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Last Minute New Year’s Eve Ideas in Downtown Alameda

Looking for last minute NYE plans? It’s almost time to toast to 2024, and there are still plenty of ways to celebrate right here in Downtown Alameda. Meet up with family and friends at a favorite restaurant or extend the evening by ringing in the new year at one of the district’s many gathering spots (and try to catch a performance of Auld Lang Syne on the bagpipes at one of the bars to raise money for ACS). There’s even a balloon drop at noon for the little ones, and a family friendly, all-night carnival!

Featured Celebrations:

New Year’s Eve Bash @ Alameda Theatre
Countdown to 2024 with a family friendly, all-night carnival at the Alameda Theatre! Enjoy games and attractions suitable for all ages from the moment the doors open at 5pm. Plus Ozzy’s Music Academy Kids perform LIVE on the Historic Theatre Stage, followed by a NYC Times Square Simulcast Ball Drop, kid friendly feature of MIGRATION, and then Airwaves perform LIVE on the Historic Theatre Stage to rock in the New Year.

NYE Afro Gatsby: Harlem Nights @ Karibu Wine Lounge
It’s that time of the year again! Join Karibu Wine Lounge for the Third Annual AfroGatsby Extravaganza, where they are bringing the glamour of Harlem Nights to life. Prepare for a night filled with the soulful beats of music, delectable catered bites, and the exhilaration of casino games. Your ticket grants you access to complimentary bites, a sparkling midnight toast, and the chance to try your luck at blackjack and craps. Don’t miss out on this elegant affair!

New Year’s Eve with Myles Weber @ Alameda Comedy Club
Celebrate New Year’s Eve with comedian on the rise, Myles Weber, joined by the fabulous Drag Queens Ava LaShay and Queera Nightly and live music provided by Scotch and Soda. Enjoy a full bar and restaurant with a delicious menu of sharable plates. There is a two-item minimum for all guests.

New Year’s Eve @ MO’s Wine Bar
Toast to 2024 at the district’s newest wine bar! They will have food specials, drink specials (hello, champagne & caviar) and guest DJ Justyn Myers. End the year in style from 8pm-after midnight.

Noon Year’s Eve @ Twirl
Enjoy some fun in the studio with your little one, with cookie decorating, New Years crafts and more. Balloons drop at noon and then get back home just before nap time hits.

Alameda Hogmabay Pipe-athon for ACS @ Every Bar in Alameda
Andy MacKay will be playing Auld Lang Syne on the bagpipes in every bar in Alameda to bring a wee bit of Scottish New Year Cheer to all, and will be fundraising for a worthy cause, American Cancer Society. You can donate online here and also on the night as they make their way around the City of Alameda, starting around 6pm in McGee’s on Park Street, followed by Park Street Tavern, Preacher’s Daughter, Mo’s Wine Bar, Speisekammer, Lemon Drop, Star Pizza, Hobnob, Lucky 13, Club House and more…

More New Year’s Celebrations:

For additional family activities, High Scores Arcade will be open 12:00-10:00pm for unlimited gaming on New Year’s Eve, and Subpar Miniature Golf will be open from 10:00am-6:00pm for indoor mini golf (reservations recommended), arcade games and pool tables.

And if you’re looking for a last-minute gathering place with a 21+ audience on New Year’s Eve, these Downtown Alameda nightspots provide plenty of festive fun (you may even catch Auld Lang Syne on the bagpipes!) — no reservations required: 

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Toast to 2023: Celebrate the New Year in Downtown Alameda

It’s almost time to toast to 2023, and there’s plenty of ways to celebrate right here in Downtown Alameda. Meet up with family and friends at a favorite restaurant, catch a movie, or extend the evening by ringing in the new year at one of the district’s many gathering spots. There’s even early family fun for the kids without any missed bedtimes.

Featured Celebrations:

NYE Afro Gatsby: A Night at the Cabaret @ Karibu Wine Lounge
Start the night off with an intimate fundraiser concert in partnership with the Oakland Symphony featuring Kev Choice, along with hor d’oeuvres and a glass of wine from Wachira Wines. End the night by dancing into the new year with DJ JohnnyBeats and a complimentary midnight toast!

