Redlands rings in the New Year with family-friendly celebrations

BY: DAVE CARD, Contributor to Community Forward Redlands

REDLANDS - Thousands gathered in Downtown Redlands to ring in the new year at the annual NYE Orange Drop.

With something for every age, the Redlands Chamber of Commerce New Year's Eve Orange Drop drew 5,000 revelers to Citrus Avenue.

Designed with families in mind, the event concluded at 9 p.m., allowing attendees to enjoy the festivities and still have time for their own New Year’s traditions at home.

The NYE Orange Drop featured a live DJ, local food vendors and a confetti-filled countdown.

Children enjoyed a free activity zone sponsored by the YMCA, which offered games and entertainment.

Adults explored various food and dessert options, including favorites like Viva La Boba, Dawgs 4 Dogs, Bubba’s Tacos, and Shake Shack.

Those seeking an elevated experience attended the black-tie VIP event with Speakeasy on State.

"When I got on the stage to conduct the countdown ceremony, I was at a loss for words," Evan Sanford, executive director of the Redlands Chamber of Commerce, told CFR following the event. "Looking out at the sheer number of people and their families instantly made the entire year of planning worthwhile."

Sanford noted the rarity of events that bring thousands of Redlands residents together for free. "I’m immensely proud that the Chamber has put the NYE Orange Drop in that league," he added.

Community Forward Redlands contributed to the celebration by handing out glow sticks to visitors who stopped by the table.

Redlands offers two unique New Year’s Eve celebrations to welcome the new year.

Earlier in the day, the Redlands Visitor Center hosted an early celebration from 3 to 4 p.m., coinciding with the stroke of midnight in London. Families gathered to enjoy the annual Beach Ball Drop, where 400 inflatable beach balls floated down like colorful snowflakes. The goal? To keep the balls bouncing overhead as long as possible.

Before the event, attendees had the chance to share their hopes for the new year by writing on the Wishing Wall.

Both events showcased Redlands’ community spirit and family-friendly atmosphere, offering memorable ways to ring in the new year.