New Year’s Eve 2023.
There’s an app for every season and a time for every calendar reminder under heaven, an updated Ecclesiastes might read. As we turn the page on a fresh year and dive into an uncharted 2024 of cars that drive themselves and computers that write poetry, we can live our best lives and be the best humans we can be. Enjoy some music, food and a sparkling beverage, be sure to dance and get home safely.
There are many options for celebrating this annual ritual without leaving the valley, and this year’s guide compiles a range of interesting options. We wish all readers a good start to the new year.
A Ghanaian Dance Party
Percussionist and choreographer C.K. Ladzekpo moved to the Bay Area in 1973. The scion of an eminent family of performers, he fled a repressive regime and dedicated himself to teaching West African dance and music, particularly of his Ewe people. Thousands of Bay Area students over the decades have studied from Ladzekpo and he remains a foundational figure on a lively African music scene. Ghanaians are few in the South Bay, but anyone who loves the infectiously grooving sounds of classic 1970s and ‘80s Afrobeat, and music from Ghana and the diaspora, including C.K. Mann, Ben Brako, Dade Krama, Orchestra Jazira and George Darko, better bring their best moves and their dancing shoes. DJ Kwammaster keeps the dance floors bouncing. (AG)
VIVE Church San Jose
1523 Parkmoor Ave., San Jose
408.988.8797
Sat, 6pm
$20-$25
Happy Hollow Park’s NYE
From 11am to 3pm, immerse your little ones in a whirlwind of excitement at the Park. Admission grants access to party goers, young and old, to a spectacular lineup of activities, including hands-on crafts, up-close animal encounters, and a thrilling Passport Scavenger Hunt. The highlight of the day? The Noon Year’s Eve countdown, complete with a mesmerizing Ball Drop at noon. Adding an extra layer of wonder to the joyous celebration are the enchanting magic shows, with one scheduled for 11:15am and another special showing at 2:30pm. Embrace the NYE festivities and kick off the new year with plenty of laughter as you create lasting memories with your family. Say goodbye to the year in style at Happy Hollow Park—where noon is the new midnight! (MY)
Happy Hollow Park and Zoo
748 Story Road, San Jose
408.794.6400
Sun, 11am
$18
Noon Year’s Eve @ Discovery Museum
While Sunday evening’s festivities may belong to the adults, daytime is playtime for kids at Discovery Meadow. Start the year with joy and laughter at the Children’s Discovery Museum, where memories are made. Begin the new year with learning and cherished moments with this family-friendly celebration filled with plenty of NYE activities for all ages. First, ring in the arrival of 2024 with the whole family at the “Countdown to Noon Across Time Zones.” The joyous party continues with a dazzling version of the famous Ball Drop in Times Square at noon, 1pm and 2pm. Engage in delightful activities like making party hats, crafting coffee filter butterflies, and capturing special moments with family photos all throughout the day party, culminating at 4 pm. The museum will be closed following the festivities and reopens on Wednesday, January 1 at 10am. (MY)
Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose
180 Woz Way, San Jose
408.298.5437
Sun, 11am, 12pm, 2pm, 3pm
$18
Gala and Ring
Few artists have done more to keep the blues flame burning brightly in the South Bay than J.C. Smith, and his band headlines a triple New Year’s Eve bill at San Jose’s leading juke joint. The evening kicks off with the boogie woogie piano of Rockin’ Regi Rockinelli, followed by rising soul/blues combo Grace & The Grit. Fronted by the persuasively soulful vocalist and songwriter Nehal Abuelata, the band features guitarist Austin Geiger, harp expert Ryan Walker, drummer Matt Condino, and bassist Adam Martinez. Smith, a guitarist steeped in the stinging single-note lines of T-Bone Walker and Albert King, rings in the new year with his muscular band featuring bassist Douglas Mancini, keyboardist Scott Porter and veteran saxophonist Noel Catura, whose backed heavyweights such as John Lee Hooker, Bobby Womack, Charles Brown, Eddie “Clean Head” Vinson, Robben Ford and Joey DeFrancesco. The price of admission includes appetizers, dinner, dessert and a champagne toast at midnight. (AG)
Poor House Bistro
80 S. Montgomery St., San Jose
408.292.5837
Sun, 6pm
$100-$500
New Year’s Dinner Eve
