Getting your Trinity Audio player ready. Another year has already come and (almost) gone, leaving precious few days before the calendar turns to 2026. Dinner reservations at some of the region’s most popular restaurants and hotels are already filling up, and tickets for concerts like Peninsula-raised bluegrass artist Molly Tuttle have some ticket levels waitlisted. New Year’s Eve in Silicon Valley also means Noon Year’s Eve celebrations for kids, upscale galas for adults and more laid-back events like comedy shows and dance lessons. Don’t wait until the eleventh hour: Get your plans in order with our guide to New Year’s Eve happenings (along with a few New Year’s Day events). Family-friendly events Foster City Library The library will host a Teen Noon Year’s Eve with a mini disco ball ornament decorating craft activity. Supplies will be provided while it lasts; no registration required. This program is for students in middle and high school. Dec. 23, 2-3 p. m. at the Foster City Library, 1000 E. Hillsdale Blvd., Foster City. Free. smcl. bibliocommons. com/events/693c83177ed7c62f00aa328f. Portola Valley Library Rainbow Fish will be the special guest at Portola Valley Library’s Noon Year’s Storytime Celebration, featuring songs, stories, crafts and a countdown to noon. Dec. 28, 11 a. m.-noon, Portola Valley Library, 765 Portola Road, Portola Valley. Free. smcl. bibliocommons. com/events/6920f23e3631b51f2ece7b4f. North Fair Oaks Library Kids can ring in 2026 early with book character Biscuit the Dog, a special storytime, food and a noon balloon drop. This program will be provided in Spanish. Dec. 29, 10: 30 a. m.-noon, North Fair Oaks Library, 2510 Middlefield Road, Redwood City. Free. smcl. bibliocommons. com/events/69092525886bb73600b8f98f. Woodside Library Cookie Mouse from “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” will be the special guest for Woodside Library’s Noon Year’s storytime. Dec. 30, 10: 30-11: 30 a. m., Woodside Library, 3140 Woodside Road, Woodside. Free. smcl. bibliocommons. com/events/6920f2663631b51f2ece7b53. Sunnyvale Library The library hosts a Noon Year’s Eve event with crafts and music. Dec. 30, 10 a. m.-noon, Sunnyvale Community Center ballroom, 550 E. Remington Drive, Sunnyvale. Free. sunnyvale. ca. gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/9823/19 Belmont Library The Very Hungry Caterpillar makes a special guest appearance at the library’s Noon Year Eve celebration, which also offers storytime, songs and crafts and a countdown to noon. Dec. 30, 11 a. m.-noon, Belmont Library, 1110 Alameda de las Pulgas, Belmont. Free. smcl. bibliocommons. com/events/691d1c34a64b7d0d61f7e1d8. East Palo Alto Library Bring the kids by the library for a Noon Year’s storytime with Paddington Bear, featuring songs, crafts and more. Dec. 31, 11 a. m.-noon, East Palo Alto Library, 2415 University Ave., East Palo Alto. Free. smcl. bibliocommons. com/events/690d1d5764ad59251cbad770. Pinstripes The San Mateo bowling and bocce center will host two family-friendly parties for New Year’s. The day will kick off with the Noon Year’s Eve party, featuring a balloon drop at noon, a kid-friendly mocktail “champagne” toast, a DJ and dance party, a buffet, games, face painting, arts and crafts and party favors. In the evening, Pinstripes will have a DJ and dancing, a photo booth, party favors (while supplies last), raffles and a complimentary champagne toast and balloon drop at midnight. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Dec. 31, Noon Year’s Eve is 11 a. m.-1 p. m., New Year’s Eve 8 p. m.-midnight, Pinstripes, 36 Hillsdale Mall, San Mateo. Noon Year’s Eve is $31. 27 each (max two kids per adult, free for children under 3). New Year’s Eve party is free admission; reservations recommended for gaming and dining. Must be 21 and over for complimentary champagne toast. tinyurl. com/pinstripesnye. Rinconada Library As part of its ICYMI movie series, the library screens a double feature of the police drama spoofs “The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad” (1988) and “The Naked Gun” (2025). Bring a chair and enjoy light snacks. Best suited for ages 14 and up. Dec. 31, 1: 30-4: 30 p. m., Rinconada Library, 1213 Newell Road, Palo Alto. tinyurl. com/NYERinconadaLibrary. Tickets will only be sold in advance and are expected to sell out. Dec. 31, 10 a. m.