With Christmas and Hanukkah essentially coinciding next week, it seems a little early to be thinking about New Year’s Eve. But popular events get overbooked and early birds get the discounts, so it’s not too soon to decide how to spend the last night of an eventful (perhaps too eventful) year. With the help of the intrepid Mat Weir, Metro Silicon Valley’s veteran music and culture reporter, we offer up some of the most promising events taking place Dec 31. They’re listed from noon to midnight, when 2025 will make its entrance with balloon drops, midnight toasts and noisemakers for all.
Joe’s New Year Special Celebrate the new year with all the great food, fun and music but without all the extra hassle this year at The Cats with Joe’s New Year Special two days before the big event. For over 50 years Joe Ferrara has serenaded Bay Area audiences with his original songs and clever covers (along with slinging comic books to avid readers as the owner of Atlantis Fantasyworld in Santa Cruz). This year he takes audiences “Back to the Future” with music and wise-cracking stories from the Bay Area’s hippie heyday of the 1960s and 1970s. And for those who can’t get enough of The Cats’ food and drinks, patrons will be eligible to win a free bottle of rum or the venue’s signature cornbread muffins. Dec 29, 5:30pm, at The Cats, 17533 Santa Cruz Hwy, Los Gatos. Free (but reservations are requested). 408.354.3060.
Noon Year’s Eve Anyone with a little one knows the struggle of New Year’s. The kids want to participate with the adults but either fall asleep, stay away and get grumpy, or just can’t be around all the adult activities. So this year why not bring them to the Children’s Discovery Museum for a family-friendly day of celebration and fun? Along with family photos and making party hats, “shoutouts” are given at different times to celebrate which countries are going into 2025 first along with a presentation of what they might be doing to celebrate. To make it even more festive, the museum also has a Times Square ball drop recreation—hosted by MCs Choo Choo Soul—with enough confetti to dazzle hearts young and old. Dec 31, 9:30am–4pm, Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose, 180 Woz Way, San Jose, $18. 408.298.5437.
Happy Hollow Noon Year’s Eve Celebrate New Year’s Eve with the whole family at Happy Hollow Park’s Noon Year’s Eve event. This Dec 31 they will ring in the new year with tons of games, crafts, activities and even a scavenger hunt. Get the laughs in and be amazed by the not one, but two ventriloquist magic shows throughout the day. And for those little ones who always want to stay awake for the ball drop but it’s past their bedtimes, catch the Happy Hollow drop at noon. And don’t forget, Happy Hollow is also a zoo, so make some time to walk around to wish all the animals a happy 2025. Dec 31, 11am, at Happy Hollow Park & Zoo, 748 Story Rd, San Jose. 408.794.6400. $18.
The Province Dinner Party Tired of the same old New Year’s Eve parties? Too old to go bar hopping but still want to ring in 2025? Want to go someplace elegant and not be left wondering where all the money went? The Province’s NYE Dinner Party might just be the right place. Enjoy a succulent, savory four-course gourmet meal (strawberry spinach salad, Laksa Noodle soup, a thick Japanese Miyazaki Wagyu steak and vanilla cream terrine but vegan options are available upon prior request) in the grand restaurant with a free drink to toast at midnight. While revelling in the flavors, bathe in the sounds of the Dismore Jazz Trio as they play live with renditions of classic jazz numbers and original tunes. Dinner and a show sounds like the perfect date night for new beginnings. Dec 31, 5pm, at The Province, 1788 N First St, #10, San Jose. 408.796.1699. $140–$150.
A Night of Elegance V Productions takes over the posh Imperial Ballroom at Signia San Jose for an evening of entertainment headlined by Latin jazz legend Pete Escovedo, who will play with two of his talented offspring, Peter Michael and Juan Escovedo. And as if it isn’t enough to be serenaded by the winner of the 2021 Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, Escovedo will be joined on the bill by Dayna Donna, who will kick things off with classic and contemporary R&B hits, and sets from Mystique, a Bay Area Latin band with a repertoire that includes cumbia, salsa and Latin rock. DJ Randy Lira of RPM Productions will fill in any gaps, keeping bodies moving on the dance floor. Doors open at 5:30pm; a buffet dinner runs from 6 to 7:30pm, followed by music. MC Vidal David Carrillo will keep things moving up to the countdown to the midnight balloon drop and New Year’s toast. Tickets are available on Eventbrite. Dec 31, 5:30pm, at Signia by Hilton San Jose, 170 S Market St, San Jose. 408.998.1900, $75+.
