Redlands to ring in the New Year with Orange Drop celebration

By Julie Farren, Contributor to Community Forward Redlands

REDLANDS, Calif. – Redlands residents won’t have to wait until the stroke of midnight to welcome in 2025.

The Redlands Chamber of Commerce New Year’s Eve Orange Drop celebration kicks off on Dec. 31 in downtown Redlands.

Held on Citrus Avenue between Sixth and Eighth streets, the festivities begin at 6 p.m. and culminate at 9 p.m. with the drop of a giant, glowing orange.

The family-friendly, free event honors the city's citrus-growing heritage and attracts thousands of locals and visitors to downtown Redlands each year.

Since the event's 2023 schedule adjustment to conclude earlier, the event has drawn larger, more diverse crowds, with more than 3,000 attendees last year, according to Evan Sanford, executive director of the Redlands Chamber of Commerce.

He noted that the earlier end time allows families to enjoy the celebration before continuing their own New Year’s traditions at home.

“We want to keep growing this event, giving people in the region a reason to come to Redlands and celebrate,” Sanford said. “Just because we’re not in New York or L.A. doesn’t mean we can’t have something just as spectacular.”

Festivities for all ages

The event offers an array of activities, from live music and food vendors to a confetti-filled countdown. Children can enjoy a free activity zone, sponsored by the YMCA, featuring games and entertainment.

Adults can explore local food and dessert vendors, including Viva La Boba, Dawgs 4 Dogs, Bubba's Tacos, Shake Shack and more.

Dan Jimenez, who attended with his family in 2023, praised the event for its inclusivity and festive atmosphere. “Bringing in the new year while having a dance party with my friends and neighbors is a bright memory,” he said.

VIP Formal Gala

For those seeking an upscale experience, Speakeasy on State is hosting a New Year's Eve VIP Formal Gala to coincide with the Orange Drop.

The package includes a formal dinner, live entertainment and the Redlands Chamber Cocktail Competition-winning drink at the Speakeasy on State.

VIP guests also receive exclusive access to a prime viewing area for the Orange Drop.

Speakeasy on State Street, which opened in April 2024 under new owners Jason and Katie Marxer, will start the evening at 5 p.m. for guests who want to dress up in black and gold formal wear and sample a feast of tastings prepared by Speakeasy’s catering staff.

Samplings will include seafood, lamb chops and shrimp. There also will be drinks and dancing inside Speakeasy on State Street until 7:45 p.m. when guests will be escorted over to Citrus Avenue for seating near the Orange Drop.

Katie Marxer said the New Year’s Eve celebration will be worth waiting for. “Our goal is to have 200 to 250 people,” she said. As of December 13, Speakeasy was close to 190 tickets sold. The cost of the evening is $130 per person.

Speakeasy is at 10 E. State St., Suite 200-202 in Redlands.

Community and economic impact

The NYE Orange Drop’s success is a testament to the support of the Chamber’s sponsors, including local businesses and organizations such as the City of Redlands, Kaiser Permanente, and Burgeson’s Heating and A/C, Community Alliance Medical Group, Speakeasy on State, Fresh Up Wings – Wingstop, among others.

The event also provides an economic boost, with downtown businesses seeing increased foot traffic as attendees dine and shop before and after the celebration.

“The excitement and energy linger well past the confetti,” Sanford said.

Parking for the evening will be in the CVS parking lot and on side streets.

The NYE Orange Drop will start about 8:50 p.m. The Orange Drop is made of wood, iron, leaves and will drop from 140 feet high to about 30 feet.

For more information on the Redlands Chamber of Commerce, call (909) 793-2546, visit RedlandsChamber.org or RedlandsNYEOrangeDrop on social media.

For more information on the Speakeasy on State event, call (909) 501-5524 or visit Speakeasyonestate.com.