This year’s wild ride is coming to an end. And the new millennium finishes its 25th trip around the sun. What’s the best way to mark the occasion? Soothing chamber music? A big party with champagne, hats, noisemakers and balloon drops? A quiet speakeasy, or a DJ with smoke machines and strobes? Whatever your style, here’s where to ring in 2026.
We offer this guide to parties around the Santa Clara Valley—with our wishes for a brighter future to come. To see even more options, browse our full calendar at metrosiliconvalley.com/events-calendar.
Live Entertainment
Celebration at St. Francis Episcopal—Dec 31, 3pm. St Francis Episcopal Church, 1205 Pine Ave, San Jose. Pianist Jon Nakamatsu, clarinetists Jon and Alec Manasse and cellist Evan Kahn join San José Chamber Orchestra for an afternoon of music by Offenbach, Svant Henryson, Martin Fröst, Beethoven, Copland and Michael Touchi, under the baton of Barbara Day Turner. A reception follows, complete with a bubbly New Year’s Eve toast. $20–$85 (includes senior and student discounts). 408.295.4416. sjco.org
NYE Gala With Qais Ulfat—Dec 31, 6:30pm–midnight. Royal Palace Fremont, 6064 Stevenson Blvd, Fremont. Toronto-born Afghan singer, composer, producer and music director Qais Ulfat headlines a night of music, dancing and dining. Black-tie event; includes dinner. Tickets, $108.55+, must be prepurchased.
Number 1 Broadway—Dec 31, 7pm–2am. 102 S Santa Cruz Ave, No. B, Los Gatos. complimentary midnight toast, photobooth, live music with Sound Decision, plus DJ Aaron E and DJ Chloe. $50 adv/$60 door. Doors open at 7pm. number1broadway.com
Alfred Robles—Dec 31, 7 & 10:30pm. Improv, 62 S 2nd St, San Jose. Known for his appearances on the TV shows Loco Comedy Jam and Stand Up Revolution, comedian Alfred Robles makes a stop in San Jose on his current tour. Additional shows Jan 2-4. 21 and over. $43.19–$95.57. improv.com
A Beautiful Noise—Dec 31, 7:30pm. Center for the Performing Arts, 255 Almaden Blvd, San Jose. Songs, reaching out, touching you, touching me. Spend New Year’s Eve at this jukebox musical celebrating the life and work of Neil Diamond. Opens Dec 30; additional shows Jan 1-4. All ages. $63-$217.
NYE with Eric Schwartz—Dec 31, 7:30 & 10:30pm. Rooster T. Feathers, 157 W El Camino Real, Sunnyvale. Headliner Schwartz is known to go beyond traditional comedy, offering a mix of stand-up, music and multimedia. Also on the bill are Bay Area comedy regulars Red Scott and Alisha Dhillon. East Coast countdown for the early show; West Coast for the late show. 21 and over. $44.50-$59.50. 408.736.0921. roostertfeathers.com
Emo Night Tour—Dec 31, 8pm. The Ritz, 400 S 1st St, San Jose. The Emo Night Tour Band will play some of the genre’s biggest songs, augmented by sets from DJs spinning a mix of hits from Fall Out Boy, My Chemical Romance and other emo staples. 21 and over. $25.68. theritzsanjose.com
Last Dance—Dec 31, 8pm. The Art Boutiki Music Hall, 44 Race St, San Jose. This popular music venue’s last show will be a New Year’s Eve blowout. The Sick Ones, led by Gabby Horlick, will open; around 11:30pm club owner Dan Vado will take the stage to sing the last set of 2025 with his band, The Coerced, followed by more music to ring in 2026. Pay what you will. artboutiki.com
Morgan Hill Jazz Collective—Dec 31, 8pm–midnight. Cura Contemporary, 17395 Monterey Rd, Morgan Hill. Bid farewell to 2025 with jazz standards, Latin jazz, contemporary and originals, take snaps in the photobooth, and join the countdown to midnight with a balloon drop. Wine, cocktails and other beverages can be purchased throughout the night. Dinner reservations available in Véra restaurant (408.778.1801). Concert only: $45.
