In addition to nursing hangovers, the most celebrated event in California is the Tournament of Roses and Annual Rose Parade in Pasadena. Most will not attend the event, though they'll be able to watch it on television.

Local participatory events include polar and pier plunge events in which participants head for the beach and get wet in the cool, cool ocean. See the ocean temperature chart for beaches in California. The temperatures will range in the 50's mostly. Not as warm as the Florida shores, the water will not be cold like the Russian polar bear plunges that require cutting a hole in the ice, then diving into subzero temperatures. California has it pretty easy. For the upcoming year, January 1 isn't representative of the host of events, festivals and fairs that you'll be seeing on the calendar. January wraps up the outdoor ice rinks, nutcracker ballets, holiday parades, boat parades and tree lighting ceremonies. In upcoming months you'll notice a shift to food events, craft fairs and county fairs. Get ready for the California season of funshine.

CAYUCOS - 28th annual Carlin Soule Memorial Polar Bear Dip held at the Cayucos pier. The annual event -- held each New Year's Day -- celebrates the new year with a polar cold water swim. Some don costumes for the event, but others come clad in nothing more than a bathing suit to ring in the new year. No wetsuits are allowed, according to officials at the Cayucos Chamber of Commerce. It starts at noon, and in one minute, it's over. Only a handful actually make it out past the pier for a lengthier swim, while the majority head in and quickly out of the near 50-degree water. cayucoschamber.com

CORONADO - Skating by The Sea. Three-hour skating sessions will be offered daily from 2 to 5 pm and 6 to 9 pm. Matinee skating sessions will be held from 11 am to 1 pm.  3-hour session: $20/adults; $15/ages 10 years and under; 2-hour matinee session $15/adult; $10/ages 10 years and under. Skate rental is $5 per person. Location: 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado, CA.  Call: 800 Hotel Del or  (619) 435-6611

DEL MAR - Holiday of Lights -  is the largest West Coast drive through lights display. Cost: $13/car of 5 people; Location: 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, CA. 24-hour recorded information line: (858) 793-5555. sdfair.com

HUNTINGTON BEACH - Pier Plunge - This dip and dive into the Pacific Ocean to celebrate the New Year at the Huntington Beach Pier includes a festive group. Bring some donuts and share some fun on a local run (into the water.) Location Pacific Coast Highway at Main Street. Time: Approx. 10 a.m.

LA JOLLA - Polar Bear Plunge. 31st Annual Polar Bear Plunge. Around 200 swimmers plunge into the cold ocean at La Jolla Shores. Lifeguards and support crew will be on hand in kayaks and jet skis. Time 10 a.m. Location La Jolla, CA. Call: (619) 235-5929.

LOS ANGELES - Downtown on Ice. Seasonal outdoor ice rink at Pershing Square offers winter fun in the California sun. Runs through Jan. 21, 2008. Cost: $6/skate session, plus $2 skate rental. Time: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Location: Pershing Square, 532 South Olive St., Los Angeles, CA 90013Call: (888) 527-2757. laparks.org
SAN JOSE - Downtown Ice skating rink is open through 1/13/08 in the stately-palm court and features over 8,000 square feet of ice in an arena and circular outer rink. Time: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. weeknights; Noon to Midnight on weekends; Special holiday hours, subject to change...call to confirm. Cost: $12-$14. Skate all you want first-come, first-serve. No in and out privileges.  Admission includes ice time and rental skates with skate sizes ranging from toddler 8 to men's 13. Location: Circle of Palms, 170 S. Market St., San Jose, California. Call: (408) 279-1775 ext. 45. sjdowntown.com

SANTA MONICA - Resolution Festival - This day-long festival at the Santa Monica Pier has been created in order to assist individuals/families in kick-starting their New Year's Resolutions. To help support these goals, there will be free workshops and lectures focusing on various subjects (health and proper dieting, financial management, conflict resolutions, etc.), a free Polar Bear beach plunge, and low-fee physical competitions (soft sand run/walk, 10,000 steps walk, and a Polar Bear Swim) for those who want to begin the year with an athletic challenge. Participants can allocate $10 of the competition fees to one of these beneficiary charities: Challenged Athletes Foundation, Johnny G Foundation, Operation USA, Team Parkinson, and TreePeople. Enjoy the boardwalk and the sunshine and make 2006 the "no-excuses" year for your resolutions! Call 310-474-4832 or go to www.resolutionfest.com for more information.
PASADENA - Tournament of Roses Parade. Magnificent floral floats, the Rose Queen and her court, spirited marching bands, and talented equestrian units will anchor a traditional two-hour spectacle along Pasadena's famed Colorado Boulevard. Beginning at 8:00 a.m. (PST) featuring spirited marching bands from throughout the nation, majestic floral floats, and high-stepping equestrian units. Following the Rose Parade at 2:00 p.m. (PST), the 91^st Rose Bowl Game, presented by Citi, will feature an exciting match up between two championship teams, showcasing the best of collegiate football. For additional information, please call (626) 449-ROSE. Afternoon float viewing is from 1 to 4 p.m. Tickets required. Post parade ticket: $7/person, under 5 free. sharpseating.com for tickets or purchase at event.

SANTA ANA - The Science of Gingerbread display of award-winning gingerbread houses. Gingerbread offers so many tactile and visual learning opportunities, while having fun. The annual gingerbread contest and house display is going on now through Jan. 6, 2008.  Discovery Science Center, 2500 N. Main St., Santa Ana, CA. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, except Christmas Day. Cost: $12.95/adult; $9.95 child; Free under 2 years.  discoverycube.org or call 714-542-CUBE.
STOCKTON - Ice on the Delta Seasonal Ice Skating. Skate along the banks of the San Joaquin Delta for a seasonal holiday sport that the family can enjoy through Jan. 14, 2008. Cost: $5 hour, including skates. Location: Dean De Carli Waterfront Square, 221 N. Center St., Cost:  Stockton, CA. Call: (209) 937-8309. stocktongov.com

VENICE BEACH - Venice Penguin Swim Club New Year's Dive. Join this lively group for its 46th annual dip. They go into the ocean at Noon. Call: (310) 390-5700.

December 31, 2007  <  January 1, 2008  >  Jan. 2, 2008

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