Celebrate the start of 2026 with local events on New Year’s Eve
Is it just us, or did December fly by? Somehow, it’s almost time to count down to the start of 2026. If midnight in the Pacific Standard Time zone is too late for your little ones, consider joining Chabot Space & Science Center for their Balloon Drop celebrations throughout the day on December 31 in Oakland. If you’d prefer to dance the night away, check out the USS Hornet’s popular New Year’s Eve Gala. For those craving a touch of luxury and extravagance, grab a ticket for LUXE Cruise’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks Dinner Cruise, which launches from Alameda. In the heart of Downtown Alameda, the Alameda Theatre & Cineplex invites Stranger Things fans to showings of the much-anticipated final episode of the series on the big screen on December 31 and January 1. And as a friendly reminder—if you’re planning to dine out this New Year’s Eve, be sure to call ahead (or go online) and grab a reservation ASAP!
New Year Balloon Drop
Chabot Space & Science Center, 10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland
East Bay parents will be pleased to know that Chabot Space & Science Center is planning another festive annual Balloon Drop. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the family- and bedtime-friendly tradition.
Enjoy a countdown to midnight from different time zones around the world before hundreds of colorful balloons fall from above. Event times are scheduled as follows (click on event time for more info and to purchase tickets):
- 11 a.m.: Ages 5 and under.
- Noon: Ages 6-12.
- 2 p.m.: Special members only drop.
- 3 p.m.: Ages 5 and under.
- 4 p.m.: Ages 6-12.
Space is limited for this special event, so book your tickets in advance. The price per child is $5 for members and $10 for guests, in addition to normal museum ticket prices. Please arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled event time so you can check in.
New Years Eve Gala 2025
USS Hornet, 707 West Hornet Ave., Alameda
Wave goodbye to 2025 onboard an historic Aircraft Carrier at the USS Hornet’s New Year’s Eve Gala. This popular annual event is a fundraiser for the USS Hornet Sea, Air & Space museum. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., live music starts at 8:30 p.m., and festivities last until 1 a.m. on January 1.
The Hornet’s enclosed, heated Hangar Deck will feature headliner 3 O’Clock Jump, an 18-piece classic Big Band. Special guest Nick Rossi will take the stage as well—accompanied by a live band—for vintage jazz music. Dance the night away, bid in a silent auction, and enjoy a selection of food and drinks available for purchase. The dress code is Black Tie Optional.
Tickets start at $69. For accessibility information, visit the USS Hornet website. See the event page to get more information, choose a ticket tier, and reserve your spot. Please note that children under 12 are not allowed. If you’d like to tour the ship, save your ticket stub for free museum admission until January 31.
New Year’s Eve Fireworks Dinner Cruise
LUXE Cruises, 2394 Mariner Square Drive, Alameda
Celebrate the start of 2026 in style with the New Year’s Eve Fireworks Dinner Cruise on San Francisco Bay by LUXE Cruises. Come aboard the Cabernet Sauvignon yacht, and enjoy a night of luxury with dinner, drinks, and dancing.
Explore the 124-foot yacht, mingle with guests, and watch fireworks from one of the four decks. The New Year’s Eve dinner buffet includes a variety of celebratory food, from prime rib to caramel chocolate cake. Cocktails, beer, wine, champagne, soda, and juice are all included in your ticket price.
The schedule for the evening is as follows:
- 8:30 p.m.: Check in begins.
- 9 p.m.: Boarding, bars open.
- 9:30 p.m.: Underway, all buffets open.
- Midnight: Fireworks viewing over the Bay.
- 12:45 a.m.: Bars stop serving alcoholic beverages.
- 1:15 a.m.: Return to dock for disembarking.
Tickets for this ritzy event start at $352.23 and are very limited, so reserve a spot in advance. The dress code is “Semi formal/Cocktail.” If you have any questions or need to arrange for dietary restrictions in advance, please email [email protected].
Stranger Things Season 5 Finale
Alameda Theatre & Cineplex, 2317 Central Avenue, Alameda
Spend your New Year’s Eve in the Upside Down with the Stranger Things Season 5 Finale and Carnival. Catch the very last episode of the wildly popular Netflix series on the big screen at Alameda Theatre & Cineplex.
Tickets to this event are sure to sell out quickly, so reserve your LUX recliner seat in the historic Alameda theater as soon as possible. The show plays at 5:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 31, and 11 a.m., 1:50 p.m., 4:40 p.m., 7:30 p.m., and 10:20 p.m. on Thursday, January 1.
On Wednesday, December 31, your ticket will include access to a special carnival with games, activities, and surprises at the theatre. On Thursday, January 1, ticketholders will receive a credit for the Cinema Grill. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for kids.
New Year’s Eve at Your Favorite Local Restaurant or Bar
Alameda
It’s loads of fun to get dressed up for a fancy party on New Year’s Eve, but there’s something special about pulling up a chair or barstool at your favorite local spot to toast to the beginning of a new year.
Times are tough for a lot of Alamedans, and our businesses are getting hit hard. Gift shops are struggling during rising economic uncertainty, local eateries are suffering from long-term road construction, and Alameda business owners are concerned about loss of business due to upcoming tunnel closures for the Oakland Alameda Access Project.
So please consider starting 2026 with a vote for our small, local businesses. Whether it’s an elaborate prix fixe menu by candlelight, or a cold beer at your favorite dive bar, you’ll be spending quality time celebrating in this community on our island home. We’ll raise a glass to that.
What else is going on for New Year’s Eve?
Check out our online Events Calendar for more New Year’s Eve festivities in Alameda and beyond. Be sure to change the geographical search radius to see events outside of our island. Happy New Year!
Amanda Laird is the Content Manager and Events Editor of the Alameda Post. Her writing is collected at AlamedaPost.com/Amanda-Laird. Reach her at [email protected].