Ric Hines & One Country—Dec 31, 9pm–1am. Cedar Room, 1875 S Bascom Ave, Suite 100, Campbell. Ric Hines, a vocalist who blends country charm and rock energy, gets down with his band, sparking a night of line dancing, sing-alongs and feel-good energy. A complimentary champagne toast and balloons will drop at midnight. No cover.
Skalofrios—Dec 31, 9pm. Caravan Lounge, 98 S. Almaden Ave, San Jose. The San Jose band is on the bill, pumping up the crowd with a fusion of ska, punk and metal—plus, more entertainment TBA. No cover.
Sun Kings—Dec 31, 9pm. Club Fox, 2209 Broadway, Redwood City. The Sun Kings will suit up for their 21st New Year’s Eve concert, delivering the best of the Beatles “performed with Hamburg energy and musical authenticity” at the band’s own version of the Cavern Club. Dance, toast and sing along as the Sun Kings say auf wiedersehn to 2025. Admission includes favors and a toast at midnight. $75 general/$100 reserved. To reserve tickets, email ti*****@*********gs.com. clubfoxrwc.com
New Year’s Eve with John Mackk—Dec 31, 9pm–2am. Tiki Pete, 23 N Market St, San Jose. A live performance by John Mackk and sounds by DJ Tsunami precedes the midnight toast, at Tiki Pete! Get ready to experience the best of live music in the heart of San Jose, CA. This in-person event promises an unforgettable night filled with incredible performances and a vibrant atmosphere. 21 and over. $29.44+.
New Year’s Eve with Molly Tuttle—Dec 31, 9:30pm. Guild Theatre, 949 El Camino Real, Menlo Park. On the heels of two Grammy-winning albums with her band Golden Highway, Molly Tuttle returns with a solo album, So Long Little Miss Sunshine, that finds the bluegrass star blending pop, country, rock and flat-picking. All ages (accompanied minors) $109.03-$537.03. guildtheatre.com
Bars & Nightclubs
NYE at Fred’s Place—Dec 31, noon–2am. Fred’s Place, 2534 Old Middlefield Way, Mountain View. The regulars know what to expect here: usual quality cocktails at a reasonable price, plus plenty of smiling faces. Everyone gets a champagne flute at midnight (or sparkling cider for those who aren’t tippling). No cover. 650.940.9838.
Irish New Year—Dec 31, 3pm–midnight. St. Stephen’s Green Irish Pub, 223 Castro St, Mountain View. Get the party started early with food, drinks, dancing and three rounds of good cheer: 3pm for a champagne Euro Toast, 4pm for the Irish Toast—with Guinness, of course—and a bubbly West Coast Toast at midnight.
NYE Karaoke Party—Dec 31, 8pm–1:30am. Quarter Note, 1214 Apollo Way, Sunnyvale. This popular local watering hole lets patrons take center stage for a night of karaoke with a large stage and five microphones, plus a buffet and party favors, with a champagne toast and balloon drop at year’s end. $20. 408.732.2110.
New Year’s Eve at Second Story—Dec 31, 9pm–2am. Second Story, 15 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos. Ring in the new year under Second Story’s chandelier with a complimentary champagne toast and balloon drop. For VIP table reservations, email vi******@***********lg.com. 21 and over. $55.20.
One Fabulous NYE—Dec 31, 9pm. Cardiff & Cocktails, 260 E Campbell Ave, Campbell. Festively decorated for the occasion, Cardiff & Cocktails welcomes Julius Papp, Mr. V and DJ Rated R, who will keep new and classic house music going all the way to 2026. 21 and over. $23.18.
New Year’s Eve Party—Dec 31, 9pm-midnight. Britannia Arms, 5027 Almaden Expwy, San Jose. The popular South San Jose pub welcomes 2026 with music, drinks and a soundtrack provided by DJ Kenny Smith. $10–$20.
