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New Year's Eve Fireworks, Balloon Drops, and Other San Francisco Celebrations for Kids

See the snowfall on New Year's Eve! Photo courtesy of Gilroy Gardens
See the snowfall on New Year's Eve! Photo courtesy of Gilroy Gardens
12/18/22 - By Sandra Lee

New Year's Eve celebrations in the San Franciso Bay Area are as unique and amazing as the city we live in, and your family can ring in 2023 with everything from fireworks to balloon drops. And for little ones who need their usual bedtime, we've also found a whole bunch of Noon Year's Eve parties that take place everywhere from Sausalito to San Jose. In true San Francisco style, we've also got events that celebrate a multitude of cultures on New Year's Eve, including Kwanzaa and a Japanese bell-ringing ceremony. However you celebrate, grab those noisemakers and start the countdown—Happy 2023 everyone!

The festivities don't end with the new year; there are plenty of holiday events and activities that keep going after January 1st. And we're adding new events to our San Francisco calendar every day, so be sure to check it frequently to find an outing that's perfect for your family.

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Pop in for the balloon drop on Noon Year's Eve at the Hiller Aviation Center. Photo courtesy of the center
Pop in for the balloon drop on Noon Year's Eve at the Hiller Aviation Center. Photo courtesy of the center

Noon Year's Eve Events

Noon Year's Eve at Bay Area Discovery Museum

Sausalito - Saturday, December 31
The Bay Area Discovery Museum is hosting a Noon Year's Eve Party complete with a dance party and a countdown with an epic ball drop. Then, enjoy all the winter-themed spaces and activities around the museum for the rest of the day like iceless skating!  READ MORE

Noon Year’s Eve Celebration at Hiller Aviation Museum

San Carlos - Saturday, December 31
Head over to Hiller Aviation Museum in San Carlos for a fun, family-friendly NOON Year's Eve party! Activities include live music, face painting, magic shows, a puppet show, and three balloon drops at noon.  READ MORE

Thrive City Winter Wonderland: Kwanzaa & Noon Year's Eve

San Francisco - Saturday, December 31
Free
Chase Center rings in the New Year with a Kwanzaa celebration with music, arts and crafts, treats, and a countdown drop at noon. The Rock and Roll Playhouse will feature music from Fela Kuti, and Winter Wonderland is open for all the holiday fun.  READ MORE

Bouncy Ball New Year

Novato - Saturday, December 31
Free
Head to downtown Novato to celebrate the end of 2023 at this free, family-friendly event. 23,000 small bouncy balls are dropped onto the street from a ladder truck 40 ft. in the air with a countdown at noon. Kids get a souvenir "hard hat" and can collect as many bouncy balls as they can carry.  READ MORE

Noon Year's Eve at Happy Hollow

San Jose - Saturday, December 31
Countdown to 2024 with the little ones at noon at Happy Hollow. Starting at 11 am, families can enjoy activities like magic with Dan Chan, live entertainment, scavenger hunt, crafts, food, and rides. Countdown with a lowered disco ball and confetti blast at noon.  READ MORE

New Year's Eve Events

39th Annual Japanese New Year’s Bell-Ringing Ceremony

San Francisco - Saturday, December 31
The Asian Art Museum is ready to ring in the New Year with a 2,100-pound, 16th-century Japanese temple bell. The ceremony includes a purification ritual and chanting of the Buddhist Heart Sutra. Then it's open to the public, giving families the chance to leave behind anything negative from the previous year. READ MORE

New Year's Eve Celebration at Gilroy Gardens

Gilroy - Saturday, December 31
Gilroy Gardens is hosting a grand New Year's Eve celebration for families of all ages to welcome 2025. Activities include a Charlie Brown and Snoopy dance party, live music, a photo booth, unique food items, and fireworks at midnight.  READ MORE

Annual Balloon Drop at Chabot

Oakland - Saturday, December 31
Count down to 2025 around the world with balloon drops at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 3 p.m., and 4 p.m. at the Chabot Space and Science Center. With drop times for the 5 and under and 6-12, this family-friendly event is a great way to celebrate the New Year! READ MORE

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