Annual New Year's Eve festivities in Temecula include many entertainers

TEMECULA – Temecula will continue it’s New Year’s Eve tradition this year with its signature ‘Great Temecula Grape Drop Countdown and New Year’s Eve bash’ where an enormous bunch of illuminated grapes descends from the City Hall tower as the crowd on the square counts down to the New Year.

Made of over 90 sequined balls, 50 illuminated spheres, and 10 giant illuminated leaves, the glowing bunch of grapes shimmers with over 4,500 LED lights and is 12-feet long by 7-feet wide. The grapes signify Temecula’s wine and agricultural industry.

Added to the display will be Snowbell Rockin’ Nights, a musical bell and snowfall light show that illuminates the Mission-style architecture of City Hall while treating the crowd to snow. The musical bells play three seasonal carols to synchronized lights.

The event is a free, family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration with an East Coast (9 p.m.) and West Coast (midnight) countdown, three bands in concert on the steps of city hall, and three other bands positioned outdoors in the historic Old Town district for New Year’s Eve revelers to enjoy. And that’s just for starters.

From 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., families and kids can decorate New Year’s Eve hats at the civic center. The activity is free whiles supplies last. Dynamite Dave, Grazie the Clown and the party jump are in Town Square from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Grazie and Dynamite Dave will work in tandem creating balloon hats and then using other New Year’s Eve props for fun photos. Dr. Goodjohn’s Magic Show will entertain guests from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Bands performing at various spots will include Big Truth, Little Lies, Valley Winds Big Band, the Michael Chain Band, and Safety Orange.

All the festivities at City Hall are centered around “Temecula on Ice,” the city’s seasonal ice rink. The ice rink will be open New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day with regular hour sessions. (For more information, call (951) 297-9423.)

Chairs and patio heaters will be provided at Town Square and the quad at the Civic Center, but guests are encouraged to bring fold up chairs and advised to wear warm clothing. Picnic baskets and blankets are welcome. Caution: It is illegal to have open containers of alcohol on Temecula’s streets and sidewalks. The civic center will also be open for families to play board games and stay warm while waiting for the countdown.

For a schedule of Old Town Temecula events call (951) 678-1456 or visit

http://www.temeculacalifornia.com.