New Year’s Eve at Hotel Valencia What’s a better way to start the new year and say goodbye to the old than by indulging in a succulent meal? Celebrate in style at the luxurious Hotel Valencia with a four-course meal curated by Executive Chef Pedro Calvo to match the Monte Carlo casino–themed gala (two dinner seatings are available at 6 and 9pm). Win prizes at the casino before the big event and when the ball drops, the champagne will pop and the bonus balloon drop will add an extra layer of ambiance. Plus, Chef Calvo will also have a bonus midnight snack to keep the party energy going. Dec 31, 6pm, at the Hotel Valencia, 355 Santana Row, San Jose. 855.596.3396. $263.28.
2025 NYE Bar Crawl Let’s be real. For many, New Year’s Eve is about saying goodbye to—and hopefully forgetting—the previous year the best way humans know how: getting good and drunk. So this year why not sidestep the pretentious parties, expensive ticket prices and boring ballrooms with a good ol’ fashioned pub crawl? Grab some friends and be prepared to take a boozy adventure through San Jose with multiple bar stops. Prices vary with group rates and early check-ins; purchase on Eventbrite. Dec 31, 6pm, beginning at the Old Wagon Saloon & Grill, 73 N San Pedro St, San Jose.
Zainab Johnson at San Jose Improv With a comedy special titled Hijabs Off now streaming on Amazon, stand-up comedian, actor and writer Zainab Johnson knows how to get people laughing about serious issues. On New Year’s Eve she headlines two shows at the Improv, bringing all the skills she’s honed as a late-night standup and a regular on the Amazon series Upload and the Netflix show 100 Humans. Admission includes a glass of champagne, party favors and a VIP pass to a future show. Dec 31, 7 & 10:30pm, at San Jose Improv, 62 S 2nd St, San Jose. 408.280.7475. $37.17–$89.49. improv.com/sanjose
The Emo Night Tour New Year’s Eve is all about looking forward but what about those who want to celebrate by looking back? That’s where the Emo Night Tour comes in. Celebrating its 10th year (at midnight no less, proving it’s NOT a phase, Mom) this dance party has kept fans *rawr*ing in skinny jeans and long bangs while commiserating on heartbreak and feeling isolated in a room full of friends. And on New Year’s Eve, what’s a better time to panic at the disco than with a special VIP table or exclusive private room, both available for the night. An emo dance party can make anyone feel brand new in the morning, despite joining the black parade the night before. It’s all a part of the misery business. Dec 31, 8pm, at The Ritz, 400 S 1st St, San Jose. $24.65+. theritzsanjose.com
New Year’s Eve Extravaganza X For the 10th year, Chuy Gomez, a veteran voice on the region’s radio waves, hosts an NYE bash at San Jose’s downtown Marriott hotel in a collaboration with Kilo and Dwayne Taylor. A prominent event on the New Year’s Eve calendar, the party will be fueled by the best in pop, R&B, old school hip hop, salsa, dance music and reggae, with Gomez joined by DJ Scotty Fox and DJ Brotha Reese. You name it; they’re playing it. Admission includes champagne, hors d’oeuvres, party favors and a balloon drop. Dress to dazzle; special room rates available to avoid buzzed driving. Dec 31, 8pm, at Downtown Marriott Hotel, 301 S Market St, San Jose. 408.690.5999. $103.22. taylorrocks.com
Happy New Year 2025 @ The Guildhouse Looking for a massive party with multiple rooms with different vibes? The Guildhouse has all this and more. Located in the heart of downtown San Jose, this New Year’s Eve party kicks off at 9pm for five hours of drinking, dancing and dining. With over a 1,000-person capacity, the main room will feature the hottest in Bhangra and Bollywood with a second room featuring South music. Ticket prices include a scrumptious dinner, two drink tickets, a massive balloon drop at midnight, live balldrop on the TVs and complimentary champagne toasts for everyone 21 and up. Which leads us to one more thing: this is an 18-and-up event, so even those friends who aren’t legal yet can still party with the champs. Dec 31, 9pm, at The Guildhouse, 420 First St, San Jose, $49.87.
All You Can Drink & Play What’s better than unlimited drinks? How about unlimited drinks AND unlimited minigolf? Start of 2025 right with a hole-in-one at TipsyPutt, the Silicon Valley’s Indoor Mini Golf & Sports Bar. By reserving one of three packages (up to 4, 6 or 12 guests each), patrons will get a table, unlimited draft beer, wine or cocktails from 9pm to midnight, unlimited minigolf and 1-2 putt plus a midnight bubbles toast. So why do something clichéd like spend way too much to get dressed up and not have the best time when you can start the new year with bragging rights to winning a few games against your friends? Dec 31, 9pm, at Tipsy Putt, 301 W McKinley Ave, #150, San Jose, $238.80–$718.80.
