Temecula is preparing to ring in the new year with two events as 2025 comes to an end. The city is hosting its annual New Year’s Eve Grape Drop from 6-10 p.m. The countdown to 2026 is at 9 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31 at the Temecula Civic Center, 41000 Main St. The grapes are a nod to Temecula Valley Wine Country and its vineyard and winery operations. The free event in Old Town includes live music, food vendors, children’s activities, and of course, the grape drop from the city’s clock tower at 9 p.m. Performances by Know Illusion and Lifetime Rocker are also part of the event. More information is at temeculaca.gov. Nearby but earlier in the day at Pennypickle’s Workshop, 42081 Main St., the children’s science museum, is hosting its own countdown. From 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at $12 per person, the museum will host a youth-friendly party. The event sells out, so those interested in participating should call 951-308-6376 to register. Temecula isn’t the only Inland Empire city that drops fruit to celebrate the new year. Redlands is hosting its annual New Year’s Eve Orange Drop, an homage to its citrus history, from 6-9 p.m. Dec. 31, in the city’s downtown. ...read more read less