by Oakland, California offers a variety of New Year’s Eve activities on December 31, 2025, ranging from waterfront cruises with spectacular views to lively parties and social gatherings. While official city fireworks are limited, there are plenty of events locally and around the Bay that let residents and visitors welcome 2026. Below is a full guide to happenings including timings, venues, tickets, entertainment, food and drinks, and other key details.
Bay Fireworks Cruise From Jack London Square
- Date & Time: December 31, 2025 | Departing 10:00 PM – Arriving early January 1, 2026 (~1:30 AM)
- Departure Point: Jack London Square, Oakland
- Tickets: Paid event with options depending on cruise package
- Highlights:
- Cruise along the San Francisco Bay with panoramic views of the Bay Bridge and skyline
- Ideal vantage point for fireworks over the water
- Open bar and festive atmosphere onboard
- Live music and DJ entertainment
- Food & Drinks: Included in certain ticket tiers, plus additional options onboard
- Additional Facilities: Restrooms, comfortable seating, and warm indoor areas
This cruise provides a front-row perspective for bay-wide fireworks, making it one of the most scenic ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve in the East Bay.
ECC Oakland New Year’s Eve Party
- Date & Time: December 31, 2025 | 7:00 PM – January 1, 2026 | 1:00 AM
- Venue: ECC Oakland, 955 W. Grand Ave, Oakland, CA
- Tickets: Paid entry with tiered pricing
- Entertainment: Dance floors with curated playlists, live DJs, and social entertainment
- Food & Drinks: Full bar service and food vendors on site
- Additional Facilities: Comfortable indoor space with seating areas
This indoor celebration attracts locals and visitors who want to dance, socialize, and countdown together in a lively environment.
Elbo Room Jack London NYE Celebration
- Date & Time: December 31, 2025 | 9:00 PM – January 1, 2026 | 3:00 AM
- Venue: Elbo Room Jack London, 311 Broadway, Oakland
- Tickets: General admission and VIP tiers available
- Live Entertainment: Bands and performers, with featured sets later in the evening
- Food & Drinks: Full bar and seasonal food specials
- Extras: Midnight toast and festive atmosphere
This venue is ideal for a classic nightlife experience with live music and a party vibe lasting well into the new year.
New Year’s Eve Rave (Continental Club)
- Date & Time: December 31, 2025 | Starting 10:00 PM
- Venue: Continental Club, 1658 12th Street, Oakland
- Tickets: Paid cover for entry
- Music & Entertainment: House and techno sets with guest DJs
- Atmosphere: High-energy dance floor with vibrant lighting and sound
- Age Restriction: 18+ (21+ to drink)
Perfect for electronic music fans, this event offers an immersive audio-visual NYE experience.
NYE Bay Bingo & Afterparty (Bloc15)
- Date & Time: December 31, 2025 | 9:00 PM – 1:00 AM
- Venue: Bloc15, 252 2nd Street, Oakland
- Tickets: Tiered pricing with early bird options
- Entertainment Schedule:
- NYE Bay Bingo: 9:00 PM – 10:30 PM (interactive rounds and prizes)
- Afterparty: 10:30 PM – 1:00 AM with live DJ sets and dancing
- Food & Drinks: Open bar hours and snack options depending on ticket
- Extras: Games, activities, and festive decorations
A unique blend of games and nightlife makes this event ideal for friends or groups.
Other Local Options & Viewing Tips
Balloon Drop and Family Activities
- Family-friendly venues in the Bay Area host early evening activities including balloon drops, interactive setups, and kid-friendly countdowns.
- Events typically take place before the main late-night parties.
Fireworks Viewing From Land
- While Oakland rarely hosts large official fireworks downtown, many people view displays from nearby San Francisco or waterfront parks.
- Neighborhood-organized fireworks are common throughout the city.
- Higher ground or rooftop locations offer clear sightlines to distant fireworks.
Tickets and Practical Information
- Ticket Purchases: Reserve early for cruises and indoor events as they sell out quickly.
- Transportation: Public transit like BART often runs extended service for late-night travel on NYE.
- Safety: Busy areas and late hours require planning for rideshares or designated drivers.
- Weather: December nights in Oakland are cool and breezy, so dress in layers for outdoor events.
Final Say
Official city fireworks are limited, so the best viewing opportunities are usually part of Bay-wide celebrations or special cruise experiences. Local informal fireworks add to the festive atmosphere.
Oakland’s mix of cruises, nightlife, bingo events, family activities, and downtown parties offers options for everyone to celebrate New Year’s Eve 2025 and welcome 2026 in style.