-1 p. m. $16-$25 (free for children under 3). hiller. org/event/noon-years-eve-a-fun-event-kids. Live music will accompany the evening. Dec. 31, 5-10 p. m., Adrestia at TETRA Hotel, 400 W. Java Drive, Sunnyvale. $195. 84 each. tetrahotelsv. com/upcoming-events/new-years-eve-dinner. Cetrella The restaurant’s four-course, prix-fixe menu includes dishes such as kabocha squash agnolotti, filet mignon and pomegranate panna cotta, with a sparkling wine toast at midnight. Dec. 31, 5 p. m.-midnight, Cetrella, 160 State St., Los Altos. $125 per person. cetrella. com. Wine pairings are available for an additional cost. Dec. 31, 5-8 p. m., Chez TJ, 938 Villa St., Mountain View. $350 each, excluding beverages, tax and service charge. Reserve at cheztj. com or by calling 650-964-7466. International Masquerade at Crowne Plaza Five different international-themed rooms feature four live bands and 10 DJs playing music from salsa and bachata to reggaeton, Top 40, pop and more, with musical guests that include Sonora Dinamita, Julio Bravo y su Orquesta, Drive the Band, DJs Bachatero, Sabor, Rich Era and others. The party also offers dancers and live carnival performances with Amor Do Samba entertainment, plus drummers and a balloon drop at midnight. 8 p. m.-2 a. m., San Mateo Crowne Plaza, 1221 Chess Drive, Foster City. From $65. 87 general admission. Hotel packages available. crowneplazanyeparty. com. Ethel’s Fancy The restaurant serves a special four-course family-style menu of eight to 10 seasonal dishes for New Year’s Eve. Dec. 31, limited seating, reservations suggested. Ethel’s Fancy, 550 Waverley St., Palo Alto. Reserve at ethelsfancypa. comor call 650-561-4860. Flea Street Dine at the Menlo Park restaurant on New Year’s Eve and be done in time for a night out on the town (or to watch the ball drop on TV from home). Reservations for the five-course dinner remain from 5: 30-7: 30 p. m. as of Dec. 16. Flea Street, 3607 Alameda de las Pulgas, Menlo Park. $185 each, excluding service charges, tax and beverages. cooleatz. com/reservations. New Year’s Eve Gala at Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley The hotel is hosting a 1920s-inspired New Year’s Eve gala with Prohibition-style cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres, followed by a four-course dinner paired with live jazz and swing music. Ring in 2026 with a DJ, dancing, late-night bites and a champagne toast countdown with a balloon drop. Vintage-inspired cocktail attire or formalwear is encouraged. Dec. 31, 7 p. m.-1 a. m., Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley, 2050 University Ave., East Palo Alto. $507. 64 each. tinyurl. com/fourseasonsnyegala. Dec. 31, 5: 30-9 p. m., Madera at Rosewood Sand Hill, 2825 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park. $198 each. tinyurl. com/maderanyedinner. Meyhouse The Sunnyvale restaurant will offer dinner and unlimited house beer, wine and raki for patrons 21 and over, with live dance music from DJ Ark and acoustic Turkish hits from YAZZ. A separate kids’ menu will be available. Dec. 31, 6 p. m.-midnight, Meyhouse, 187 S. Murphy Ave., Sunnyvale. $312. 50 for adults, $102. 50 for kids. meyhousejazz. com/event-details/new-year-celebration. Moonraker Restaurant The Coastside restaurant will offer a special three-course menu and a complimentary glass of sparkling wine at midnight. Dishes include lobster chestnut bisque, beef wellington, Maine lobster tail and lobster mac, oyster Rockefeller and more. Vegetarian menu available upon request. Dec. 31, 3-9 p. m., Moonraker Restaurant, 105 Rockaway Beach Ave., Pacifica. $120 per adult, $60 per child 12 and under, $60 extra for wine pairing. Excludes tax, beverages and gratuity. moonrakerpacifica. com/#new-years-eve-2025. NAR Restaurant The Azerbaijani eatery, which recently opened in Mountain View, will serve a prix fixe menu. Seating is limited, so reservations are recommended. Dec. 31, 7 p. m.-midnight, NAR Restaurant, 286 W. El Camino Real, Mountain View. $85 each. instagram. com/narrestaurant_. ROOH Palo Alto The upscale modern Indian restaurant will host a live DJ performance by Arpit and serve a curated four-course menu. Reservations are highly recommended and are available from 6-8 p. m. or 8: 30-10: 30 p. m. Dec. 31, 6-10: 30 p. m., ROOH Palo Alto, 473 University Ave., Palo Alto. Prices vary. roohrestaurants. com/pa-reservations. Speakeasy New Year’s Eve at Roger Bar and Restaurant The Ameswell Hotel restaurant will host a speakeasy-themed New Year’s Eve celebration with live music, 25% off drinks, a free glass of sparkling wine and a midnight balloon drop. Choose a three- or four-course menu featuring dishes like prime rib with au gratin potatoes and broccolini, lobster bisque, squid ink fettuccine and more. Dec. 31, 5 p. m.