This New Year’s, the San Francisco Visitor Information Center wants everyone to do something exciting, so they have assembled a list of fun New Year’s Eve events for everyone to enjoy. To get people to their party or activity of choice, San Francisco is full of public transportation options, and on December 31, 2012 until 6 a.m. on January 1, 2013, Muni rides are free of charge.
27th Annual Japanese Bell Ringing Ceremony
Head on over to the Asian Art Museum with your friends and family and symbolically ring in the new year by banging on a 16th century bronze bell from a Japanese temple. And afterwards, celebrate with some fun art activities. Tickets to the bell ringing are free with museum admission.
Photo Courtesy of the Asian Art Museum
Fireworks by the Bay
Free midnight fireworks will be staged from barges 1,000 feet out on the water off of Pier 14. Public viewing is projected to be best along the Embarcadero sidewalks between Mission and Howard streets. As this is a family friendly event, no alcohol is permitted.
Photo Courtesy of the San Francisco Visitor Information Center
California Twilight Cruise with Red and White Fleet
This casual two-hour cruise will voyage along the San Francisco skyline, ducking under the Golden Gate Bridge, and skirting the famous Alcatraz. Passengers will be able to watch the sunset from the boat, while enjoying live music, appetizers, and an alcoholic beverage. Tickets are $58 per passenger.
Photo Courtesy of the Red and White Fleet
‘Beach Blanket Babylon’ at Club Fugazi
Club Fugazi recaps 2012 with a montage of the best and worst. Guests will snack on champagne and truffles, while enjoying the whimsical Beach Blanket Babylon team mock the pop culture and politics of the past year. After the last show, dancing will begin at 1:30 a.m.
Photo Courtesy of Beach Blanket Babylon
New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball
Davies Symphony Hall hosts an annual ball, where masked San Franciscans can dance the night, and the past year away to the Orchestra’s renditions of waltz or swing music. Guests will further celebrate the new year with complimentary sparkling wine, a countdown, and a massive balloon drop at midnight. Doors open at 8 pm, and the concert begins at 9 p.m. Tickets are $85-$195.
Photo Courtesy of the San Francisco Symphony
San Francisco NYE International Ball at the Palace Hotel
Enjoy dancing to the crooning of the Cosmo Alley Cats, while Pied Piper Bar and Grill chefs create a five-course prix fixe menu, all in the sophisticated setting of the Palace Hotel. In addition to the food and fun, guests will be presented with festive party favors, to take home and remember the experience. 6-9 p.m. reservations include a champagne toast at midnight, and are available for $95 a person.
Photo Courtesy of the Palace Hotel
NYE at the W San Francisco
Featuring San Francisco's top DJs live and a four-hour open bar, the W San Francisco really knows how to throw a New Year’s bash. The evening will proceed with dancing, drinking, and celebrating the end of another year. Guests will receive party favors to treasure the last night of 2012. Ending the celebration with a bang, will be a balloon drop and a unique countdown.
Photo Courtesy of the W San Francisco
Passport to the World 2013 at Westin St. Francis
If you are looking for a glamorous New Year's celebration, then look no further than the Westin. You will get a taste of numerous fashion, art, culture and music entertainment options as you make your way from room to room. Fifteen live DJs, all inclusive beverages, stilt walkers, and live art are just a few of the exciting entertainment.
Photo Courtesy of the Westin St. Francis
New Year’s Eve Reception and Dinner at Top of the Mark
Reservations are required for this classy affair, and will put you back at least $375. Champagne and hors d’oeuvres will start the party off at The Intercontinental Mark Hopkins, leading to live music by pianist Michael Athens and rock band, the Megatones, as well as dinner and dancing. There will also be a champagne toast at midnight, welcoming the New Year. Window-seat reservations are $425 a person.
Photo Courtesy of the Intercontinental Mark Hopkins
CLIFT Hotel New Year’s Party
Featuring live music by DJ Jazzy Jeff, cocktails and a sexy vivacious atmosphere, the Velvet and Redwood rooms will be joined together in the party of the year. A hosted premium bar is open from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Guests will enjoy appetizers from 9-10 p.m., to make sure they keep their energy up to bring in the New Year. Pre-purchased tickets are $150 and table tickets are $1500.
Photo Courtesy of the Asian Art Museum
Bay Area Discovery Museum
If you have small children, no doubt getting them to stay up until midnight can be near impossible. Allow your kids to take part in the festivities this year at the Bay Area Discovery Museum’s annual Noon Year’s Eve Party from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Watch the ball drop in Festival Plaza at noon, and boogie with the museum DJ or craft a party hat afterwards.
Photo Courtesy of the Bay Area Discovery Museum