Want a delicious way to close out 2023? Hotel Valencia is offering patrons a four course dinner curated by the culinary pair Executive Chef Martelle Lorenz and Chef de Cuisine Pedro Calvo. The plates are a pomegranate and pistachio amuse bouche, squash soup, beef tartar or sea urchin, seared duck or driver scallops, followed up by a chocolate dessert. The ticket price includes the hotel’s NYE Gala, which features a private environment exclusive to hotel guests, two DJs, a sparkling wine midnight toast, balloon drop and photo booth. (JP)
Hotel Valencia Santana Row
355 Santana Row, San Jose
855.596.3396
Sun, 6pm, 9pm
$175
Moulin Rouge
Step into the glitz and glamor of sultry Parisian nightclub Moulin Rouge this New Year’s Eve. San Jose Playhouse presents a dazzling sing-along party featuring the 2001 hit movie musical. Sing along to on-screen lyrics, indulge in a delectable dessert buffet and engage in the spectacle with a whimsical fun pack of props for participation during the in-theater show at 3 Below Theatres. Commencing at 6:30 pm, the soirée includes a special New York NYE countdown at 9 pm for early revelers. Embrace the decadence, dress to the nines and prepare for an unforgettable evening of debauchery and delight. (MY)
3 Below Theatres
288 S Second Street, San Jose
408.404.7711
Sun, 6:30pm
$30
Toasted by the Bay
While many New Year’s Eve parties start at 8pm, this one is for the true merry makers. Afterall, they don’t call it Toasted By The Bay for nothing. Back by popular demand, Toasted By the Bay hits the Sunnyvale Hilton Garden Inn with fun festivities and naughty new year’s treats. For the first hour revelers are encouraged to participate in the cocktail mixer to meet a few new friends before hitting the dance floor where DJ Hotwire will be blasting the 1s and 2s. Capture the memories that might be fuzzy the next morning with their Do-It-For-The-Gram photo backdrop and midnight balloon drop. Discounted room rates are available for ticket holders and dressy attire is recommended but not required. Ring in 2024 the right way and get toasted! (MW)
Hilton Garden Inn Suites – Sunnyvale
767 N Mathilda Avenue, Sunnyvale
408.735.7345
Sun, 7:30pm
$42-$50
NYE with Gunhild Carling
Musician Gunhild Carling is bringing the swing to the San Jose Stage Company to ring in the New Year. A multi-instrumentalist jazz musician, Gunhild Carling is already a star in her native Sweden. Don’t let her placing third on the reality show Let’s Dance 2014 fool you. Carling has also performed for Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf’s Rudy Jubilee. Recently, Carling moved to Northern California and brought her big-band-style sound with her. A noted trombone player, among a litany of other instruments, Carling brings back a classic sound in fun, new ways. (TM)
San Jose Stage
490 S First Street, San Jose
408.679.2330
Sun, 7:30pm, 10:30pm
$30–$60
Bay Area Singles
Don’t have a date for the big night? Don’t worry, The Holiday Inn & Suites Silicon Valley in Milpitas is hosting the singles party in the Bay Area. Why wait hours in line at the club just to drop $100 on a cover charge then corralled into an overcrowded room with outrageously expensive alcohol and ear piercing bass? Instead, meet other sexy, Silicon Valley singles for half the price to swing into 2024. The price of admission includes beats by DJ Darryl K, live countdown on the hotel’s large screens ,a complimentary champagne toast at midnight and plenty of partying in a high class, elegant environment. Spend a little extra for the VIP package to get special seating and gift giveaways after midnight. Hit it off with a special someone? Then check into one of the hotel’s suites for an additional, discounted price exclusively for partiers. Don’t forget to dress to impress as coat/tie and “dressy attire” is required. (MW)
Holiday Inn & Suites Silicon Valley
1350 N First Street, San Jose
408.453.6200
Sun, 8pm
$50–$80
Swag & Sexy
Some people are born with it, others have to cultivate it. But not everyone possesses swag. For those moguls in cool that do, Concepts After Dark has just the party: Swag & Sexy. This is a one-time-only exclusive night of the most beautiful people dressing in their best black-tie and formal fits to make every head turn. Attendees are treated to a red carpet reception, specialty cocktails, hor d’oeuvres and don’t forget the party favors. What makes this party extra special is the use of two djs, giving the people what they want: an adventurous night with a choose-your-own-soundtrack. Be an extra baller with one of the hotel’s room packages and keep the party going till sunrise and beyond. (MW)
