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

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 2011:

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

Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park will stay open until 1 a.m. with live bands, DJs, a comedian, holiday shows and midnight fireworks.

Universal Studios Hollywood’s CityWalk will feature live bands and DJ music with a fireworks finale at midnight. Parking for the event costs $45. 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 for fireworks.

Kids’ New Year’s Eveat Carlsbad’s Legoland California will start the countdown in Miniland’s New York City at a family-friendly hour, with a giant Legobrick 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 a live band, dance music, holiday shows and fireworks.

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

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