The Sun Kings—A Beatles Tribute Good day sunshine! Or make that Sun Kings! Hailing from Alameda, this premier, self-described “Beatles tribute as nature intended” is a Fab Five that is ready to ring in 2025 with Rocky Racoon, Sgt. Pepper, the Walrus and more. They’ve been heralded as “close to the Beatles live and in studio as possible” by Ben Fong Torres, a former editor at Rolling Stone. So for those of us who never got to see the Beatles live, this is a great opportunity to dance, sing and twist ’n’ shout 2024 down the long and winding road into the past. Two tickets are available—general admission and reserved seating—both of which include party favors and a midnight toast. Dec 31, 9pm, Club Fox, 2209 Broadway, Redwood City, 831.334.1153. $75–$100.
NYE At Era Lounge Get litty all night at the hottest party in one of the coolest venues in San Jose, the Era Ultra Lounge. KMVQ 99.7FM is taking over with the grandest New Year’s Eve party featuring DJ Spinzizzy mixing the hottest Top 40 videos, San Jose’s rising star DJ Jazzmino and a special guest DJ dropping the beats. As midnight hits, count down the seconds with their two giant LED screens, raise a complimentary glass to toast 2024 and party as the balloons drop while Vegas cabaret dancers mesmerize and tantalize. Want to walk down the red carpet and skip the line? VIP passes are available with bottle service to impress. Dec 31, 9pm, Era Ultra Lounge, 386 S 1st St, San Jose. $50-$100.
Bollywood Ballroom For 2025, add some spice to your evening with a night that is sure to set fire to all your senses. The Corinthian Grand Ballroom invites locals to a party unlike any other in the South Bay as they take us on a trip across South Asia. Dance the night away in not one but three separate rooms featuring DJ K, DJ Raag and others as they drop some of the most mast (that’s Hindi slang for “awesome”) beats and tracks. Experience the luxury of the Corinthian with the Bollywood room, transporting patrons to the silver screen, or feel the bass in the Punjabi room with today’s hottest Punjabi hits. Want to go deep in the tracks? The South Indian room features cultural favorites and regional music for an evening of authenticity. Plus, tickets include all the best in NYE party favorites, hors d’oeuvres and specialty cocktails throughout the night plus VIP and bottle service for an extra fee. Dec 31, 9pm, Corinthian Grand Ballroom & Pharaoh’s Patio, 196 N 3rd St, San Jose. 408.938.2332. $33.85.
New Year’s Eve Turbo Going into 2025, we could all use a little extra luck and a lot of extra cash. So why not try to get both in one go? Start this New Year’s Eve with some spending money at Bay 101 Casino’s New Year’s Eve Turbo with no-limit Texas Hold ’Em. Since 1994 Bay 101 Casino has been a leader in Silicon Valley’s luxury gambling with their 49 high-action tables, attached restaurant and bar. It’s also one of the oldest card rooms, dating back to 1929 when it was founded as Sutter’s Club. Registration starts at 9:15am but closes at 10:55am so make sure to get there early to not miss out. Dec 31, 9:15am, Bay 101 Casino, 1788 N First St, San Jose. 408.437.5556.
Grandball NYE 2025 @ The Glasshouse Want to ring in the new year with style, elegance and grandeur? Then look no further than the Grandball New Year’s Eve celebration at The Glasshouse in San Jose. This annual party is the Silicon Valley’s largest New Year’s event with a 12,000-square-foot venue featuring multiple bars, state-of-the-art sound and lighting and a massive balloon drop at midnight. Relax outside on the heated patio between hitting the dancefloor with DJs Shabazz, MytyMyke, Bitesize and KYMI. Want an even more exclusive package? VIP table and bottle service packages are available but only for a limited time so make those reservations early. Dec 31, 9:30pm, at The Glasshouse, 84 W Santa Clara St, #100, San Jose. 408.606.8148. $23.18.
Celebrate NYE With Comedian Mike E. Winfield Look, New Year’s Eve can be pretty awful. There’s always a lot of hype and high expectations surrounding it just to end up at some lame party trying to find someone to make out with so as not to feel like the only loser there. So this year, why not ring in 2025 right with drinks and guaranteed laughter? Headliner Mike E. Winfield (America’s Got Talent, The Office) is part comedian, part therapist as he dissects his hilarious takes on life, dating older women and being a stepdad (or stepman as he puts it) to a kid he shares a lot of similarities with. And just so audiences don’t feel left out, there will even be a complimentary champagne toast. Dec 31, 10:30pm, at Rooster T. Feathers, 157 W El Camino Real, Sunnyvale. 408.736.0921. $60.54.