Hilton Garden Inn
4216 El Camino Real, Palo Alto
650.843.0795
Sun, 8pm
$50-$400
New Year’s Eve at Signia
Step into the New Year in style at Fountain Restaurant’s exclusive New Year’s Eve extravaganza. Indulge in an unforgettable evening of culinary delights, featuring a smoked Tomahawk steak carving station, Sun Noodle ramen, a California cheese display, and more. Sip on premium spirits, wines, and cocktails from the cash bar, with each ticket including a delectable buffet dinner and a glass of Veuve Cliquot Champagne. The feast runs from 8 to 10 p.m., setting the stage for a moving celebration at AJI Bar inside Signia Hotel. Dance into the midnight hour with DJs Shortkut and Chalé Brown, surrounded by craft cocktails and elevated party favors, and a balloon drop at midnight. (MY)
Signia by Hilton San Jose
170 South Market Street, San Jose
408.998.1900
Sun, 8pm
Sold Out
New Year’s Bachata Ball Drop
Start off the new year with a spicy Bachata dance party and class held by San Jose’s most talented Bachata instructors. They are grooving attendees into 2024 with style and slick moves. DJ Magic Mike and DJ X set the tone and ambience for dancers to bust their favorite moves. The doors open at 8pm and the class begins at 9pm. There is also a Bachata Ball Drop at midnight with dancing that lasts into the wee hours of the morning. (JP)
On One Studios
422 N Capitol Ave, San Jose
669.241.4398
Sun, 8pm
$20-$25
New Year’s Eve Extravaganza VIII
Welcome in the New Year with unparalleled style at the San Jose Downtown Marriott Hotel. Taylor Productions and Kilo Enterprises have created an unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration featuring a powerhouse lineup of Bay Area-based DJs—Brotha Reese, Chuy Gomez, and Mind Motion—spinning the hottest beats to keep you dancing into the early hours of the New Year. Enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne for a toast to new beginnings along with festive party favors and delectable hors d’oeuvres throughout the night. An electrifying atmosphere, culinary delights, and a dazzling countdown to midnight await. Bid farewell to the old and welcome the new in the heart of Silicon Valley. (MY)
Downtown San Jose Marriott Hotel
301 S. Market Street, San Jose
408.280.1300
Sun, 8pm
$95–$1,096
South Bay Throwback NYE
Over the past ten years South Bay Throwback NYE has been rocking Milpitas into the new year with classic hip hop, R&B, funk and freestyle. There are two rooms–billed as two different parties in one location–with beats that span Top40 hits and Studio 47/Club Remixes. There’s a dress code for this event and attendees can choose to stay the night between three hotels that occupy the area within one mile of each other. (JP)
Zahir’s
579 South Main Street, Milpitas
408.946.4000
Sun, 8pm
$35
NYE @ GoodTime Bar
Wine-drinkers, rejoice! Experience sophistication and style at downtown San Jose’s favorite natural wine haven on New Year’s Eve. By popular demand, downtown San Jose’s premier natural wine bar is hosting their inaugural New Year’s Eve bash, starting at 8pm until the wee hours of the morning. Indulge your palate with exquisite food specials crafted by GoodTime’s skilled chefs, paired with a curated selection of natural wines for the evening. As the clock strikes midnight, glasses will fill with sparkling possibility and fermented goodness best enjoyed with friends, old and new. Dynamic DJs El Güera Loca and Heavenly Arch, will provide the soundtrack to this exclusive affair. Space is limited inside this intimate venue, secure your spot early and don’t miss the most anticipated New Year’s celebration in downtown San Jose. (MY)
Goodtime Bar
30 Fountain Alley #160, San Jose
408.256.1266
Sun, 8pm
$20
The Province-Bay
Casino restaurant The Province brings glamor, glitz and a packed dance floor. Non-stop music will run the gamut with live top-40 and R&B jams from the Groove Foundation Band, dance classics and EDM from DJ Spindizzy and nightclub cumbia, bachata and reggaeton from DJ RAMIX. Move from room to room to take in burlesque and gogo dancers, an appetizer bar for midnight feasting and an outdoor patio with fire pits. Parking is free. For an elevated experience, opt for VIP package with a red carpet express line, drink tickets and premium bottle service. Midnight will be celebrated with a giant video countdown and epic balloon drop. (SB)
Bay 101 Casino
1788 North First Street #10, San Jose
408.437.5556
Sun, 9pm
$40–$200
Happy New Year 2024!
