Redlands brings New Year’s in true California style, with beach balls

By Brian Spears
Redlands News Collective

The annual New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop returned to downtown Redlands on Dec. 31, with the early evening celebration designed to welcome the new year while keeping the event accessible for families with kids.

Festivities were scheduled from 3 to 5 p.m. at Ed Hales Park, culminating with the beach balls dropping at 5 p.m. in collaboration with New Year’s in Greenwich, Connecticut. Organizers had a few changes this year due to the weather and the number of beach balls: 1,000 balls were released rather than the traditional 750 as in years past, dropped from above the Love mural.

The free event featured a kids’ activity zone with games from Board Game Paradise, live music, Dawgs for Dogs Hot Dogs, and treats from Lappert's Ice Cream.

Lauren Mainez distributes New Year’s accessories to party goers at the annual beach ball drop at Ed Hales Park, Dec. 31, 2025. (photo by Brian Spears, Redlands Collective News)

9-year-old Nash Austen blows a horn during the annual beach ball drop at Ed Hales Park, Dec. 31, 2025. (photo by Brian Spears, Redlands Collective News)

Yen Miller enjoys the annual beach ball drop at Ed Hales Park, Dec. 31, 2025. (photo by Brian Spears, Redlands Collective News)

Marian Rodriguez gets a scoop of ice cream compliments of Lapperts at the annual beach ball drop at Ed Hales Park, Dec. 31, 2025. (photo by Brian Spears, Redlands Collective News)

Kids and adults play with the beach balls as they fall during the annual beach ball drop at Ed Hales Park, Dec. 31, 2025. (photo by Brian Spears, Redlands Collective News)

A child smiles on their father’s arms as people enjoy at the annual beach ball drop at Ed Hales Park, Dec. 31, 2025. (photo by Brian Spears, Redlands Collective News)

A girl plays with the beach balls as it rains at the annual beach ball drop at Ed Hales Park, Dec. 31, 2025. (photo by Brian Spears, Redlands Collective News)

A girl tries to catch one of the 1000 beach balls as they fall at the annual beach ball drop at Ed Hales Park, Dec. 31, 2025. (photo by Brian Spears, Redlands Collective News)