New Year's Eve Orange Drop returns to downtown Redlands

REDLANDS, Calif. — The annual New Year’s Eve Orange Drop will return to downtown Redlands on Dec. 31 with an early evening celebration designed to welcome the incoming year while keeping the event accessible for families.

Festivities are scheduled from 6 to 9 p.m. on Citrus Avenue, between Sixth and Eighth streets, culminating with the signature orange drop at 9 p.m. Organizers say the earlier timing allows more of the community to attend and still celebrate midnight in their own ways.

The free event will feature a kids activity zone, live music, confetti cannon towers, multiple food and dessert vendors, a VIP section and more. Scheduled performances include the Japanese Cultural Center, Incentive AGT Gymnastics, Fred Astaire Dance Studio and the YMCA Circus. Citrus Avenue will be transformed into a pedestrian-friendly celebration zone for the evening.

In addition to the free festivities, the Chamber is offering a New Year’s Eve Orange Drop VIP Experience for those looking for a more exclusive celebration. Priced at $150 for two people, the VIP package includes a premier parking reservation, access to a private viewing area, a dessert bar, a drink station with hot chocolate, coffee and mulled wine, and a custom Chamber blanket.

Organizers describe the VIP option as an ideal choice for couples or families seeking comfort and prime views while welcoming 2026. Tickets are limited.

Community members are invited to join the Redlands Chamber for what organizers call a New Year’s Eve event “Redlands truly deserves,” offering a festive, family-friendly way to close out the year downtown.

More information visit: www.redlandschamber.org/orangedrop/

The Redlands Chamber of Commerce, which hosts the event, thanked a wide range of sponsors for making the Orange Drop possible, including Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, the city of Redlands, Fresh Up Wings–Wingstop, Burgeson’s HVAC & Electrical, Southern California Edison, San Bernardino County Supervisor Dawn Rowe, Ontario International Airport, Redlands Community Hospital, California University of Science and Medicine, Chick-fil-A Redlands, deaux, Don Orange, Kaiser Permanente, Raising Cane’s, Redlands Community Hospital Foundation, SoCal Gas, Stater Bros., Teledyne Battery Products, Toyota of Redlands and Wings of Hope Hospice.