> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.communityforwardredlands.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Redlands rings in the New Year with family-friendly celebrations
- URL: https://www.communityforwardredlands.com/redlands-rings-in-the-new-year/
- Published: 2025-01-03T18:21:08.000Z
- Updated: 2025-01-10T05:47:04.000Z
- Description: Thousands gathered on Citrus Avenue for the annual New Year’s Eve Orange Drop, while many enjoyed an earlier Beach Ball Drop timed with London’s midnight.
- Author: Contributing Author
- Tags: Events, Redlands Chamber

**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](https://redlandschamber.org/orangedrop/?ref=communityforwardredlands.com) 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](https://www.instagram.com/redlandsnyeorangedrop/?ref=communityforwardredlands.com) featured a live DJ, local food vendors and a confetti-filled countdown.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f5/51/f5517707-3f50-4c01-a20b-337e3a8ce042/content/images/2025/01/IMG_5222-Enhanced-NR-1.jpg)

**Ringing in 2025 in Downtown Redlands (Photo: Dave Card)* 

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.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f5/51/f5517707-3f50-4c01-a20b-337e3a8ce042/content/images/2025/01/1M3A6830-Enhanced-NR-1.JPEG)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f5/51/f5517707-3f50-4c01-a20b-337e3a8ce042/content/images/2025/01/1M3A6813-Enhanced-NR-Edit-1.JPEG)

**(Photos: Courtesy Redlands Chamber/Bruce Herwig)*

"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.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f5/51/f5517707-3f50-4c01-a20b-337e3a8ce042/content/images/2025/01/IMG_1428.jpeg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f5/51/f5517707-3f50-4c01-a20b-337e3a8ce042/content/images/2025/01/new-years-2025-Chamber--800-x-1200-px--1.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f5/51/f5517707-3f50-4c01-a20b-337e3a8ce042/content/images/2025/01/DSC03064.jpeg)

**(Photos: Courtesy Redlands Chamber)*

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.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f5/51/f5517707-3f50-4c01-a20b-337e3a8ce042/content/images/2025/01/Beach-Ball-Drop--2.jpg)

**Redlands celebrates London New Years with a beach ball drop at 4 p.m. in Downtown. (Photo: Dave Card)*

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