New Year’s Eve in the Bay Area: Celebrate near BART
Celebrate New Year's Eve in San Francisco. Photo courtesy of BayArea.com
Not sure where to be when the countdown starts? You’re in the right place. Whether your ideal New Year's Eve celebration includes fireworks, packed dance floors or low-key family-friendly parties, the Bay Area has an event for you. We’ve rounded up the best BARTable New Year's Eve options to help you plan the perfect night. Whatever you decide to do, we hope 2026 begins with joy.
Check out BART's holiday schedule, which includes extended late-night service on New Year's Eve.
Use BART's Trip Planner for detailed routes and transit options.
Don't miss San Francisco's fireworks display this New Year's Eve. Photo courtesy of SF Port.
Fireworks on the San Francisco waterfront | Embarcadero
San Francisco’s New Year’s Eve fireworks return to the waterfront to welcome 2026 in style. Prime viewing spots line the Embarcadero between the Ferry Building and the Bay Bridge. The show begins at 12 a.m. on Dec. 31 and illuminates the bay for roughly 15 minutes. It’s a classic San Francisco tradition—and one of the Bay Area’s most scenic celebrations. While here, pick up dinner or a coffee at the San Francisco Ferry Building. Take BART to Embarcadero and walk about 0.3 miles to the waterfront for front-row views.
Enjoy a classy New Year's Eve party in downtown San Francisco. Photo courtesy of Shotgun.
Black Tie New Year’s Eve at The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel | Powell St
Ring in 2026 at the historic Redwood Room inside the Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel. This upscale, multi-room celebration features DJs, a massive balloon drop, a red-carpet entrance and a midnight countdown—plus a live screening of San Francisco’s fireworks. Doors open at 9 p.m., with the party going strong until 2 a.m. Take BART to Powell St for a glamorous New Year’s Eve. The party is 0.3 miles away at 495 Geary St.
Celebrate the new year with the entire family at Thrive Center. Photo courtesy of Chase Center.
Winter Wonderland Kwanzaa & Noon Year’s Eve at Thrive City | Powell St
For families with kiddos—this one’s for you. Celebrate a winter wonderland Kwanzaa and ring in the New Year early at Thrive City. Enjoy Soji Afrobeats and cultural performances, and count down the new year with fun and culture at noon instead of midnight. All ages will love the performances, the countdown and the arts and crafts. BART to Powell St and walk or hop on the Muni T to the Chase Center.
Parche promises a New Year's Eve full of fun and flavor. Photo courtesy of Parche.
New Year’s Eve at Parche | 19th St/Oakland
Parche is starting the new year with a food-forward celebration. This hot Oakland spot offers a special lunch service on Dec. 31, followed by a relaxed prix fixe dinner with two seatings (6–8 p.m. and 9 p.m.–close), featuring celebratory dishes with optional oysters and bubbles. It’s an easygoing and flavorful way to welcome 2026, just 0.2 miles from 19th St/Oakland at 2295 Broadway.
Savor an Italian-American feast this New Year's Eve at MAMA Oakland. Photo courtesy of MAMA Oakland.
New Year’s Eve at MAMA Oakland | 19th St/Oakland
Ring in the New Year with Chef Priscilla Przygocki’s celebratory four-course Italian-American prix fixe dinner ($95/person) showcasing seasonal dishes, from comforting winter soups to a warm panettone bread pudding finale. Guests dining during the countdown receive a complimentary glass of Prosecco and festive party favors, making it an inviting, polished spot to toast the year ahead with family and friends. Enjoy New Year’s Eve 0.9 miles from 19th St/Oakland at 388 Grand Ave.
If you love ABBA, this is the party for you. Photo courtesy of Eventbrite.
ABBA Glitter Disco at The Great Northern | 16th St Mission
Dancing Queen: The Ultimate ABBA Glitter Disco Party is a sparkly NYE extravaganza inspired by Studio 54 glamour. Expect nonstop dancing to ABBA, the Bee Gees, Village People, Queen, the Grease soundtrack and other iconic ’70s and ’80s anthems—plus a crowd fully committed to glitter, disco fever and outrageous New Year’s Eve style. The ABBA party is only 0.8 miles from 16th St Mission at 119 Utah St.
If you're looking for a dance party, look no further. Head to MOANY. Photo courtesy of Eventbrite.
MOANY New Year's Eve 2026 | Civic Center/UN Plaza
Celebrate NYE 2026 at Moany, San Francisco’s legendary queer dance party known for its high-energy vibes, bold beats and unapologetic fun. Expect a packed dance floor, pulsing music and a festive crowd ready to ring in the new year with nonstop dancing and late-night revelry—classic Moany style. Hop off BART at Civic Center/UN Plaza. Find the fun 0.9 miles away at the Regency Ballroom at 1300 Van Ness Ave.
For a Nashville-style New Year's party, head to Bourbon Highway Country Bar & Kitchen. Photo courtesy of Eventbrite.
NYE at Bourbon Highway Country Bar & Kitchen | Walnut Creek
Experience a little bit of Nashville in the Bay Area this New Year's. The two-level party offers line dancing, karaoke and a hearty buffet of country-style favorites, plus a full-service bar. Festivities kick off at 8 p.m. and roll into midnight with champagne toasts, party favors and nonstop energy across both floors. Located just 0.5 miles from Walnut Creek Station at 1677 North Main St., the NYE party at Bourbon Highway Country Bar & Kitchen is a lively way to welcome the new year.
Head to Charmaine's for the ultimate rooftop celebration this Dec. 31. Photo courtesy of OpenTable.
Above It All: Glitter & Gold NYE 2026 Rooftop Celebration | Civic Center/UN Plaza
Start 2026 above the city at "Above It All: Glitter & Gold NYE 2026," a glamorous rooftop celebration hosted at Charmaine’s. The lively night features a DJ-led dance floor, specialty cocktails, elevated bites and a stylish crowd. Expect champagne toasts, sparkling décor and an intimate rooftop vibe perfect for a standout New Year’s Eve. Charmaine’s is only 0.1 miles from Civic Center/UN Plaza at 1100 Market St.
Celebrate New Year's Eve with a view. Photo courtesy of IHG Hotels and Resorts.
Top of the Mark New Year’s Eve Gala | Powell St
For a classic San Francisco New Year’s Eve, head to Top of the Mark’s elegant New Year’s Eve Gala. The night begins with champagne, martinis, seafood, caviar, and charcuterie, followed by a refined four-course dinner featuring Dungeness crab gougères, lamb tartare, petit filet and an indulgent dessert finale. Enjoy live music by the Mark Hopkins Orchestra, dancing, party favors, a midnight toast and a balloon drop amongst gorgeous city views.
Plus: New Year’s Day Brunch: Keep the celebration going with a decadent New Year’s Day brunch offering sweeping city views, live music, unlimited bubbly, carving stations, chef-driven mains, raw bar selections and over-the-top desserts—including Champagne-inspired sweets—for a festive start to 2026. You’ll find Top of the Mark 0.4 miles from Powell St.
What's your favorite New Year's Eve Celebration?
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