Bollywood Ball Drop—Dec 31, 9:30pm–1:45am. Opal Nightclub, 251 Castro St, Mountain View. High on Bolly throws a party with DJ Sikhness + Bassic spinning a fusion of Hindi top 40, hip hop, Punjabi and TikTok trends until the ball drops and the confetti flies. In between dancing and drinks, a photo booth with plenty of accessories offers distraction. 21 and over. $17.85+.
Masquerade Ball—Dec 31, 9:30pm. Pure Nightclub, 146 S Murphy Ave, Sunnyvale. “Mystery meets midnight” at this NYE celebration featuring a midnight countdown with balloon drop and confetti blast. Sequence provides the soundtrack, with Top 40, hip hop and EDM. 21 and over. $19.08 adv (includes admission to Reload on Jan 3). 408.732.2121. purenightclub408.com
New Year 2026—Dec 31, 9:30pm. Monte Carlo 228 Castro St, Mountain View. DJ Hector G, Banda Exclusiva and DJ Sweet rock the club with cumbia, merengue, salsa and musica tropical. 21 and over. $44.52. 650.988.1500.
Food-Forward
Scott’s Seafood NYE—Dec 31, 4:30–7pm. Scott’s Seafood, 200 S 1st St, Suite 10, San Jose. Two ways to celebrate: the chef’s à la carte menu, “built entirely around choice and indulgence,” or a three-course dinner for two with “premium seafood, luxurious holiday touches, and a celebratory dessert.”
New Year’s Eve Dinner—Dec 31, 5pm. Tasting House, 368 Village Ln, Los Gatos. Celebrate the year’s bubbliest holiday at a restaurant known for its champagne tastings. Pair the five-course $185 prix fixe meal (caviar, oysters, truffle risotto and more) with champagne ($100) or wine ($75) pairings.
Dinner and a Grand View—Dec 31, 5–9pm. The GrandView Restaurant & Venue, 15005 Mount Hamilton Road, San Jose. Gain perspective on the upcoming year with an Italian-flavored four-course dinner and cocktails at this restaurant perched high atop the valley. $175 plus tip and beverages. 408.251.8909.
Laurent Perrier Champagne Tasting—Dec 31, 5–10pm. Rootstock Wine Bar, 217 N Santa Cruz Ave, Suite B, Los Gatos. Kick off the last night of the year with a 5–7pm champagne tasting, as Rootstock pours Laurent-Perrier to ease into the evening. (Tasting also at the Mountain View location). Then stick around for live music, 7–10pm. Free tickets for CRU members; $35 for nonmembers. 408.354.7668.
Holiday Dinner—Dec 31, 5–8:30pm. 107 Bistro & Wine Bar, Testarossa Winery, 300 College Ave, Los Gatos. Ring in 2026 with a four-course celebration featuring white Alba truffles, caviar, seasonal flavors and festive touches. $126 + $94 for wine pairing supplement. 408.354.6150.
New Year’s Eve Dinner at Oveja Negra—Dec 31, 6pm. Oveja Negra, Hotel Valencia, 355 Santana Row, San Jose. The hotel’s restaurant will serve a chef-curated four-course dinner with two seatings at 6 and 9pm, followed by featuring music, dancing, and casino games. Welcome 2026 with a champagne toast and a snack. 21 and over. Tickets: $265.
Léal Vineyards NYE Party—Dec 31, 7pm–1am. Léal Vineyards, 300 Maranatha Dr, Hollister. After a plated dinner, dance to live music by Isaiah Pickett and raise a champagne toast at midnight. 21 and over. $95 ($85 wine club members).
Black, White & Bubbly New Year’s Eve Party—Dec 31, 7pm. Tessora’s Wine Bar, 234 East Campbell Ave, Campbell. Dress to impress and get ready to sip and socialize, with live music and DJ, a photo booth, champagne tower and midnight balloon drop. No cover; bottle service available.
New Year’s Eve Party—Dec 31, 9pm–12:30am. Eataly Silicon Valley, 2855 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose. Toast 2026 at the rooftop restaurant, Terra, where guests will enjoy food, cocktails, live music, a midnight toast, photo moments, chef demonstrations, and more. Admission includes two drink tickets and a glass of bubbly at midnight. 21 and over. $187.51+.
