The San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau says the city really knows how to start the new year right.
They provided the following list of celebrations and events as Dec. 31 approaches.
1)
New Year's Eve Fireworks
San Francisco Ferry Building
Embarcadero
A fireworks display will launch from barges located 1,000 feet out in the bay. Crissy Field, Aquatic Park, the Embarcadero, Fisherman’s Wharf and PIER 39 traditionally provide optimal views of the firework display. Admission: Free. Time: midnight. For more information, visit www.ferrybuildingmarketplace.com or contact 415-391-2000.
2)
Beach Blanket Babylon
Club Fugazi
North Beach
Steve Silver's Beach Blanket Babylon, the nation's longest running musical, rings in 2009 with two New Year's Eve performances featuring tap dancing Christmas trees and parodies on Christmas carols. Ticket: $65-$190. Time: Guests attending the 7 p.m. show receive champagne and See's chocolates. The second show, at 10:15 p.m., ends at the stroke of midnight with champagne and See's chocolates, followed by dancing until 1:30 a.m. For more information, contact 415-421-4222, or beachblanketbabylon.com.
3)
23rd Annual Japanese New Year Bell Ringing Ceremony
Asian Art Museum
Civic Center
A 16th century Japanese bronze bell will be struck 108 times with a custom-hewn log. According to Japanese custom, this symbolically welcomes the New Year and curbs the 108 mortal desires. It is hoped that with each reverberation the bad experiences, wrong deeds, and ill luck of the past year will be wiped away. Ticket: Free with museum admission. Time: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. For more information, contact 415-581-3500 or www.asianart.org.
4)
Joy Behar
Castro Theatre
The Castro
Count down to 2009 with Joy Behar from The View. Enjoy stand up comedy, and commentary at the Castro Theatre. Ticket: $39-$100. Time: 10:30 p.m. For more information, contact the Box Office at 415-392-4400, or visit www.CityBoxOffice.com.
5)
New Year’s Eve at City Hall
City Hall
Civic Center
New Year’s Eve 2009 at City Hall will feature three rooms of music and entertainment. A special performance by The Desired Temptations, a Bay Area Go-Go dancing troupe, will follow a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. Proceeds from the event will benefit the City of Dreams, a volunteer based youth development and mentorship program. Ticket: $100-$150. Time: 8 p.m.-2 a.m. For more information, contact 415-701-2323 or http://www.nye2009cityhall.com.
6)
New Year’s Eve at Infusion Lounge
Infusion Lounge
Union Square
The Infusion Lounge will feature two rooms of music and entertainment including acrobatic performances, and a hosted premium bar before midnight. Six thousand square feet encompasses a private VIP room, dance floor and main lounge. Ticket: $150. Time: 9 p.m.-3 a.m. For more information, contact 415-350-4011.
7)
New Year's Eve Dinner and Dance Gala
Top of The Mark, Intercontinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco
Nob Hill
The New Year's Eve Dinner and Dance Gala will feature a four-course dinner with a complimentary bottle of Moet champagne per couple and live entertainment. Ticket: To be determined. Time: 6 p.m. For more information, contact 415-616-6916 or visit www.topofthemark.com.
8)
New Year's Eve Cruises
Hornblower Cruises-Pier 3
Embarcadero
Premier Cruise
Celebrate New Year's and view fireworks on a Hornblower yacht. Enjoy a four-course seated dinner, top shelf bar, after dinner liqueurs, champagne, New Year's Eve party favors, and a live band. Time: 9 p.m.
Belle Cruise
Enjoy a New Year's Eve buffet dinner, open standard cocktail bar, including after dinner liqueurs, house champagne, New Year's Eve party favors, pre-boarding photograph and D.J. Time: 9 p.m. For more information or ticket prices, contact 888-467-6256 or www.hornblower.com.
9)
New Year’s Eve Gala featuring Broadway performers
Davies Symphony Hall
Civic Center
Ring in the New Year with pre-concert entertainment featuring the Martini Brothers. Broadway performers Mazzie and Danieley will also sing classics from American musical theater. Dance to the Peter Minton Orchestra; enjoy party favors, complimentary champagne, and desserts following the concert. Special dinner packages are available. Ticket: $110, mention code 27681. Time: 8 p.m. For more information, contact 415-864-6000, or www.sfsymphony.org.
10)
New Year’s Eve at The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco
Nob Hill
The Dining Room
Usher in the New Year with chef Ron Siegel’s seven-course tasting menu. Guests will enjoy a live band and dancing. Ticket: $500 per person, including wine pairing, tax and gratuity. Dinner served 7-9 p.m..
