Looking for an unforgettable way to celebrate New Year’s Eve in the Bay Area 2025? From dazzling fireworks over San Francisco Bay to family-friendly activities across the region, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you prefer a lively party atmosphere or a cozy celebration with loved ones, the Bay Area has it all.
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One of the most iconic traditions is the San Francisco fireworks display, launching from a barge between The Ferry Building and the Bay Bridge.
“We do our best to put on a world-class show,” said Pat Dyas, show producer for Pyro Spectacular. “We like the bangs, but we really love the ‘oohs’ and ‘ahs.'”
Crews are already hard at work to prepare for this breathtaking event, which is perfectly synchronized to music for an unforgettable experience. Along San Francisco’s Embarcadero, fencing is up in anticipation of the crowds, and nearby venues like Waterbar Restaurant offer stunning views of the fireworks paired with festive dining options.
“Seeing the fireworks under the view is pretty amazing,” said employee Paige Sutter. Guests can look forward to a five-course menu and expertly paired wines to make the evening even more special.
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Family-Friendly Celebrations for New Year’s Eve Bay Area 2025
For families, waiting until midnight to celebrate can be a challenge, so the Bay Area offers numerous daytime events designed with children in mind.
Thrive City at San Francisco’s Chase Center kicks off its Kwanzaa and New Year’s Eve celebration at 9:30 a.m., featuring cultural performances and a special noon countdown. In the North Bay, the Downtown Novato Business Association will host its annual Bouncy Ball New Year with 25,000 bouncy balls dropping from a ladder truck at noon.
In Oakland, the Chabot Space and Science Center will hold several daytime balloon drops to mark midnights from around the world. “Hundreds of balloons fall on you, and you get a chance to listen to music and be festive,” said Liz Austerman from the center.
The South Bay offers its own family-friendly events, including a ball drop and live entertainment at the Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose, beginning at 9:30 a.m.
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Highlights of New Year’s Eve Bay Area 2025 Events
San Francisco
- 9:30 a.m.: Thrive City’s Kwanzaa and New Year’s Eve celebration at 1 Warriors Way. Includes cultural performances and a noon countdown.
- 11:59 p.m.: Annual New Year’s Eve fireworks show on the Embarcadero, launching from a barge in the Bay. Expect traffic delays and increased police presence around Treasure Island and Yerba Buena Island.
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North Bay
- Noon: Downtown Novato Bouncy Ball New Year. 25,000 balls will drop from a ladder truck at Machin and Sweetser avenues.
- Noon: Charles M. Schulz Museum’s “Noon Year’s Eve” ball drop in Santa Rosa. Additional drop at 3 p.m.
- 5 p.m.: Graton Resort & Casino’s live performances and DJ countdown in Rohnert Park.
Peninsula
- 10 a.m.: Hiller Aviation Museum’s “Noon Year’s Eve” balloon drop in San Carlos.
- 11:30 a.m.: Palo Alto’s “Noon Year’s Eve” event at Rinconada Library with a bubble drop.
East Bay
- 10 a.m.: Lawrence Hall of Science “2024 Grand Finale” in Berkeley, with confetti launches every 45 minutes starting at 10:45 a.m.
- 7 p.m.: USS Hornet’s Big Band Gala in Alameda, featuring live swing music and vintage-themed attire.
- 11 a.m.: Chabot Space and Science Center’s daytime balloon drops at 11 a.m., noon, 3 p.m., and 4 p.m.
South Bay
- 9:30 a.m.: Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose’s family-friendly festivities, including a ball drop and live entertainment.
- 3 p.m.: First Night Monterey’s 32nd annual celebration with a Mardi Gras-style twilight procession at 5:30 p.m.
No matter how you plan to spend New Year’s Eve in the Bay Area, the region offers countless opportunities to make the night truly memorable.
