Among many reasons to love the Bay Area is its year-round indoor-outdoor weather–which means options abound for anyone planning a New Year’s celebration to remember. Local restaurants and bars offer live music, lavish meals and galleries of bubbly to toast successes of the past year and hopes for 2023. Destination hotels and resorts offer cozy escapes where you can celebrate, relax and rejuvenate. You might care to watch the fireworks from the deck of a yacht on the Bay, or dance until dawn with Burners, Drag Queens or European deep house DJs. And upon waking to enjoy New Year’s Day, perhaps you’ll take a restorative hike in the Marin headlands, kick off a day’s wine tasting (and indulge in some hair of the dog) with more bubbles at Napa winery Domaine Carneros, or keep the party going at SF’s infamous 23-hour block party Breakfast of Champions + It’s a New Day, featuring more than 90 DJs over eight stages. Here, some ideas to spark the imagination.
Eat, drink and be merry
Cued by its historic 1930s setting, Selby’s in Atherton revives glitzy speakeasy and supper club imbibing and dining, and the prix fixe NYE menu features decadent modern takes on classic, Euro-centric post-war dishes. Courses include pan-roasted abalone, sole and Maine lobster paupiettes, and dark chocolate pâte à bombe ($225++ per person; 3001 El Camino Real, Atherton, 650.546.7700; selbysrestaurant.com).
SF’s Michelin-starred Saison is offering vintage Champagne and caviar as part of a seasonal tasting menu, offered across early and late seatings ($398 or $458 per person; 178 Townsend St, SF, 415 828-7990; saisonsf.com) while more casual sister restaurant Angler will serve fresh, locally sourced seafood and ranched meat, family style, from its waterfront location–perfect for views of the illuminated Bay Bridge and fireworks. ($250-$300; 132 The Embarcadero, SF, 415 872-9442; anglerrestaurants.com).
In East Bay, while all tables at Commis and Michelin-starred pandemic comfort food popup spinoff Hi Felicia have already been snapped up, you can still enjoy a sushi- and Wagyu-heavy prix fixe menu curated by Fish & Bird Sousaku Izakaya chefs Asuka and Shinon (2451 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, 510 705-1539; fishbirdizakaya.com).
Party like it’s 2021 with luxe takeout
If the first “normal” post-pandemic festive party season has you a little nostalgic for the homebody Holidays of last year, you can enjoy a high-end restaurant experience from the comfort of your couch. Omakase offers a pick-up experience featuring a premium nigiri box ($105), blue fin nigiri combo box ($115), Otoro and Hokkaido Uni Combo box ($130) and a wagyu and toro combo ($135), with an option to add caviar for $70 (665 Townsend St, SF, 415 865 0633; omakasesf). Assemble your own Che Fico Alimentari‘s take-home kit by by selecting from options like Perigord black truffle lasagna Bolognese ($95), a ribeye dinner for two with sides and dessert ($225) and caviar service ($195) (834 Divisadero St. SF, 415 416-6980; cheficoalimentari.com).
After dinner, a show
Live shows are back! Former SNL writer John Mulaney explores dark issues from his past and reinventing his comedic persona in his new standup show From Scratch at The Masonic (tickets from $95; 1111 California St, SF, 415 3437582). Seth MacFarlane, Academy Award and Grammy-nominated crooner, actor, and director–and voice of Family Guy Peter Griffin–is reuniting with the San Francisco Symphony to perform classics and holiday hits in a “big band” style show at Davies Symphony Hall (Tickets from $69; sfsymphony.org).
In Oakland, comedians Natasha Leggero, Nick Thune, Sabrina Jalees, Moshe Kashe and Andrew Michaan are hosting a NYC Comedy Mega Show with a midnight countdown balloon drop and live Mighty Wurlitzer organist at Grand Lake Theater (tickets $35-$40; 3200 Grand Ave; renaissancerialto.com), while Grammy Award-winner and Dr Dre collaborator Anthony Hamilton will be sharing his signature R&B stylings at Paramount Theatre (tickets from $56-, 2025 Broadway, Oakland; paramountoakland.org).