And More…
As we go to press, events will continue to crop up at nightclubs, restaurants and hotels around the South Bay. Here are some more entertainment options, listed from South County up to the Peninsula.
New Year’s Eve Dinner & Party One of Gilroy’s most lively night spots will be serving up a four-course meal accompanied by guitar music from Classic Connection, followed by an after party with tunes selected by DJ St. Christopher. Guests can opt for dinner only, the after party only, or commit to both for a full evening of welcoming in 2025. Dec 31, 4:30pm, Tempo Kitchen & Bar, 7560 Monterey Hwy, Gilroy. 408.855.1111. $77.48–$174.33. tempokb.com
Masquerade Ball Don an elegant mask for this costume ball, and enjoy dancing, music curated by DJ Darren, decadent desserts, specialty cocktails sponsored by Meili Vodka and a champagne toast at midnight. Dec 31, 9pm–1am, at 17440 Monterey Rd, Morgan Hill. $55
Annual New Year’s Eve Party 2025 The Town of the Cats rings in 2025 with high-energy dance music from 3 Mile Smile plus sets from DJ Vision 1 and DJ Jason Dee. Guests will have a little fun with the photo booth and wrap up 2024 with a midnight toast and balloon drop. Dec 31, 7pm, at Number 1 Broadway, 102 S Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos. $50/adv, $60/door. number1broadway.com
Dinner and Party at Lupin Lodge Lupin Lodge marks the end of its 90th anniversary year with a Parisian-themed dinner, followed by live music from Tangerine and Moonbeam and danceable rhythms from DJ Justyntime. Guests can come earlier in the day to enjoy the nature trails, hot tub and sauna at the Santa Cruz Mountains retreat. Packages vary, from day passes to overnight stays; tickets available on Eventbrite. Dec 31, 9am–1am, at Lupin Lodge, 20600 Aldercroft Heights Rd, Los Gatos.
Cardiff & Cocktails Presents: NYE 2025 Cardiff & Cocktails serves up libations and a musical mix by DJs Mr. V, Julius Papp, Rated R and Jojo Torres. Tickets (on Eventbrite) include champagne toast at midnight and party favors. Dec 31, 8pm, at Cardiff & Cocktails, 260 E Campbell Ave, Campbell. 408.340.3830. $23.18 adv/$33.85 door.
New Year’s Eve Party This neighborhood bar augments the usual beer and shots for complimentary champagne toasts at midnight, with party favors, pool and darts. Dec 31, 7pm, at Mike’s Place, 5837 Camden Ave., San Jose. 408.723.9981.
Roaring ’20s NYE Ball Channel the spirit of Jay Gatsby for an evening of music, food, dancing and champagne toasts at Maggiano’s Little Italy restaurant. Themed attire encouraged, but not required. Admission includes a steakhouse dinner and non-alcoholic beverages, and two glasses of house wine or beer. Dec 31, 7pm, 3055 Olin Ave, Suite 1000, San Jose. $150.
New Year’s Eve at Terra Eataly’s rooftop restaurant celebrates Mezzanotte, or Italian midnight, with food and drink, midnight bubbly, chef demonstrations, music, dancing and more. Admission includes two drink tickets, midnight bubbly, and “unlimited bites.” Dec 31, 9pm, at Terra, 2855 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose. $171.70.
Black and White Bollywood Fusion Party DJ Brown Buoy returns to the Continental, mixing high-energy beats and Bollywood sounds until 2025 makes its debut. Attire should be black and white; expect festive decor and a vibe that mixes the best of East and West. Champagne and cocktail specials keep spirits high, and dancing will spill out from the lounge into the patio. VIP packages and bottle service available. Dec 31, 9:30pm, at Continental Bar, 349 S 1st St, San Jose. 408.982.3461. $28.17+.
10th Annual Black Tie NYE Heavy Arsenal and SP2 join forces to usher in a new year with a night of club classics, R&B, hip hop and more provided by DJs Miles Medina, Wreck A Noize and Ivy the DJ. Tickets on Eventbrite. Dec 31, 8:30pm, at SP2 Communal Bar + Restaurant, 72 N Almaden Ave, San Jose. $12.51–$33.85.