New Year’s Eve with Eddie Pepitone @ Alameda Comedy Club
Celebrate New Year’s Eve with cult-comic Eddie Pepitone. A force of nature on stage, Eddie is hailed as a modern day cross between Jackie Gleason, Don Rickles and Eckart Tolle. Late show includes live music.

New Year’s Eve Disco Wonderland @ Alley & Vine
Dress in disco chic, nosh on favorites from this retro era, and sip champagne to ring in 2023! The 5-course menu evening features two seatings, the second of which includes disco hits from DJ Vinyl Richie, party favors, and a midnight toast. (The earlier seating is designed for guests with plans elsewhere at midnight.)

New Year’s Eve Party @ Wine and Waffles
Come taste a collection of exotic wines and cuisines from around the world. Along with performances by R&B artists Elaine Johnson and Luhtakizz, this promises to be an unforgettable party.

New Year’s Eve Party @ Swings and Wings
Swing into 2023 from 4:00-6:00pm and be home before bedtime with goodies and a memorable picture taken in their chic photo booth. Expect a winter wonderland complete with fancy bites, bubbly drinks, warm cocoa, and fun filled stations.

More New Year’s Celebrations:

For additional family activities, High Scores Arcade will be open 12:30-10:00pm for unlimited gaming on New Year’s Eve, and Subpar Miniature Golf will be open from 10:00am-6:00pm for indoor mini golf (reservations recommended), arcade games and pool tables. Or kick back and enjoy a blockbuster movie at Alameda Theatre & Cineplex.

And if you’re looking for a last-minute gathering place with a 21+ audience on New Year’s Eve, these Downtown Alameda nightspots provide plenty of festive fun — no reservations required: 

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Holiday Happenings: Shop Sip Gather Together

[image: holiday together postcard]

Oh, what fun it is in Downtown Alameda this holiday season! Downtown merchants have plenty to offer for a festive holiday shopping experience, from Shop Late Thursdays to our popular Hot Cocoa Stroll.

So bundle up the kids, buy a warm beverage, and take a stroll downtown to enjoy the holiday together with friends and family:

Get the details about this year’s holiday happenings and more… downtownalameda.com/holidays

Hot Cocoa Stroll

Enjoy the Hot Cocoa Stroll on Friday 12/2 from 5-7pm with family and friends in Downtown Alameda. A variety of businesses will offer a warm welcome and a delectable assortment of sips & nibbles, while supplies last. There’ll be live music and activities on Alameda Avenue. Join Santa as he strolls to sweet & treat locations throughout the district! Take your time while visiting the shops, restaurants, and other fabulous services located in Alameda’s downtown district.

Learn about the participating businesses: downtownalameda.com/hotcocoa

Shop Later Thursdays

The shops in the district are joining our restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues in staying open until 7:00pm (or later) on Thursday nights in December. Let the merchants in Downtown Alameda help you find unique gifts, jewelry, clothing, toys, books, and much more!

Grab a bite to eat, stop to enjoy the holiday entertainment, and get a little shopping done! (All performances are on Alameda Ave near the Al Fresco Dining Area, 5-7pm.)

Letters to Santa

Want to share a wish list with Santa? We will be hosting a special Letters To Santa station on Alameda Avenue the same evenings that Santa is visiting throughout December. Once your letter is ready, drop it in one of our special Letters to Santa Mailboxes!

City of Alameda’s Shop Local Campaign

From Nov.17 – Dec. 25, shop local at participating retailers and enter the giveaway for collectible tokens and other fun swag! For every $1 spent locally, 67¢ remain in circulation in our economy. Spending local is a gift to the community. #ShopLocalAlameda and Support our Small Businesses!

More information and giveaway form: alamedaca.gov/shoplocal

Alameda Visit + Shop eGift Cards

When shopping online, consider giving Visit + Shop Alameda eGift Cards as gifts to friends and family, and add them to your own wish list. This unique Alameda gift card is extremely versatile — a single Visit + Shop Alameda eGift Card can be used at more than 27 different businesses in Alameda, and the list is growing!