Downtown Bashes
Barcrawlerz NYE—Dec 31, 5pm–2am. Barcrawlerz has organized this DTSJ walkabout, with stops at Cash Only (registration spot), The Brit, Caravan Lounge, Mini Boss, the Old Wagon Saloon and Still O.G./Alter Ego. To participate, pre-purchase a wristband and check in 5–10pm at Cash Only (78 E. Santa Clara St.) to get your wristband and map, then enter the bars with no cover. 21 and over. $25.67. 310.273.8772, ext. 1.
Pub Crawls NYE—Dec 31, 6pm–2am. Start at Old Wagon Saloon & Grill, 73 N San Pedro St, San Jose. Check in from 6 to 9pm and pick up a digital bar crawl map, then start crawling. Free entry at participating bars, a free jello shot, DJs at select venues, and a champagne toast at midnight. 21 and over. $30.65. pubcrawls.com.
Soulection & Friends—Dec 31, 8pm–2am. Guildhouse, 420 1st St, San Jose. Los Angeles–based music collective Soulection makes its San Jose debut with sounds from Joe Kay, Esta., Olea and Andres Uribe. Formal attire encouraged. 21 and over. $65–$87.64.
New Year’s Eve Extravaganza XII—Dec 31, 8pm–2am. Downtown San Jose Marriott Hotel, 301 S Market St, San Jose. Taylor Productions and Kilo Enterprises present DJ Brotha Reese, Scotty Fox and DJ Chuy Gomez will spin old school, R&B, salsa and “grown folks music.” Free champagne toast, hors d’oeuvres and party favors. Room deals available. 21 and over. $103.22+.
New Year’s Eve—Dec 31, 8pm–1am. Sushi Confidential, 26 N San Pedro St, San Jose. Ring in 2026 at a celebration designed for a mature crowd, ages 30–50, looking to avoide the chaos of the downtown bar scene. Entertainment includes DJs and live music, street performers, burlesque and go-go dancing, a balloon drop, party favors, a photo booth and red carpet, and (naturally) a champagne toast at midnight. 21 and over. $20–$200 (order early for BOGO deal). 408.863.1424. cirquenye.com
Black & White Ball—Dec 31 at 8pm–1:30am. SP2 Communal Bar + Restaurant, 72 N Almaden Ave, San Jose. The 11th annual bash at SP2 is presented by Heavy Arsenal. Soundtracking the countdown will be Miles Medina, Wreck A Noize, Pdot and JDHD. $12.51+.
Mas Loco NYE—Dec 31, 9pm–1:30am. Mas Loco Cantina, 98 S Second St, San Jose. This new downtown restaurant and bar will be popping with Top 40, hip hop, EDM and dance music. $23.18+.
Bollywood NYE 2026—Dec 31, 9:30pm–1:30am. Continental Bar Lounge & Patio, 349 S 1st St, San Jose. The dress code: white from top to toe. The soundtrack: high-energy Bollywood, Bhangra and Indo house beats from DJ Brown Buoy. Pose for the cameras and keep dancing until the balloon drops and the champagne bubbles. Questions: de*********@***il.com. 21 and over. $23.18.
Grandball NYE 2026—Dec 31, 9:30pm–2am. The GlassHouse SJ, 84 W Santa Clara St, San Jose. Guests will spread out through 12,000 square feet—the main floor, mezzanine bars and outdoor patio—dancing to Top 40, hip hop, EDM, house and more with DJs Shabazz, MytyMyke and Kymi. Party favors, balloon drop. Bottle service: vi*@*************ry.com. 21 and over. $23.18+.
Bollywood Grandeur—Dec 31, 10pm–2am. Aura Kitchen + Bar, 389 S 1st St, San Jose. Event organizer Nach Nachke throws a Bollywood bash, serving up Desi hits and drinks crafted for the occasion. Highlights include a Bollywood/Punjabi dance move battle and a midnight countdown with a massive balloon drop. Bottle service and VIP entry available. 21 and over. $28.52+.
