New Year’s activities to start the year off right

WRITTEN BY Macy Westcoat GRAPHICS BY Macy Westcoat

  // If watching the Times Square Ball Drop on your TV has been the highlight of your New Year’s Eve every year, you are  not alone. New Year’s celebrations are often forgotten in the chaos of the holiday season, but with all that the Bay Area has to offer, consider trying something new to kick off the year.  

Annual Fireworks over the Bay

   Every year, Bay Area residents flock to the waterfronts to watch the stunning New Years Eve fireworks show set off over the water. The display starts at the stroke of midnight on Dec. 31, and usually lasts around 15-20 minutes. The show is free to watch from the shore, and the best spots are mostly along the waterfront, but it is also visible from overlooks like Rincon Park, Telegraph Hill or Corona Heights Park. However, you can also watch the fiery display up close from a cruise around the bay. Cruise ticket prices range from $50-$300 and are offered by companies such as San Francisco Whale Tours, Red White Fleet, Luxe Cruises and more.

Polar Bear Skate

   Another way to kick off the year is Union Square’s annual Polar Bear Skate from 2:30-3:30 on Jan. 1. Taking after an originally Canadian tradition, skaters of all ages wear their wildest and most inventive beach attire and bathing suits. Tickets can be purchased here for $30 each, and skaters can take home prizes awarded based on their theme, originality and creativity.

New Years One Day Race

   For those with resolutions to run more often, San Jose’s New Year One Day Race is a perfect fit. Runners can race as individuals or in teams, and solo race entry starts at $75, but prices increase after Nov. 30, so act fast if you’re interested. Runners race around Cottonwood Lake in Hellyer Park on a flat one-mile loop. Check in starts at 8:00 am on Dec. 31, and the race lasts 24 hours. Aid stations around the track offer fresh fruit, salty snacks, various candy, water, and Skratch sports drinks as well as hot soup and pizza in the evening. Awards are given to first, second and third place runners, and first place runners can win up to $50.

PLUNGE 2024 at Ocean Beach

   If you’re looking to start the year off on a chillier note, look no further than SF’s Outer Sunset Neighborhood. On Jan. 1 at noon, participants will gather on the shore at the end of Taraval Street’s Ocean Beach for a polar plunge into the ocean. At the stroke of noon, participants will run into the 50 degree water to kick off the new year. Make sure to bring warm clothes and towels for after, and keep watch over little ones as there is no lifeguard present. 

Bill Graham Civic Center NYE concert

   If you are a bit more musical, keep watch on Bill Graham Civic Auditorium’s website and you might just score tickets to their annual NYE concert on Dec. 31. Details have not yet been released for 2024 as of Nov. 4, but past performers include LCD Soundsystem, Kaskade and Deadmau5. Stay tuned to grab tickets to this always-incredible concert.