Enjoy live jazz
SF Jazz Center invites you to its open dance floor for Bogotá-based group Monsieur Periné’s Latin American rhythms and French jazz. Expect NYE party favors for the midnight countdown (tickets from $40, 201 Franklin St. SF, 866 920 5299; sfjazz.org). Mr Tipple’s Recording Studio is offering two-hour table reservation slots for a classy night of cocktails and elegant jazz. Experience the velvety voice of international recording artist Jackie Gage from 5.30 p.m. and 7.15 p.m, and The Charles Unger Experience from 9 p.m. 10.30 p.m., the latter culminating in a midnight toast (tickets from $20; 39 Fell St, SF; mrtipplessf.com). Black Cat’s “2023: Celebrating the NEW AGE of JAZZ” evening of live music by SoCal vocalist Vanisha Gould will include a live recording. Tickets range from upstairs standing to seated pre-fixe holiday menu dinners with a midnight toast (tickets from $40, 400 Eddy St., SF; 415.358.1999; blackcatsf.com).
Themed events for costume party lovers
Say goodbye to 2022 and hello to the 1920s with characters from immersive experience The Speakeasy at The Palace Theater, tucked away behind Joe’s Clock Shop on SF’s Broadway. Spend the evening taking in burlesque performances at the Cabaret, sampling a secret drink menu and playing blackjack at hidden Gaslamp Lounge, and observe backstage drama unfold through a two-way mirror in the Dressing Room (tickets from $315; thespeakeasysf.com). The roaring 20s theme continues as revelers celebrate 100 years of prohibition at Gatsby’s House at InterContinental Mark Hopkins hotel–a multi-room extravaganza with premium open bar, casino games, and unlimited nachos (tickets from $195, 999 California St, SF; sfmarkhopkins.com). Cleaners at The Great Northern will have a rough time after the club’s fan favorite event Dancing Queen: ABBA Glitter Disco on NYE, when Studio 54 attire and sequin hotpants will be de rigueur (tickets from $20, 119 Utah St, SF; thegreatnorthernsf.com).
All dressed up and lots of places to go
After stints at The Palace Hotel and Press Club, this year the International Ball comes to W Hotel, bringing 10 DJs playing across four rooms, an open bar, more than 4000 balloon drops, dancers, drummers a red carpet and party favors for all (tickets from $95; 181 3rd St, SF, 415 777-5300; marriott.com). Six-time Grammy® nominated singer, songwriter and producer Kaskade is performing at Bill Graham Auditorium (tickets from $130; 99 Grove St, SF; billgrahamcivic.com) while DJ Alesso will bring Vegas club vibes to Fort Mason Center for Eye Heart New Year’s Eve (tickets from $175; 2 Marina Blvd, SF; fortmason.org). Cover band Tainted Love will take partygoers back to the 80s at Marina institution Bimbo’s 365, a venue still going strong after 90 years as part of SF’s nightlife scene.
The Burning Man community will gather at The Mint for New Bohemia NYE, hosted by Vau de Vire Society and Opel, encompassing 23 immersive rooms, seven dance floors, a kink Lounge, a variety and sideshow stage, themed karaoke, circus performances, dancers, and art galleries (tickets from $45; 88 5th St, SF, newbohemianye.com).
For those with boundless energy and for whom one night just isn’t enough, multi-day-and-night festival style party Fresh Start delivers: Sofi Tukker, Yung Bae, Zhu, and Madeon will perform at The Midway from 8 pm Friday through midnight Sunday (tickets from $30; 900 Marin St, SF; themidwaysf.com).
Why ring it in, when you can drag it in?