Over the last several years, Prasanna Inni has brought South Indian and Bollywood DJ nights to the biggest clubs in the Bay Area. Now, Inni Entertainment is preparing to have the biggest night of their year at their Happy New Year celebration at Studio M Ballroom Club in San Jose. The party boasts two levels and three distinct rooms, each featuring fantastic DJs spinning Bollywood, hip-hop, Punjabi, Bhangra and South-Indian tunes. Tickets include drinks, a delectable dinner and surprise dance performances. There are plenty of special attractions to explore—a photo booth, red carpet, party favors, etc. At midnight, celebrate with a champagne toast and balloon drop. (SB)
Studio M
3550 Stevens Creek Boulevard #130, San Jose
510.578.8243
Sun, 9pm
$35–$520
The Limousines
The Limousines, made up of instrumentalist-producer Giovanni Giusti, songwriter-vocalist Eric Victorino, and drummer Kerry Austin, bring their alternative electronica energy to the New Year’s Eve bash at Khartoum in Campbell. Known for “Internet Killed The Video Star” and “Very Busy People,” the band earned a spot in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s permanent MTV exhibit and performed on festival and club stages worldwide. They’re regular performers at Khartoum, a classic comfy fern bar with couches, stained glass and a welcoming atmosphere. Now, The Limousines kick off the New Year alongside special guests AP and SkyeLine. (SB)
Khartoum Lounge
300 Orchard City Drive, Campbell
Sun, 9pm
$20
2024 New Years Eve Countdown Party
Welcome 2024 with a literal bang at The Cats in Los Gatos with fireworks, friends and music. To make the night extra special, the venue is offering a VIP bottle service (reservation only). The BBQ restaurant encourages reservations ahead of time at a slight discount, and is offering its usual smokey American dishes. It’s suggested to come to this event hungry. (JP)
The Cats
17533 Santa Cruz Highway, Los Gatos
510.519.9682
Sun, 9pm
$20-$30
MASSIVE New Year’s Eve 2024
Known to be one of downtown’s largest NYE shindig, MASSIVE New Year’s Eve 2024–produced by A Listers Entertainment–features hip hop, R&B and club hits. DJ Lex and Sparky are spinning the tunes while a four-hour premium open bar quenches patrons’ thirst and two rooms of music set the tone before a midnight countdown. (JP)
Corinthian Grand Ballroom & Pharaoh’s Patio
196 North 3rd Street, San Jose
408.938.2332
Sun, 9pm
$30-$150
Sun King’s NYE Concert
Love is the Answer! Step into a musical time machine on Sunday at Club Fox’s 18th Annual New Year’s Eve Concert. The Sun Kings will transport you to the heart of The Beatles’ legacy as they perform the band’s timeless classics and hidden gems with the authentic energy of Hamburg’s music scene. Experience the magic at The Sun Kings’ exclusive “Cavern Club” within Club Fox. Secure your spot with reserved seats, offering a prime view of the festivities. General admission tickets are $75, providing standing room access to dance the night away. All tickets include festive favors and a midnight toast to ring in 2024. Welcome the new year with music, joy, and a touch of Beatles magic. (MY)
Club Fox
2209 Broadway, Redwood City
831.334.1153
Sun, 9pm
$75 – $100
NYE Cumbia Dance Party
Whether you’re a music enthusiast or just looking to unwind, this party is the ultimate fusion of culture, celebration, and Silicon Valley style. One of Downtown’s hottest bars and restaurants, Mamakin presents an evening of unforgettable moments and contagious energy at their NYE Cumbia Dance Party—this is where the pulse of the city meets the soulful sounds of Cumbia. Elevate your night as you take in the electrifying beats and genre-defying sounds performed by Mex Tape. He’ll be spinning infectious rhythms of Cumbia music to keep you moving and grooving all through the evening. Each ticket grants you access to the pulsating fiesta, and as a special treat, a complimentary champagne toast to kick off the celebration. Immerse yourself in the “Mex Tape Magic” this New Years Eve in the heart of Silicon Valley’s nightlife scene, based at the intersection of culture and fun. (MY)
Mama Kin
374 South 1st Street, San Jose
408.664.9303
Sun, 9pm
$10 – $400
Disco Dance Party
