New Year’s Eve is one of the biggest party nights of the year, and it can also be the most expensive since tickets to many events can cost a pretty penny. But you don’t have to go broke before the year even starts because here are ten free or inexpensive ways to celebrate the new year on Dec. 31. First Night Fullerton, a free New Year’s Eve celebration, returns with live music, carnival rides and fireworks. (Photo by Michael Fernandez, Contributing Photographer) First Night Fullerton Where: Downtown Fullerton Plaza, 125 E Wilshire Ave, Fullerton Cost: Free Information: cityoffullerton.com Live music, carnival rides and a fireworks show are on the roster for the city’s 7 p.m.-midnight celebration. It’s free to attend but tickets are required for things like carnival rides, games, and other activities. They start at $1 each with carnival rides costing 4-10 tickets and games up to 5 tickets. Live music includes performances by band like The Dreamboats, performing ’50s and ’60s hits and Tania y su Nueva Era, who play lively Latin music . New Year’s Eve in Grand Park in downtown Los Angeles. The Free celebration on Dec. 31 will include live music on two stages. (Photo by John McCoy/Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG) Grand Park NYE Where: 200 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles Cost: Free Information: grandparkla.org/nyela Thousands of people are expected to party in downtown Los Angeles at the city’s largest celebration in Grand Park. The 8 p.m.-12:30 a.m. party will encompass several city blocks with musical performances on two stages, 30 food trucks  and a 3D light show projected onto City Hall at midnight. Marina Del Rey’s NYE Fireworks and Glow Party Where: Burton Chace Park, 13650 Mindanao Way, Marina del Rey Cost: Free Information: lacounty.gov The glow party will include glowsticks of course, as well as DJs, food trucks, a 9 p.m. countdown and a midnight countdown followed by a 10-minute fireworks show. New Year’s Eve Party at Broken Shaker Where: The Freehand hotel, 416 W. 8th St., Los Angeles Cost: Free Information: brokenshaker.com/happenings-los-angeles/ Dance the night away to house music and a complimentary Champagne toast at the Freehand hotel’s rooftop bar. The music lineup includes DJ Akumen, Andy Oro and No Pressure. The party starts at 8 p.m. and goes on until 2 a.m. Yes, it’s free to get in. And no, you don’t have to be on the nice list either, just bring your dance moves and money for drinks and food. New Year’s Eve Skate Party Where: Fountain Valley Skating, 9105 Recreation Circle, Fountain Valley Cost: $20 admission Information: fvsc.com Roll into the new year at Fountain Valley Skating during a skate party. There are two sessions available on Dec. 31 from 6 to 9 p.m. and 9 p.m. to midnight. The roller party will include DJs spinning music, a countdown and of course, lots of skating. Noon Years Eve Party Where: Pinstripes restaurant and bowling at Westfield Topanga, 6600 Topanga Canyon Blvd, Canoga Park. Cost: $10 Information: eventbrite.com/e/pinstripes This one is for the young ones as the restaurant and bowling celebrates Noon Year’s Eve with an 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. party for the kids. For $10 per ticket kids will get to see a balloon drop, get party favors and free kid’s meals, plus mocktails to make it all more legit. NYE Torchlight Parade Where: Snow Summit, 880 Summit Blvd., Big Bear Lake Cost: Free Information: bigbearmountainresort.com More than 200 skiers and snowboarders will light up the snowy mountain on New Year’s Eve when they make their way down with torches during the annual Torchlight Parade. The event starts at 6 p.m. with a DJ spinning tunes followed by a performance from Woodland Hills rockers Bad Suns. The skiers and snowboarders will make their way down starting at 9 p.m. Redlands sees the new year in with its annual Orange Drop. (File Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG) Redlands NYE Orange Drop Where: Citrus Avenue between 6th and 8th streets, Redlands Cost: Free Information: redlandschamber.org/orangedrop Once again the orange will drop at 9 p.m. and not midnight this year so more families can attend. Those who do attend will be able to check out a kids activity zone, hear music, see confetti cannons and eat from food vendors. Temecula’s annual free New Year’s Eve celebration, which features a grape drop at the Temecula Civic Center, is happening Dec. 31, (File photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG) Temecula Grape Drop Where: 41000 Main Street, Temecula Cost: Free Information: temeculaca.gov/1425/Holiday-Fun The grape drops at 9 p.m. this year for Temecula’s annual celebration. The event will take place 6-10 p.m. and will include the city’s first ever drone show, live music, food and kid activities. The drone show is happening at 8:50 p.m. Angel City Brewery in the Arts District is holding a free throwback New Year’s Eve party. (Photo by Dean Musgrove, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG) Y2K New Year’s Eve Bash Where: Angel City Brewery, 216 Alameda St., Los Angeles Cost: Free Information: angelcitybrewery.com/event/no-cover-new-years-y2k-edition/ Party like it’s 1999 again with a free throwback party at Angel City Brewery from 4 p.m.-2 a.m.. This one if for the 21 and over crowd and will include DJs spinning throwback hits from the era, retro photos and people are encouraged to come dressed in their best 90s gear, velour tracksuits are highly encouraged. Related Articles Things To Do | Dine 909: Mt. Baldy Brewery debuts in Upland Things To Do | Dine 909: Cava and 5 other eateries open now or coming this week to the Inland Empire Things To Do | Dine 909: These fast-food chains are offering daily holiday freebies and perks Things To Do | Free fun things to do in Southern California in December Things To Do | Dine 909: Dutch Bros Coffee continues expansion with 2 new Inland Empire locations