Fullerton returns with First Night celebration for New Year’s Eve

First Night, Fullerton’s family friendly New Year’s Eve celebration returns to its downtown on Dec. 31 after a three-year hiatus.

The alcohol-free event, which has drawn thousands in past years, will feature live music, food and activities for kids, all capped off with a fireworks show at midnight.

Admission is free and festivities get underway at 7 p.m.

“First Night means a little bit more than a New Year’s Eve celebration,” Councilmember Fred Jung said. “It has long been an opportunity for all of us to gather to celebrate another year and another opportunity for us to have fraternity and sorority with one another.”

In years past the event brought ice skating rinks and even a hot air balloon ride to the downtown.

First Night celebrated its 28th year in 2019, but the arrival of the coronavirus pandemic the following spring canceled the popular NYE party and the city delayed bringing it back to help with belt tightening amid budget shortfalls.

This year the city received sponsorships to offset some of the costs associated with First Night, Jung said, however it is still footing a portion of the bill.

“I think this is going to be a wonderful gift back to our community,” Jung said. “It’s a long time coming for Fullertonians.”

The Journey tribute band, Journey Through Time, will perform on the main stage; the dance band, Soundbytes, will play disco, Latin, R&B, swing and standards from the ’40s to 90s on the Harbor Boulevard stage; and Latin Soul Band LA will play on the Pomona Avenue stage.

A family fun zone will feature a variety of activities for children, including interactive games, face painting, balloon artists and stilt walkers.

Multiple food and beverage options will be available from gourmet food trucks and local eateries.

The public should be aware of several street closures:

Harbor Boulevard will be closed between Chapman and Commonwealth avenues from 3 p.m. Dec. 31 to 2 a.m. Jan.1

Pomona Avenue between Whiting and Amerige avenues will be closed from 8 a.m. Dec. 31 to 3 a.m. Jan. 1.

Several streets running east-west between Harbor Boulevard and Pomona Avenue will also be closed.

Street parking will be available on Amerige Avenue and on Pomona Avenue between Amerige and Commonwealth avenues.