New Year’s Eve at Era Lounge—Dec 31, 10pm-2am. Era Lounge, 386 S 1st St, San Jose. A night of Great Gatsby style, champagne and dancing to Top 40 and hip hop beats. 21 and over. No cover before 10:30pm; $12.46 after that. VIP and bottle service available.
Banquet Halls & Hotels
Throwback New Year’s Eve—Dec 31, 6pm–1:30am. Holiday Inn & Suites Silicon Valley, 1100 Cadillac Court, Milpitas. Club Remix hosts a party with 4Tay and DJ Nardx, plus a live stream from Atlanta with DJ K Keith Flagg. Bottle service available. 21 and over. $39.19+.
Bollywood Masquerade—Dec 31, 7pm–1am. Vishnuji Ki Rasoi, 731 S Wolfe Rd, Sunnyvale. On the menu: dinner, a champagne toast and DJ Mumbai Rani dropping Bolly, Tolly, Punjabi and English chartbusters. Dress code: Glam it up. Masks provided, or wear your own creation. 21 and over. $40–$42.75. 425.247.9815.
Bay Area Singles New Year’s Eve—Dec 31, 8pm–1am. Hilton Garden Inn Sunnyvale, 767 N Mathilda Ave, Sunnyvale. Go solo for an evening of snacks, drinks, prizes and a DJ spinning dance tunes from the past and present. Dressy attire required. $49.87–$80. ($60-$100 at the door).
Punjabi Ballroom—Dec 31, 9pm–2am. Corinthian Grand Ballroom & Pharaoh’s Patio, 196 N 3rd St, San Jose. Silver Key Events hosts this ballroom bash, which offers three different music rooms: Punjabi (Bhangra and modern beats), South Indian (Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam music) and Bollywood (hits from Hindi cinema). Appetizers and drinks, cold sparklers, party accessories, and a countdown and midnight ball drop on the big screen. 21 and over. $33.85+. VIP and bottle service options available: 408.612.1299.
Time Machine—Dec 31, 9pm–1:30am. Event Barn at Treehouse Hotel Silicon Valley, 1100 N Mathilda Ave, Sunnyvale. Go Back to the Future with a New Year’s Eve celebration inspired by the film. The nostalgic evening of light bites and cocktail delights also includes a live band and a champagne toast at midnight. Dress code: vintage-inspired looks. 21 and over. $199.26.
Glitter & Glow With Tortilla Soup—Dec 31, 9pm–1:30am. Bay 101, 1788 N 1st St, San Jose. Nine-piece band Tortilla Soup will rock Bay 101, beginning at 9pm. In addition to R&B and old school beats from Tortilla Soup, the evening also includes the Brown Soul Project, offering live Tex-Mex, rancheras and cumbias. And before, in between and after, DJ Cheatos will keep the dance music going. Dinner packages still TBA. 21 and over. $60.54. 408.828.3229.
Bollywood Habibi—Dec 31, 10pm. Fitoor, 377 Santana Row, No. 1140 San Jose. The dress code is black and gold; the entertainment is provided by DJ Lychee Jelly and a Bollywood belly dancer. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a champagne toast at midnight. 21 and over. $103.22.
Midnight Soirée—Dec 31, 10:30pm–1:30am. Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley, 2050 University Ave, East Palo Alto. Celebrate Gatsby-style at a posh Roaring Twenties after-party. Dress in vintage splendor, enjoy savory and sweet snacks, mark midnight with a celebratory champagne toast and balloon drop, and keep dancing into the early hours. Rooms available for those who want to catch the New Year’s Day brunch at Quattro restaurant. 21 and over. $251.54.
Not Adults Only
Noon Year’s Eve at CDM—Dec 31, 9:30am-4pm. Children’s Discovery Museum Parents who want to ring in the New Year with their kids can mark the arrival of 2026 at Big Purple by participating in the “countdown to midnight across time zones.” Kids can create their own party hats, set goals for the new year at our Resolution Station, and sing and dance with Choo Choo Soul. The museum’s version of the famous Times Square ball drop involves lots of confetti, and at each drop, kids learn about a different country and what people there might be doing. All ages. $18 (infants free; seniors $16).
