After 13 years of ringing in the new year with a midnight Grape Drop in Old Town, Temecula is refreshing its popular New Year’s Eve event to better serve families, enhance public safety, and add some exciting new features!
The Grape Drop has long been Temecula’s unique twist on New York City’s Times Square Ball Drop, drawing hundreds of local families to celebrate together. Instead of a ball, giant illuminated grapes descend from the Temecula City Hall bell tower at both 9 p.m. and midnight, complete with live music, family activities, and the winter favorite, “Temecula On Ice.”
However, this year’s Grape Drop is changing! The City Council recently approved updates to reimagine the event, making it even more family-friendly and focusing on a single, early countdown. Here’s what to expect:
- New Event Hours and Countdown: This year, the event will take place from 6-10 p.m. in Old Town. The only Grape Drop will happen during a single 9 p.m. countdown, designed with families in mind.
- Dazzling New Drone Show: Instead of a midnight Grape Drop, Temecula is bringing in something truly special—a drone show at 8:50 p.m.! The 10-minute show will feature awe-inspiring imagery representing Temecula’s landscape, culture, and history, finishing with a dramatic countdown to the 9 p.m. Grape Drop.
- Early Wrap-Up with Late-Night Skating: Festivities will officially wrap up by 10 p.m., but those who wish to continue celebrating can enjoy skating until 12:30 a.m. at “Temecula On Ice,” complete with its own countdown at midnight.
- Why the Changes? According to the city, this new schedule focuses on preserving the family-friendly spirit of the Grape Drop while also improving public safety. With a larger focus on the 9 p.m. celebration, law enforcement can better monitor activities on Front Street, especially during peak hours for alcohol-related incidents.
So, gather the kids, invite your friends, and don’t miss Temecula’s refreshed New Year’s Eve celebration! Whether you’re there for the new drone show, the early Grape Drop countdown, or the festive skating, it’s a New Year’s Eve your family will remember.
Event Details:
- Location: Old Town Temecula, City Hall
- Time: 6-10 p.m., with skating until 12:30 a.m.
- Highlights: 9 p.m. Grape Drop, drone show, family activities, and more!
Mark your calendar and make plans to welcome 2025 with your family at Temecula’s Grape Drop!
When visiting events and local businesses, be sure to tell them Macaroni KID sent you... and don't forget to tell all your friends!
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