-1 a. m. (dinner 5-10 p. m.) at Roger Bar and Restaurant, Ameswell Hotel, 800 Moffett Blvd., Mountain View. $80 prix fixe three-course menu or $95 four-course menu. Service charges may apply. Reservations required. rogerbarandrestaurant. com. Second Story Los Gatos Ring in the new year with a live DJ, complimentary champagne toast and a balloon drop at midnight. Table packages will also be available for bottle service. Dec. 31, 9 p. m.-2 a. m., Second Story, 15 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos. $55. 20 each; 21 and over, dress code strictly enforced. tinyurl. com/secondstorynye. The Sea by Alexander’s Steakhouse The restaurant will serve a special tasting menu from Chef Yu Min Lin that includes lobster salad, miso black cod and CAB Prime Tenderloin. An optional pairing of wines by the glass is available. Dec. 31, 5-9 p. m., The Sea by Alexander’s Steakhouse, 4269 W. El Camino Real, Palo Alto. $225 per person; $325 with wine pairing. theseausa. com. Telefèric Barcelona Diners can ring in the new year with a menu of tapas and paella that includes dishes such as Jamon Ibérico de Bellota, ceviche de gallo, a choice of toro, lobster or veggie paella, as well as desserts. The restaurant’s regular a la carte menu will also be available. Dec. 31, 3 p. m. until closing, Telefèric Barcelona, 50 University Ave., Suite B270, Los Gatos; NYE menu $78 per person. opentable. com/r/teleferic-barcelona-los-gatos. Valley Goat Treehouse Silicon Valley’s restaurant rings in the new year with a specially curated prix-fixe dinner by chef Stephanie Izard. The following day, guests can ease into 2026 with a Recovery Brunch designed to revive, with comfort-food classics, morning-after cocktails, New Year’s Eve dinner Dec. 31, 4-10 p. m. Adults $150 plus tax and gratuity; children $40 plus tax and gratuity; Reserve at tinyurl. com/valleygoatnyedinner. Recovery Brunch Jan. 1, 11 a. m.-2 p. m. Prices are a la carte. Reserve at tinyurl. com/valleygoatnydbrunch. Both events take place at Valley Goat, 1100 N. Mathilda Ave., Sunnyvale. Performances, dancing and special events Bubblefest The Half Moon Bay Wine and Cheese Company celebrates the end of the year with a curated lineup of Champagne, cava, prosecco and sparkling wines from around the world, along with light snacks. Dec. 27, 1-5 p. m., Half Moon Bay Wine and Cheese Company, 421 Main St., Half Moon Bay. $75 per person. hmbwineandcheese. com/2025-bubblefest. Alhambra Irish House The pub holds two celebrations, starting with an afternoon party that rings in 2026 on Irish time (4 p. m.) with live music by singer Stephen Ross, Irish food and a Guinness toast. A 1920s, Gatsby-themed party takes place in the evening, featuring a four-course dinner, with dancing to live music from band Nocturnal Paranoia and a midnight champagne toast. Guests can purchase tickets to attend the dinner only or get tickets for dinner and dancing. Dec. 31, Irish New Year 3-5 p. m. $5 per person; Gatsby party begins at 6 p. m. $80 per person dinner only; $100 per person dinner and dancing. Both events take place at Alhambra Irish House, 831 Main St., Redwood City. alhambra-irish-house. com. Cardiff & Cocktails Guests can sip on cocktails and dance to new and classic house music with DJs Rated R, Julius Papp and Mr. V. Dec. 31, 9 p. m., Cardiff & Cocktails, 260 E. Campbell Ave., Campbell. $23. 18. eventbrite. com. Club Fox Beatles tribute band The Sun Kings present their annual New Year’s Eve party, with party favors and midnight toast. Dec. 31, 9 p. m., Club Fox, 2223 Broadway St., Redwood City, $75 general admission; $100 reserved. clubfoxrwc. com. Cubberley Ballroom Guests can learn to merengue and waltz with instructors Samy, James and Michelle at a New Year’s Eve dance party and lesson. Masks optional. Dec. 31, lesson begins at 8 p. m. and dance party takes place 9 p. m.-midnight, Cubberley Pavilion, 4000 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. $20. cubberleyballroom. com. Maya Nightclub The club’s Nueva Era NYE features a masquerade theme, high-energy music with Latin EDM, hip-hop, reggaeton, house and more, live performers, party favors, and a countdown with confetti cannons and visual special effects. Guests are encouraged to dress to impress; masks suggested but not required. Dec. 31, 9 p. m., Maya Nightclub, 1776 Broadway, Redwood City. From $28. 