Rosie McCann’s kicks off the new year with a balloon drop, Champagne toast, bottle service and a couple of DJs–Kromatic and BMK to be precise. The free event is a rousing way to ring in 2024 while making memories in a lively atmosphere. The Santana Row Rosie McCann location is not only welcoming the 2024 new year with a bang, but also its 20th year in existence. McCann’s expanded from its Santa Cruz spot in 2004 and has been feeding and entertaining the San Jose community ever since. “Rosie McCann from the banks of the Bann, She’s the gem of Ireland’s Crown,” as the old Irish Folk love song pronounces. Cheers! (JP)
Rosie McCann’s Irish Pub
355 Santana Row #1060, San Jose
408.247.1706
Sun, 9:30pm
Free
NYE 2024 Bollywood Party
Indulge in opulence at The Continental’s upscale Bollywood New Year’s Eve party—an experience that’s set to redefine celebration. Don your finest attire for an evening of sophistication and style as you immerse yourself in the shimmering sounds spun by DJ Brown Buoy, as he plays the hottest Bollywood Top 40 on the main floor. Escape the heat only briefly as you explore the electrifying ambiance on the patio, produced by DJ Silas, whose blend of Bollywood and high energy house music will keep you dancing all night. A night of opulence, music, and jubilation, glamor meets the global rhythms of Bollywood at the Continental, culminating in a balloon drop at midnight, marking the transition to a new year in charming luxury and stellar vibes. (MY)
The Continental Bar Lounge & Patio
349 South 1st Street, San Jose
408.982.3461
Sun, 9:30pm
$45 – $1,200
New Year 2024 Grand Celebration
Shirdi Sai Baba is inviting all Bay Area devotees to a large celebration at the Shirdi Sai Darbar location in Sunnyvale. The event will kick off on New Year’s Eve and flow into New Year’s day. Patrons can expect festivities to begin first thing in the morning and extend throughout the day. Free Baba Maha Prasad and Baba Blessed Udi/Vibuthi packets will be available to patrons. In addition to the jam-packed schedule, there will be a Grand Sale Mela market for patrons to purchase photos, books, key chains and Sarees. (JP)
Shirdi Sai Darbar
255 San Geronimo Way, Sunnyvale
408.482.0089
Sun, 10:30pm, Mon, 9pm
Free
Rec Room NYE Party
Ring in the New Year with a bang at the ultimate New Year’s Bash downtown—Rec Style. For the uninitiated, Rec Room parties are for those with stamina and good taste. This elevated house party features a delicious premium champagne selection curated for the special evening (Veuve Clicquot, Moët and Chandon Nectar Imperial). The Rec’s recently revamped sound system will be reverberating with beats spun by Ethan Dreams all through the night, beginning at 9pm, setting the tone for an unforgettable party. Each ticket includes a complimentary champagne toast at midnight, and plenty of good times and good vibes. Grab your party crew and come through! (MY)
Rec Room
1 East San Fernando Street, San Jose
Sun, 12am
$10 – $20
NYE @ Fred’s Place
Embrace the eclectic vibes of New Year’s Eve at Mountain View’s favorite dive bar. The annual bash at Fred’s Place is where cool beer offerings meet plenty of personality. If laid-back ambiance is your NYE vibe, Fred’s is the place to bid farewell to the old and usher in the new with good friends and loved ones. Whether you’re a craft beer connoisseur or just looking to have a grand time, the bar has something for everyone. Say cheers to the year ahead with Fred’s expansive variety of bevs, brews (craft, german, and IPA on tap) and an unforgettable night of camaraderie. This is the coolest, understated New Year’s party in town—where the drinks are diverse, and the vibes are always on point. (MY)
Fred’s Place
2534 Old Middlefield Way, Mountain View
650.940.9838
Sun, 12am
Free
Kiwanis Resolution 5K and 10K
Celebrate the dawn of 2024 with a New Year’s Resolution run at Mountain View Shoreline Park on the beautiful (and flat) Baylands trails. The New Year’s Day event offers 5k and 10k races, with digital chip timing for precise results and a virtual option for anyone who wants to avoid a crowd. There’s also a 1K kids run, free to all children of registered race participants. Early registrants get a race t-shirt, and everyone can enjoy post-race snacks. All funds raised from the race will support the charitable programs of the Kiwanis Club, which supports children’s health and nutrition, education and literacy, and youth leadership development. (SB)
Mountain View Shoreline Park
2955 N Shoreline Blvd, Mountain View
Mon, 10am
$50
Andrew Gilbert, Jeanette Prather, Mat Weir, Melisa Yuriar, Sonya Bennett-Brandt and Tad Malone contributed to this story.
