California theme parks to ring in New Year with fireworks, music and more

Shortly after Christmas, the same question arises every year: What are we going to do on New Year’s Eve?

Here’s what some California amusement and theme parks have planned for the last night of 2010:

Disneyland in Anaheim will stay open until 2 a.m. with live bands, DJs and midnight fireworks. Across the way, Disney California Adventure will remain open until 1 a.m. with the ElecTRONica dance party and a midnight showing of “World of Color,” the nighttime water spectacular.

Rock On! Ride On! at Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park will offer Terri Nunn and Berlin in concert, a Beatles tribute band, a hypnotist and line dancing. The $38 separate admission event will run 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.

CityRockin’ at Universal Studios Hollywood’s CityWalk will feature live music with a fireworks finale at midnight. The event is free, but parking wiil cost $40 after 6 p.m. Most of the shopping mall’s clubs throw New Year’s Eve parties. Although the theme park closes at 9 p.m., the WaterWorld theater will be seated on a first-come basis starting at 10 p.m. for midnight fireworks.

Kids’ New Year’s Eve at Carlsbad’s Legoland California will start the countdown in Miniland’s New York City at a family-friendly hour, with a giant Lego brick drop and fireworks at 6 p.m. plus music by Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime Players. Park closes at 7 p.m.

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo will stay open until midnight, with holiday shows, dance music, live bands and fireworks.

And for those looking to kick it old school, there’s always prime rib dinner and dancing to a surf band at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk’s Cocoanut Grove ballroom.

So, what are you doing on New Year’s Eve?