats with their own eyes. Not ready for an early morning after a late New Year's Eve? Check out Floatfest: A Rose Parade Showcase of Floats. 

2. Theme Parks: Legoland, Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm, Six Flags Magic Mountain, & Universal Studios 

While there is never really a quiet day to visit Disneyland, New Year's Day can be surprisingly mellow at most other Southern California theme parks. Let other families sleep off their New Year's Eve adventures while your adventure gets off to an early start on the rides at amusement parks without the usual winter break mayhem. All the big ones are open and ready for a day of family-fueled play. ​

3. LA Zoo — Griffith Park

The LA Zoo is open during the day for the animals, and in the evening, the zoo lights up with LA Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow. Another option: Cruise up the coast to the Santa Barbara Zoo, which is also open on New Year's Day! 

​4. Outdoor Ice Rinks — Santa Monica, Pershing Square, Universal City, Irvine, etc. 

What's more wintery than ice skating? Many of LA's seasonal outdoor ice rinks are open on New Year's Day, including ICE at Santa Monica, Holidays on the Hill, Pershing Square Holiday Ice Rink, and more. ​​​

5. Enchanted Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens — La Canada Flintridge 

Descanso Gardens' is open in the evening, with Enchanted: Forest of Light glowing through the garden starting at 5:30pm. The garden is also open all day, including the 2024 addition of the Descanso Railroad, a crowd-pleaser with the younger set.

6. Oshogatsu 2025 — Little Tokyo 

Oshogatsu, the New Year's celebration in Little Tokyo—promises dance, drumming, treats, crafts, and other family fun.

7. Sloomoo Institute — Mid-City 

LA's "slimiest" spot is open on New Year's Day and will delight any slime-obsessed kids, teens, and even adults in your life. 

8. Joshua Tree National Park — Joshua Tree 

Start the year with breathtaking views and crisp desert air. Winter is an ideal time of year for a road trip to Joshua Tree National Park. Kids will love climbing on Skull Rock and be awed by the whimsical Joshua trees. 

RELATED: 100 Things To Do in Los Angeles Before Kids Grow Up

 
Step through the Magic Door for Camp x Little Mermaid. Photo courtesy of  © Disney 

Stores Open on New Year's Day in Los Angeles 

9. CAMP Store — Century City

This unique toy store in Westfield Century City is more than an average retail space. There's a whole secret world behind the faux candy wall at the back of the space. CAMP currently has the CAMP x The Little Mermaid immersive experience, and they're booking reservations for New Year's Day. Kick off 2025 "Under the Sea,"  and do it quickly as The Little Mermaid swims away soon. 

10. Amoeba Music — Hollywood 

If grandma gave the kids money for Christmas, take them to Amoeba Music on New Year's Day and let them spend a few hours crate-digging vinyl record albums. This treasure trove in Hollywood is a music lovers paradise. 

11. Vroman's Bookstore — Pasadena

Once the hullaballoo of the Rose Parade dies down, Vroman's opens for business on New Year's Day. Starting at 1:30pm when the store opens for the day, hop in to grab your first great read of the year. Their kids' section is also fantastic. 

12. American Girl — Century City

If your little one can't separate from that new American Girl doll that Santa brought her, take her and the doll for an adventure to the American Girl Store in Westfield Century City. They can both get their hair done at the salon and enjoy a meal together in the cafe. 

RELATED: 100 Fun Free Things To Do in Los Angeles with Kids 

 
There's a bounty of restaurants to choose from at Platform. Photo courtesy of Platform LA 

Restaurants in LA Open on New Year's Day 

13. Whiskey Red's — Marina del Rey 

Stunning views on the Marina del Rey waterfront make this the perfect place to have your first scenic dinner (or lunch) of the year. 

14. Park's BBQ — Koreatown 

Make Korean BBQ a new family tradition on New Year's Day in Los Angeles. This beloved Koreatown spot does Korean BBQ best. Head to the nearby Shatto 39 Lanes for some bowling after a lively meal. Shatto 39 Lanes are not only open on New Year's Day, they are open 365 days a year in Los Angeles. 

15. Platform LA — Culver City 

If you want to get out of the house to eat on New Year's Day but are looking for something more chill after a crazy holiday, Platform in Culver City is a great option. It has various restaurants to choose from, with lots of outdoor seating. Opt for something healthier to start the New Year, like Sweetgreen, or enjoy pizza from Roberta's and begin those resolutions on January 2.

It's also not far from the the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook, and the easier side trails make this trek one of the best hiking trails for families. Check the indivdiual vendor hours at Platform to confirm they are open on New Year's Day. 

Originally published December 29, 2012