New Year’s Eve Countdown Party San Pedro Social invites J. Espinosa, Jaymeebaaby and Chalé Brown to ring in the new, with additional entertainment provided by a photo booth, party favors and complimentary midnight champagne toasts. Early-bird tickets on Eventbrite are $7.18; $17.85 general admission. Dec 31, 8pm, at San Pedro Social, 163 W Santa Clara St, San Jose.
Ultra Premium Open Bar Tiki Pete and Big Dave Presents break out the good stuff, pouring Don Julio 1942, Clase Azul and Hennessy Privilege in craft cocktails all night long while DJs Mali Mal and Marcel Anthony spin hip hop, trap, R&B, Afrobeat and club hits. Dec 31, 9pm, at Tiki Pete, 23 N Market St, San Jose. $129.89. bigdavepresents.com
Bollywood Grandeur Embrace the drama and excitement of Bollywood, listening to music, enjoying food and drinks, and meeting fellow Bollywood enthusiasts. Dec 31, 10pm, at Mosaic Lounge, 211 S 1st St, San Jose. $23.18/adv, $55.20/door.
The Night Shift In addition to above-mentioned events at Bay 101, there will also be live music from the Night Shift band at the casino’s Province restaurant complex. Admission includes a buffet, an espresso martini bar, a fire juggler and other entertainment, and a midnight champagne toast. Dec 31, 9pm, at the Province, 1788 N First St, #10, San Jose. 408.796.1699. $75. theprovinceonline.com.
Club Remix NYE at Zahir’s This ’90s throwback night has DJ G-Nyze pumping out reggae in one room, and Mac Mall putting forth a “Grown and Sexy” New Year’s Countdown in another. Tickets on Eventbrite. Dec 31, 9pm, at Zahir’s, 579 S Main St, Milpitas. 408.946.4000. $20+.
Quarter Note NYE Party The Quarter Note, Sunnyvale’s hometown club, opens its doors for a night of karaoke and open mic entertainment. There will be a cover, which entitles guests to party favors, a balloon drop, and a midnight buffet. Dec 31, 8pm, at the Quarter Note, 1214 Apollo Way, Sunnyvale. 408.732.2110. quarternote.com
Rooftop New Year’s Eve Party With two floors of entertainment—including a rooftop terrace with outdoor patio and cabanas—Club Fuego offers two different musical environments. DJ King and DJ Dret play Top 40, house, hip hop and more in the Urban Room, while the Fuego Room features DJ Fresh and DJ Pipe playing reggaeton, salsa, merengue and more. Guest list closes at 10:30pm; secure reservation on Eventbrite. Dec 31, 9pm, at Club Fuego, 140 S Murphy Ave, Sunnyvale. 408.250.3694.
The Godfather Gala Ghost Dragon and E-Hash provide a musical backdrop of Top 40, hip hop and EDM. Dec 31, 9:30pm, at Pure Nightclub, 146 S Murphy Ave, Sunnyvale. 408.732.2121. $23.45. purenightclub408.com
Karaoke Party For those who prefer to provide their own entertainment, neighborhood hangout Fred’s Place offers karaoke all night long, with a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. Dec 31, 9pm, at Fred’s Place, 2534 Old Middlefield Way, Mountain View. 650.940.9838. fredsplace.bar.
Opal Social Club NYE Dance the night away to hip hop, Top 40 and EDM with bright lights and booming sound from 9pm to 2am. Tickets on Eventbrite. Dec 31, 9pm, at Opal Social Club, 251 Castro St, Mountain View. $17.85–$55.20.
Kissed by the Bay A cocktail mixer kicks off this evening at the Hyatt Centric, providing time for guests to mingle. By 8:30pm, DJ David X will amp things up, keeping everyone moving up until the countdown and a toast to 2025. Dressy attire is recommended, but not required. Tickets on Eventbrite. Dec 31, 7pm, at Hyatt Centric, 409 San Antonio Rd, Mountain View. $49.87 general, $81.88 VIP.
Palo Alto Contra Dance Lovers of folk music can find refuge at this event featuring contra dancing set to live fiddle and piano music. Basic steps are taught at the start of every dance, and participants need not bring a partner. Midnight toast and snacks provided, but guests are welcome to bring additional refreshments. Dec 31, 7:30pm, at First United Methodist Church, 625 Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto. $25 or pay what you can.
New Year’s with Tortilla Soup The Tortilla Soup Band and DJ Ron Payne herald 2025 with an R&B/old school dance party at MacArthur Park, with party favors, a balloon drop and midnight toast. Guests who don’t purchase the dinner package can enter at 8:30pm. Dec 31, 6:30pm, at MacArthur Park Restaurant, 27 University Ave, Palo Alto. 408.828.3229. $110.