52. eventbrite. com. Molly Tuttle Peninsula-raised two-time Grammy Award-winning bluegrass artist Molly Tuttle returns to The Guild Theatre for an intimate concert. Earlier this year, Tuttle released the solo album, “So Long Little Miss Sunshine,” bringing pop, country and rock into the mix. Dec. 31, 9: 30 p. m., The Guild Theatre, 949 El Camino Real, Menlo Park. $124-$1,456 (some ticket levels waitlisted). guildtheatre. com. Monte Carlo The club hosts a party featuring live music by Banda Exclusiva, plus dancing to DJ Sweet and DJ Hector. Dec. 31, 9 p. m., Monte Carlo, 228 Castro St., Mountain View. $44. 52. tinyurl. com/MonteCarloClubNYE. Pioneer Saloon Paper Thin will play favorite soul and rock songs at a party where guests can enjoy snacks, a champagne toast and party favors. Dec. 31, 9 p. m.-1 a. m. Pioneer Saloon, 2925 Woodside Road, Woodside. pioneersaloonmusic. com. Rooster T. Feathers Comedian Eric Schwartz headlines an evening of laughs, with Red Scott and Alisha Dillon also on the bill, and a champagne toast. Two seatings, with an early show celebrating the East Coast countdown and a late show counting down to West Coast midnight. Shows are 21+. Dec. 31, 7: 30 and 10: 30 p. m., Rooster T. Feathers, 157 W. El Camino Real, Sunnyvale. Advance purchase required: $44. 50 7: 30 p. m. show; $59. 50 10: 30 p. m. show. rooster-t-feathers. seatengine-sites. com. Stephens Green The Irish pub holds two celebrations: an afternoon party that celebrates the new year on Irish time (4 p. m.) with a Guinness toast, and an evening party with dancing to DJ CMC Beatz and a champagne toast to celebrate the West Coast countdown. Dec. 31, Irish New Year 3-5 p. m.. Free; evening party 8 p. m. Cover TBA. 223 Castro St., Mountain View. ststephensgreen. com. Tipsy Putt Tipsy Putt will be reservation-free (except for group tables) with no cover charges. There will be a live DJ, champagne toasts and bar games. Dec. 31, 6 p. m.-1 a. m., Tipsy Putt, 301 W. McKinley Ave. #150, Sunnyvale. Prices vary. tipsyputt. com/event/ring-in-the-new-year-at-tipsy-putt-no-cover-no-stress. Topgolf Burlingame The driving range offers a package with unlimited game play for up to six guests, snacks and dessert bites, DJ music and a midnight toast. Dec. 31, 9 p. m.-1 a. m., Topgolf Burlingame, 258 Anza Blvd., Burlingame. $555. 39. eventbrite. com. Time Machine: A Nostalgic New Year’s Eve Treehouse Hotel Silicon Valley takes inspiration from the classic ’80s film “Back to the Future” for an evening of light bites and cocktails, live music and a champagne toast at midnight. Dec. 31, 9 p. m.-1: 30 a. m., Treehouse Hotel Silicon Valley, 1100 N. Mathilda Ave., Sunnyvale. $185 per person. treehousehotels. com. New Year’s Day events Hair of the Dog Hike Filoli visitors can take a 2-mile, self-guided hike, which offers access to private trails that are only open for special events. Three refreshment stations on the route will serve alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages. Jan. 1, 11 a. m.-2 p. m., Filoli, 86 Cañada Road, Woodside. $75 per person (includes daytime admission to Filoli house and gardens). filoli. org/holidays/#hair-of-the-dog. First Day Hikes California State Parks offer guided New Year’s Day hikes of varying lengths and difficulty levels that explore natural features and wildlife. Participating area parks include Big Basin Redwoods, Montara State Beach and Burleigh H. Murray Ranch. Jan. 1, many hikes begin at 10 a. m. Visit parks. ca. gov/? page_id=30737 to find an interactive map of participating parks and more details about each hike. New Year’s Day Yoga Ananda Temple of Palo Alto holds a 2. 5-hour yoga retreat that will include a relaxation session with the sounds of singing bowls and a 30-minute meditation. Jan. 1, 10 a. m.-12: 30 p. m. Ananda Temple of Palo Alto, 2171 El Camino Real, Palo Alto. $45. tinyurl. com/AnandaPAJan1Yoga. Porta Blu New Year’s Day Brunch The restaurant serves a buffet brunch with classic dishes such as scrambled eggs, frittata, bacon and fresh fruit. Jan. 1, 7 a. m.-2 p. m., Hotel Nia, 200 Independence Drive, Menlo Park. $60 per person. opentable. com/r/porta-blu-menlo-park.
https://www.almanacnews.com/ae/news-events/2025/12/18/our-picks-to-ring-in-2026-new-years-eve-parties-performances-and-deluxe-dinners-around-the-peninsula/