Noon Year’s Eve at Happy Hollow—Dec 31, 11am–1:30pm. Happy Hollow Park & Zoo, 748 Story Rd, San Jose. At this confetti-filled event, the kids lead the countdown to noon. Entertainment includes musical performances, breakdancing, DJ Danny the Dragon, and activities and crafts. While visiting, it also might be an opportunity to meet Twix, the red panda who recently moved into the zoo. $22. 408.794.6400.
New Year’s Eve at Gilroy Gardens—Dec 31, 4pm-midnight. Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park, 3050 Hecker Pass Hwy, Gilroy. The whole family can enjoy this celebration. In addition to the park’s rides, attractions include North Pole Nights holiday fun and a DJ Dance Party with appetizers and drinks. It culminates with a countdown to midnight and a big fireworks show over Coyote Lake. All ages. $45. gilroygardens.org
Meyhouse New Year—Dec 31, 6pm–midnight. Meyhouse, 187 S Murphy Ave, Sunnyvale. Meyhouse will draw from its Turkish-inspired menu for a prix-fix menu with unlimited house drinks (raki, beer, wine, soft drinks), accompanied by live acoustic Turkish hits by YAZZ and danceable cuts from DJ Ark. Children will be served an $80 prix fixe meal on the mezzanine floor. Adults: $250 plus tax and tip.
New Year Bash—Dec 31, 8pm–1am. Two locations: Sweet Memories Events & Banquet Hall, 14922 Camden Ave, San Jose; Residence Inn by Marriott San Jose Cupertino, 19429 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino. Grab a glow stick, pop into the photo booth and dance to Top 40 hits and Bollywood music with DJ Manny, DJ Vaasi and hip-hop artist Ron Deazy. One free drink; food and additional drinks available for purchase ($5–$15). All ages. $19–$35 for earlybirds. neteffectmedia.com/event-tickets
MNYE 2026—Dec 31, 7pm. M Lounge, 525 Los Coches St, Milpitas. Two DJs playing Bollywood and South Indian, plus a buffet by Madhuban Catering, live entertainment, party favors and all the midnight hoopla. Kids will attend their own party, and pet-sitting is available. $54.13+. 408.430.7575.
Happy New Year 2026—Dec 31, 8pm–2am. Blanco Urban Venue, 12 N San Pedro St, San Jose. Inni Entertainments occupies this DTSJ event space and provides a three-level party with three different DJs and three different musical vibes: Bollywood/EDM, Punjabi/Bhangra and a Telugu/Tamil/Kannada/Malayalam mix. Dinner (served until 10pm) and two drinks included, along with balloon drop, photobooth and party favors. Ages 13 and over. $55.20+. innientertainments.com
Something Completely Different
New Year, New Frequency: Intentions & Soundbath—Dec 31, 5–7pm. House of Sound, 116 Gordon Ave, San Jose. An intention-setting ceremony and immersive soundbath will help release the weight of the year and welcome 2026. $33–$55.
Burning Bowl & Candle Lighting Ceremony—Dec 31, 5:30–7pm. Center for Spiritual Living San Jose, 1195 Clark St, San Jose. Step into the new year with intention and gather in community. $12.51.
The Art of Being Bare and Bubbly—Dec 31, 5:30–11:30pm. Lupin Lodge, 20600 Aldercroft Heights Rd, Los Gatos. The family-friendly “naturist” camp New Year’s Eve with a 1930s-themed dinner and party, honoring its birth year of 1935. The property includes a pool, hot tub, sauna, hiking trails, and other facilities. (Note: nudity is required in the pool, hot tub and sauna to support the naturist tradition.) Dinner call is 5:30pm, followed by a DJ dance party featuring Tangerine & Moonbeam and DJ Desi starting at 8pm. $25 for dance only; $48–$68 with dinner. Additional cost for overnight lodging if desired.
