NYE 2025: Best New Year's Eve fireworks, family-friendly festivities in the Bay Area
SAN FRANCISCO - Ring in 2025 with a fantastic pyrotechnics display and other fun, family-friendly activities. We've compiled a list of events for you that are either low-cost or free.
All the events are on Dec. 31.
SAN FRANCISCO
San Francisco is popping off fireworks along the eastern side of the city by the waterfront. The best spots will be along the Embarcadero. The show begins at midnight and lasts about 15 minutes. Free.
At Chase Center's Thrive City, there will be live music from the Rock and Roll Playhouse featuring Soji Sai and the Afrobeats, arts and craft activities, treats and a countdown to the new year at 11:59 a.m. Free. www.chasecenter.com
NOVATO
Novato is dropping 25,000 small bouncy balls onto the street at noon. The event is free. Kids get a souvenir hard hat and can keep as many balls as their pockets can hold.
OAKLAND
Enjoy a big balloon drop throughout the day at the Chabot Space and Science Center.
Space is limited for this special event, so book in advance. The price per child is $5 for members and $10 for guests, in addition to normal museum ticket prices.
BERKELEY
Lawrence Hall of Science organizers will be ringing in the New Year with confetti cannons and drops set to occur every 45 minutes beginning at 10:45 a.m. through 5 p.m. Included with museum admission. www.lawrencehallofscience.org
PIEDMONT
The Piedmont Recreation Department is hosting a family-friendly New Year's party from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. $10 a person at the Piedmont Veterans Memorial Building. Balloon drop, music and crafts.
SAN JOSE
Ball drop and live entertainment from MC Choo Choo Soul from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose. Activities included with museum admission. 408-298-5437. www.cdm.org
Christmas in the Park in San Jose is open until 10 p.m. and closes for the season on Jan. 1. It's free to walk through the park.
SAN CARLOS
The Hiller Aviation Museum in San Carlos is hosting a daytime, family event with a singalong, puppets, Gemar the Magician, and a noon countdown and balloon drop. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are only sold online. No tickets will be sold at the door, organizers said. The event runs from 10 a.m to 1 p.m. For more information, click here.
If you know of a fun, family-friendly and low-cost New Year's event in the Bay Area, please send the information and the website link to ktvuwebproducers@fox.com