Traditionally, the best NYE parties in San Francisco have been at leading hotels like the Westin St. Francis and the Palace SF. However, time is quickly running out to purchase last-minute tickets. That’s because events like the Masquerade Ball at Hotel VIA and Fantastic Negrito at The Chapel have sold out. Fortunately, San Francisco will host several other NYE parties and its widely popular fireworks show on San Francisco Bay. The following are four of the best NYE parties at San Francisco hotels and an exceptional bonus selection at Fort Mason Center. Tickets to other Bay Area events may still be found through Eventbrite.
Leading New Year’s Eve (NYE) Parties in San Francisco
ALIST SF Passport To The World NYE Party
Westin St. Francis Hotel
335 Powell St.
San Francisco, CA 94102
www.alistsf.com
The landmark Westin St. Francis will once again host what’s known as the “Glitziest New Year’s Eve Party in SF.” Now in its 14th year, Passport to the World will feature several themed rooms representing different parts of the world like Asia, Europe, and the U.S., several DJs, and a hosted open bar backed by more than 22 bartenders. DJs like DJ Kevin Michaels and Norse Code will be on hand to spin the hottest sounds and provide additional entertainment from Taiko drummers, stilt walkers, dancers, and more.
Related: BEI Hotel San Francisco
ALIST Highlights
Other highlights include a premium-hosted open bar, interactive experiences, and a fashion show. More than 12 models from around the world will appear on the catwalk. Passport to the World is arguably the most upscale NYE party in the City, and black ties are requested. Alist San Francisco hosts the event. Last-minute reservations may be made directly through the Westin SF, in the heart of Union Square, or reputable online travel sites like Expedia and HotelTonight. Because of its prime location in Union Square, this is an excellent event for you to consider.
Related: FAQs For San Francisco Visitors
All That Glitters
Virgin Hotels San Francisco
250 Fourth St.
San Francisco, CA 94103
www.facebook.com
One of the City’s luxury properties will help ring in 2020 with its “All That Glitters” NYE party at Virgin Hotels San Francisco. Located near Moscone Center, the event is described as a hotel-wide party featuring well-known DJs like M3, TSR Airlines, Cole Odin, DJ Kimmy, and live performers.
Related: Best San Francisco Restaurants For New Year’s Eve Dinner
Tickets
Tickets may be purchased through Eventbrite or at the door. The price includes the cover charge and entrance to the party with a cash bar and food items available through the Commons Club bar food menu. Virgin Hotels San Francisco may also offer a New Year’s Eve dinner with a pre-fix menu and wine pairings at the Commons Club. Please get in touch with the hotel directly, or another recommended online travel site for hotel reservations.
Update:
Virgin Hotels San Francisco is currently undergoing litigation. It is unclear if it will reopen again in 2022.
Related: Visit San Francisco This Winter
Mega New Year’s Eve Party
Palace Hotel San Francisco
Two New Montgomery St.
San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 260-9920
www.aykutevents.com
The Bay Area’s Aykut Events is once again hosting its New Year’s Eve party at the historic Palace Hotel. Billed as the City’s “No. 1 NYE Party”, the extravaganza is also known as the International Ball and will feature four separate rooms. There will be ten world-renowned DJs, including the event’s founder and host, DJ Aykut Akcaopglu. The party will also feature DJs KBLO, DJ Santero, Dr. T, and Turker, who will spin hip-hop, Top 40, house music, and other popular dance grooves. Each of the rooms will also have massive balloon drops, in addition to fabulous dancers and drummers.
Tickets
Tickets include access to the hosted premium open bar, with brands like Johnny Walker Black, Hennessy, Belvedere vodka, and Don Julio tequila. For hotel reservations, please check directly with the Palace Hotel or through a reputable online source. Party guests should take selfies or two at the hotel’s iconic Garden Court, one of San Francisco’s most famous dining spots.
Palace Hotel
With its central location bordering Market Street, the Palace Hotel is another excellent spot for NYE. You are just minutes from a BART station and Muni.
NYE Massive 2020
Parc 55 Hilton
55 Cyril Magnin St.
San Francisco, CA 94102
Now in its 16th year, NYE Massive 2020 is known as the original and longest-running multi-city themed NYE event. Held at the highly rated Parc 55 Hilton, the party will showcase world-class DJs like Myty Myke, J-Trip, and Lando 1 and five themed dance floors. It will also offer premium party favors, enormous balloon drops, state-of-the-art lighting and sound system, and a premium-hosted bar. Parc 55 has easy access to BART and Muni, like the Palace Hotel.
Tickets
Limited tickets may still be available for VIP service, including a private hosted bar, bartenders, and a private dance floor. One of the most popular NYE parties in San Francisco, NYE Massive 2020, has consistently sold out, although tickets may be available at the door. The event observes a strict dress code, with semi-formal or evening attire required. Overnight accommodations may still be available through Parc 55 or reliable travel sites. You may also be interested in dining at its acclaimed Michelin-star Thai eatery, Kin Khao.
Update:
Kin Khao is currently unavailable to dine. However, its sister restaurant, Nari, may still be taking reservations. Nari is several minutes away in Japantown.
Eye Heart New Year’s Eve
Fort Mason Center
Two Marina Blvd.
San Francisco, CA 94123
www.facebook.com
Independent San Francisco promoters Eye Heart SF will host its 11th annual Eye Heart NYE at Fort Mason Center. Backed with commanding views of the Golden Gate Bridge along the city’s waterfront, the event will feature platinum-selling DJ Dillon Francis and other DJs like Cyber Rodeo, DJ Dials, and DJ Dilly. Eye Heart NYE is a former recipient of “Best Event in San Francisco” by Rolling Stone magazine, VICE, and DJ Mag. In addition, other sources call it one of the best NYE parties in America.
Tickets
All tickets include access to the premium open bar for GA or VIP sections, world-class lighting and sound system, and Silent Disco at a second stage. Eye Heart NYE will also offer an expanded number of bars and bartenders even though it’s already been described as having the best bartender-guest ratio than any other competing party in the country. A bonus is the opportunity to watch the City’s magnificent fireworks show over the Bay. Limited VIP tables may still be available, and a “dress to impress” dress code is recommended.
About The Author
Randy Yagi is an award-winning freelance writer who served as the National Travel Writer for CBS from 2012 to 2019. More than 900 of his stories still appear in syndication across 23 CBS websites, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco. During his peak years with CBS, Randy had a reported digital audience reach of 489 million and 5.5 million monthly visitors. Additionally, his stories have appeared in the Daily Meal, CBS News, CBS Radio, Engadget, NBC.com, NJ.com, and Radio.com. He earned a Media Fellowship from Stanford University in 2012.