2025 will be here before we know it, and San Franciscans are getting ready to welcome the new year with the annual New Year’s Eve fireworks show on the waterfront. Here’s what to know ahead of this year’s rendition, plus some alternative plans to ring in New Year’s Eve 2025 in San Francisco. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled, because the next chance to see fireworks over the Bay will be in July.
If the past 25 years are any indication, SFMTA will likely offer free Muni rides on New Year’s Eve. We’re still waiting on details for 2024, but last year the free rides lasted from 8pm on Dec. 31 through 5am on Jan. 1. Metro fare gates will be open for all travelers to ride freely — just make sure you don’t tap your Clipper Card to avoid a charge.
Where to watch SF’s NYE fireworks
Although the city has not released official details about the fireworks show just yet, we have an idea of what to expect based on past years. Each year San Francisco’s NYE fireworks show starts at the stroke of midnight on the night of December 31st and usually lasts about 15-20 minutes. The fireworks are launched from a boat floating between the Ferry Building and the Bay Bridge.
As such, the best (and most crowded) fireworks viewing spots tend to be along the waterfront between the Ferry Building and the Bay Bridge, but you can still catch them from many overlooks in the city with a clear view of the Ferry Building. Some popular ones include Rincon Park, Telegraph Hill, and Corona Heights Park, but you can also enjoy some less busy viewing spots across the Bay in Sausalito or Tiburon. Thousands of people arrive a few hours early to get a good spot.
For those of us seeking a more unique fireworks viewing experience, there are several boat cruises that take guests out on the water for a front-row seat. Look into the Red & White Fleet, Luxe Cruises, and SF Whale Tours.
You can also try booking a table at a waterfront restaurant like Waterbar or Epic Steak, a seek out a rooftop like the Four Seasons Embarcadero’s Sky Deck.
☁️ Weather note: The San Francisco fog often shrouds the fireworks show, so it’s worth coming up with a plan B for NYE just in case. We’ve listed some ideas below.
Other ways to ring in NYE in San Francisco
Did you know San Francisco was ranked the one of the best US cities for celebrating New Year’s Eve? If Karl the Fog crashes SF’s NYE fireworks show this year (as he so often does), here are a few alternative plans…
If you’re looking for a party:
Watch the city come alive with exciting concerts and parties, including Kaskade at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, Disco Lines at 1015 Folsom, a lively NYE bar crawl around North Beach, and the Great Northern block party on New Year’s Day. Other fun celebrations coming up include the kid-friendly Polar Bear Skate at Union Square Ice Rink and Noon Year’s Eve at Thrive City. See more parties here.
If you prefer to stay home:
Non-party people can check out our 2021 guide for some Covid-safe ways to ring in the new year. It’s an oldie but a goodie with recs for creating a great charcuterie board or picking up some nice local booze.
If you want to start 2025 on the right foot:
Start the New Year with a fresh perspective by making a trip to a local observatory, or try to catch the first sunrise of the year at some tried-and-true viewpoints.
Alternatively, get started on your 2025 bucket list with some ideas for day trips to take from San Francisco, hidden gems to visit in NorCal, SF events you should save the date for, and the 2025 public holiday calendar.
Don’t forget that we can keep the party going with SF’s Chinese Lunar New Year in January and February, which is the oldest and largest celebration of its kind outside of Asia.
For more inspiration, see our ultimate guide to ringing in the new year in San Francisco. Cheers to 2025!