The Terrace
Celebrate the New Year in The Terrace with chef Jacob Anaya’s three or five course dinner menu including a glass of champagne. The three-course menu is $100 per adult, $50 per child (5-12). The five-course menu is $130 per adult, and $65 per child (5-12). Time: 6 p.m.-9:30 p.m. For more information, contact 415-296-7465 or www.ritzcarlton.com.
11)
Screening of the 1925 classic, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”
Grace Cathedral
Nob Hill
Ring in the New Year with a screening of, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” starring Lon Chaney. The film will be shown on a large screen in Grace Cathedral Nave. New York organist Dorothy Papakakos will accompany the film on the cathedral’s Aeolian-Skinner organ. Admission: $20 per adult; $10 per student and seniors. Time: 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. For more information, contact 415-749-6300 or www.gracecathedral.org.
12)
New Year’s Day, Thursday Jan. 1, 2009
New Year's Day Brunch/Dinner Buffet
Top of the Mark, Intercontinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco
Nob Hill
This New Year's Day brunch/dinner buffet will feature international dishes and live entertainment. Ticket: $95 per adult, $55 per child. Time: 10:30-2:30 p.m. For more information, contact 415- 616-6916, or www.topofthemark.com.
13)
New Year's Day Brunch/Dinner Cruise
Hornblower
Embarcadero
Admire San Francisco from the bay on New Year’s day aboard the Hornblower for either brunch or a seated dinner. Ticket: $72-$94. Time: 12:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. For more information, contact 888-467-6256 or visit www.hornblower.com.
14)
New Year’s Day Cabaret Concert
Davies Symphony Hall
Civic Center
Start the New Year by enjoying an afternoon of duets from Marin, a three-time Tony Award nominee, and Jason a Theater World Award winner. Ticket: $20 mention code 27681. Time: 2 p.m. For more information, contact 415-864-6000, or www.sfsymphony.org.
15)
New Year’s Day at The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco
Nob Hill
Jazz Brunch in The Terrace
Kick off 2009 with a gourmet jazz brunch in The Terrace. An extensive buffet featuring a caviar station with American sturgeon, salmon, golden caviar, an egg omelet station, sushi bar, smoked salmon, oysters, hand carved meats, cheeses, fruits, and salads. Ticket: $120 for adults, $60 per child (5-12). Time: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. For more information, contact 415-296-7465 or www.ritzcarlton.com.
16)
New Year’s Eve Beyond The Bay
New Year’s Eve On Board the USS Hornet Museum
USS Hornet Aircraft Carrier in Alameda, Pier 3
Alameda
Enjoy live music, party favors, a silent auction, cash bars, food concessions, midnight countdown, and a view of the Bay. From swing to rock, the USS Hornet features three large dance floors on the enclosed, heated hangar deck. Ticket: $50-$98 per person and includes free parking. An optional buffet dinner is available for purchase. Time: 8 p.m.-1 a.m. For more information, contact 510-521-8448, ext. 282 or www.uss-hornet.org.
17)
New Years Eve Dinner and Airship Flight Celebration
Moffett Field
Mountain View
Experience New Year's Eve above San Francisco's skyline with dinner for 12, and an hour and a half flight over San Francisco Bay as the clock strikes midnight. Limousine service to and from the airfield; framed photo; champagne, and gift glasses will also be available. Admission: $25,000. Time: 7 p.m. - 12:30 a.m. For more information, contact 650-969-8100 or www.airshipventures.com.
18)
New Years Eve Airship Flight
Moffett Field
Mountain View
Enjoy a special New Year's Eve on the U.S. airship for an hour flight over San Francisco's skyline. The flight also includes a champagne gift per couple. Ticket: $595 plus tax. Time: One-hour flights between 4 p.m.-10:30 p.m. For more information, contact 650-969-8100 or www.airshipventures.com.
19)
New Year’s Eve at The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay
Gala in the Ballroom
The Ritz-Carlton ballroom is transformed into a dinner party, complete with a 12- piece band. This annual celebration features a reception and five-course dinner, including a dessert buffet. At midnight, balloons spill onto the dance floor with a champagne toast. Ticket: $248 per guest plus tax and gratuity. Time: 7:30 p.m. followed by dinner at 8:30 p.m.
20)
Teen Lounge
Young ladies and gentlemen will enjoy a party of their own with movies, games, a buffet and countdown complete with hats, noisemakers, a balloon drop and a toast of sparkling apple cider. New for 2008 is the Teen lounge, open exclusively for 13-18 year-olds. Ticket: $110 per child (5-14); each additional sibling receives a $20 discount. Time: 6 p.m.-12:30 a.m. For more information, contact 650-712-7000 or www.ritzcarlton.com.