Join Mighty Real + Juanita MORE! for Rise Above This New Year’s Eve at 1950s motel Phoenix Hotel. The party starts at 8 pm with drinks and bites at Chambers with Juanita MORE! providing the soundtrack before David Harness and Brown Amy rock the the heated patio; performances by likeholywine, Princess Panocha and Sir Joq will close the night on a high. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Queer Life Space and The Oakland LGBTQ Center (tickets from $30; 601 Eddy St, SF; phoenixsf.com) Set in a former bathhouse and owned and directed by queen D’Arcy Drollinger, internationally acclaimed drag show nightclub and cabaret Oasis opened New Years Day 2015 and has been a mecca for new beginnings and New Year’s bashes ever since. This year, Princess will host NYE 2023! Moulin Rouge drag spectacular with dancing, shows across three stages and a complimentary Champagne toast (tickets from $40; 298 11th St, SF; sfoasis.com)
Three sheets to the wind
Assuming Karl the Fog doesn’t make an appearance, one of the best views of fireworks over SF and neighboring counties is from the water. Pier Pressure SF’s 2023 New Year’s Eve Under the Fireworks Cruise aboard 150-foot luxury yacht San Francisco Spirit will depart Pier 3 at 9.30 pm for an evening of substantial “Mix & Mingle” hors d’oeuvres, an open premium bar and music over two decks (tickets from $235; vipnightlife.com). You can also dance, drink, and enjoy views of the city skyline aboard Empress Yacht San Francisco New Year’s Eve 2023 Party Cruise, also inclusive of hearty apps, an open bar and DJS spinning tracks from past decades (tickets from $309; departs Pier 40, 89 King St, SF; eventbrite.com).
For a fun twist on the classic formal event, celebrate the New Year aboard historic–and stationary–aircraft carrier at the USS Hornet NYE Gala, featuring performances by 3 O’Clock Jump and numerous dance floors on the ship’s enclosed, heated hangar deck (tickets from $60; 707 W Hornet Ave, Alameda; uss-hornet.com). Groups looking to get out on the water can consider chartering your own vessel. Tall Ship replica The Gas Light, modeled on an 1800s schooner that used to shuttle supplies between San Francisco, Sacramento and ports in between, can carry up to 49 passengers and has a fully licensed top shelf bar (baylightscharters.com).
Celebrate with an escape
Tucked at the northern end of the Golden Gate Bridge within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area at historic Fort Baker, the hotel at Cavallo Point’s signature restaurant Sula is serving a special New Year’s Eve Dinner featuring roasted Sonoma duck breast and slow-roasted Niman Ranch beef. Spending the night at this Certified LEED Gold property allows more time for enjoying soothing treatments at the Healing Arts Center and Spa, interactive classes at the Cooking School and hiking and biking with views of San Francisco. (dinner $125 per person; rooms priced from $876; cavallopoint.com).
Journey up the Sonoma Coast to Timber Cove Resort in Jenner, originally built as a Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired meditation retreat in 1963 and which now features cozy modern rooms with plaid blankets, turntables and fireplaces, many overlooking the psychedelic 93-foot Bufano Peace Statue Monument. New Year’s Eve specials at the property’s onsite restaurant Coast Kitchen include housemade cavatelli, Oak Ridge Farms beef wellington, and Dungeness crab risotto (rooms from $649; timbercoveresort.com).
A little further along the coast, Harbor House Inn in Elk offers historic accommodations perched on rocky bluffs and a Michelin-starred restaurant by Saison alum Matt Kammerer, where hyperlocal menus are anchored by ingredients dropped at the door by eccentric local fishers, growers and foragers (tasting menu $265++; rooms from $525 a night). At Montage Healdsburg, discover a luxe getaway where an 11,500-square-foot spa, a zero-edge resort pool, three dining options and 130 bungalow-style guestrooms and suites are cocooned in 258 acres of rolling vineyards and oak tree groves. Here, celebrations are a multiday affair: activities on December 30th’s Day of Intention include sound bath meditation and conscious journaling; December 31’s festivities include a children’s party, oysters and sea-to-table caviar paired with Champagne at Scout Field Bar, and an elegant dinner at Hazel Hill, followed by a New Year’s Day hike and brunch (NYE Dinner from $165; rooms from $1,083 a night; montagehotels.com).