While it may be hard to believe, we’re just days away from saying goodbye to 2013 and hello to 2014.
It isn’t always easy to figure out what to do for New Year’s, but if you want to get out of the house (and out of your pajamas) to ring in the new year then check out the list below for the best NYE events in Santa Cruz.
There are some great parties, a self organized community parade downtown, lots of live music, and plenty of bubbly to enjoy as you ring in the new year.
Events have been separated into the following categories:
Community Events
Last Night DIY New Year’s Eve Parade
For the 9th straight year there will be a community organized DIY New Year’s Eve parade in Downtown Santa Cruz. The DIY New Year’s Eve Parade was birthed in part because of the demise of the city sponsored First Night celebration.
The event is community organized and operates without permits or any official sanctioning by the city of Santa Cruz. The DIY parade is intended to be a peaceful self organized celebration for and by the community.
- Price: Free
- Time: 5:00pm
- Location: Meet near the Saturn parking lot, at Pacific Ave. & Spruce St.
- Get more info on the Last Night DIY website, and on Facebook
Fireworks & New Year’s Eve Countdown Downtown at the Town Clock
Gather at the town clock for music, fireworks and a midnight countdown.
Streets near the town clock will be closed from 11:30 pm to 12:45 am, allowing the crowd to gather for a front row seat when the fireworks show begins.
Last year’s event drew an estimated 7,000 people, so be prepared for a big crowd.
- Price: Free
- Time: 11:30
- Location: Downtown Santa Cruz, at the town clock.
New Year’s Eve Parties in Santa Cruz
Chaminade Resort & Spa: New Year’s Eve Masquerade Party
Enjoy a Masquerade party at the Chaminade Resort & Spa. Tickets cost $125 and include a 5 hour open bar, music from Music Now, a special strolling dinner experience, a champagne countdown at midnight, and sweeping panoramic views of Santa Cruz.
Guests can also stay overnight with the Masquerade Package, starting at $399 per couple.
- Price: $125 per ticket or $399 for the Masquerade Package which includes luxury accomodations
- Time: 7:00pm – Midnight
- For more info see the event details or get info on the full Party Package
Cocoanut Grove – New Years Eve
If you’re itching to start the celebration early then check out the Cocoanut Grove New Year’s Eve’s Eve party. Otherwise, you can hold out for the main event on New Year’s Eve.
The party includes live music from the Alison Sharino band, and innisfree, along with entertainment from the Surfing Magician. There will be a full bar, and a free glass of champagne for the new year countdown.
- Price: $84 – Dinner & Dance (Advance only), $41 Dance Only (Advance), $46 Dance Only (Door)
- Time: 7:00pm – 1:00am
- More Info
Hotel Paradox
Celebrate New Year’s Eve in style at the hip Hotel Paradox. This party will feature a DJ, all night dancing, and complimentary champagne for the NYE countdown.
Options are also available for dinner and overnight stays. Dinner service at Solaire runs from 6 – 10 and starts at $60. The $25 party fee is waived for dinner guests.
Want to spend the night at Hotel Paradox? The New Year’s Eve Extravaganza package starts at $299 and includes dinner, the party, and hotel accommodations.
- Price: $25
- Time: 10:00pm – 1:30am
- More Info
Zelda’s Masquerade Ball
Zelda’s is hosting their 3rd annual New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball this year. This is a free event featuring music from DJ Dex.
- Price: FREE
- Time: 9:00pm
- More Info
Live Music
Devil Makes Three at the Catalyst
Popular Santa Cruz band, Devil Makes Three, returns home for a two night stint at the Catalyst, including a New Year’s Eve show.
Harry and the Hitmen New Year’s Eve Extravaganza at The Crepe Place
Harry and the Hitmen bring their improvisational blend of Motown and Soul music to the Crepe Place for a NYE show complete with a midnight champagne toast and balloon drop.
New Year’s Eve with Don Carlos at Moe’s Alley
Celebrate the new year at Moe’s Alley with reggae legend Don Carlos.
Beatles Tribute by the Sun Kings at Don Quixote’s
The Sun Kings have been perfecting their Beatles covers for over a decade. Enjoy an evening of live Beatles tunes this New Year’s Eve. Come early for a special three course dinner.
Extra Large New Year’s Eve Part at the Crow’s Nest
Enjoy live music from Extra Large, the band that has been named the Good Times Santa Cruz band of the year a whopping 9 times.
Davenport Road House
Enjoy dining and live music from Sherry Austin and Henhouse from 6pm – 10pm. The bar will remain open until midnight for those who want to stay to ring in the new year.
Restaurants
The following restaurants will be open late to host NYE celebrations. Click the links below for more information.
New Year’s Day Activities
First Day Hikes
Can you think of a better way to start the new year than an invigorating hike through one of our beautiful state parks? If you’re nursing a hangover then this might not be your first choice, but if you’ve recovered from the night before then head down to one of the hikes featured for what the state parks deem “First Day Hiikes.”
You can learn more about these hikes over at Hilltromper.