Celebrate a New Year in Downtown Alameda

Let’s celebrate a new year! Meet up with family and friends at a favorite restaurant in Downtown Alameda, catch a movie, or extend the evening by ringing in the new year at one of the district’s many gathering spots. There’s even family fun for the kids.

Businesses are open with care… care for customers, staff, and the community. Celebrate responsibly with us and kindly wear a face covering while attending indoor activities.

Featured Activities:

New Year’s Jokin’ Eve @ The Local
Let’s put an end to the madness of 2021 with a bit of dry, calculated satire. This all ages show features comedian Scott Capurro, a regular on Alice Radio with Sarah & Vinnie.

New Years Eve with Eddie Pepitone @ Alameda Comedy Club
Celebrate New Year’s Eve with cult-comic Eddie Pepitone. A force of nature on stage, Eddie is hailed as a modern day cross between Jackie Gleason, Don Rickles and Eckart Tolle.

Glitz & Glamour Gala @ Alley & Vine
Book your table today for an Old Hollywood-era Glitz & Glamour Gala. Enjoy a 5-course menu, live music, party favors, and a champagne toast at midnight. (An earlier seating is available too.)

Afro Gatsby NYE @ @ Karibu Wine Lounge
Curated 4-course dinner and wine pairing menu, live Jazz, a live DJ, and a complimentary midnight toast!

New Year’s Day Party @ Swings and Wings
Start the New Year on January 1st by having fun as a family! Breakfast, music, photo booth, yummy treats, and kids playspace.

More New Year’s Celebrations:

For additional family activities, High Scores Arcade will be open 12:30-9:00pm for unlimited gaming on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Or kick back and enjoy a blockbuster movie at Alameda Theatre & Cineplex.

And if you’re looking for a last-minute gathering place with a 21+ audience on New Year’s Eve, these Downtown Alameda nightspots provide plenty of festive fun — no reservations required: 

Read More

Holiday Happenings: Shop Sip Gather Together

Shop Sip Gather Together postcard image

Oh, what fun it is in Downtown Alameda this holiday season! Downtown merchants have plenty to offer for a festive holiday shopping experience, from Shop Late Thursdays to our popular Hot Cocoa Scavenger Hunt.

So bundle up the kids, buy a warm beverage, and take a stroll downtown to enjoy the holiday together with friends and family:

Get the details about this year’s holiday happenings and more… DowntownAlameda.com/holidays

Shop Late Thursdays

The shops in the district are joining our restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues in staying open until 8:00pm (or later) on Thursday nights in December. Let the merchants in Downtown Alameda help you find unique gifts, jewelry, clothing, toys, books, and much more!

Grab a bite to eat, stop to enjoy the holiday entertainment, and get a little shopping done! (All performances are on Alameda Ave near the Al Fresco Dining Area, 6-8pm.)

Santa Visits

Santa will be strolling the district and popping into businesses, handing out treats, and posing for photos on Thursday nights, 6-8pm. Have your cameras ready for a fun photo opportunity!

Plus, our friends at Twirl are hosting a special Letters To Santa station, 5-7pm. Once your child’s letter is ready, drop it in one of the special Letters to Santa Mailboxes located at businesses throughout the district. Or hand it to Santa and his elves in person during our Shop Late Thursdays!

Hot Cocoa Crawl Scavenger Hunt

The hunt is on! Search the window displays to find a series of festive holiday items needed to enjoy a yummy serving of Hot Cocoa. Find all 8 window clings and enter to win a Hot Cocoa “Together” Kit for Two. (The scavenger hunt is available every day until December 15.)

Alameda Shop & Visit eGift Cards

When shopping online, consider giving Visit + Shop Alameda eGift Cards as gifts to friends and family, and add them to your own wish list. This unique Alameda gift card is extremely versatile — a single Visit + Shop Alameda eGift Card can be used at more than 20 different businesses in Alameda, and the list is growing!

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