Posts Tagged ‘Holidays’
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:
Read MoreHoliday Happenings: Shop Sip Gather Together
![[image: holiday together postcard]](https://downtownalameda.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/2022HolidayTogether-204x300.png)
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 MoreHoliday Happenings: Shop Sip Gather Together

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.)
- Dec 2 – Horns A Plenty
- Dec 9 – Catty Wompus (plus a special performance on Saturday 12/18, 11am-1pm)
- Dec 16 – who’s feeling young now
- Dec 23 – JimBo Trout
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!
Celebrate the New Year in Downtown Alameda
You’ll find a celebration for every interest in Downtown Alameda. Meet up with 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 parties. There’s even family fun for the kids.

Wine & Waffles (1505 Park Street) Celebrate the new year in color at this New Year’s Eve Glow Party!! DJ Chaz & Co will be playing your favorite party songs, there will be glow-in-the-dark cocktails, and a Black Light Balloon Drop with champagne toast at Midnight. Pre-Party Happy Hour is 6-7pm while the main event is 8pm-Midnight. Info: www.facebook.com/WineandWaffles/
The Lemon Tree (2542 Santa Clara Ave) Get the spotlight shining on you with New Year’s Eve Karaoke. The Lemon Tree and musical hosts Frankie & Gloria will have 10,000 songs to choose from, champagne toast, party favors, and great people to party with! Drop by for a visit, buy a drink, and sing some songs! Info: www.facebook.com/Lemon-Tree-Alameda-139552966096364/
The Churchward Pub (1515 Park Street) Ring in the New Year at the East Bay’s self-proclaimed number one party spot. Experience amazing dj’s, dancing all night long, and video countdown at midnight. For the early birds, an open bar will be available 8:30pm-9:30pm. Get pre-sale tickets now; price goes up at the door. Info: www.thechurchwardpub.com
Fun with the kids: Twirl will be hosting a Balloon Drop at Noon on the afternoon of New Year’s Eve and Swings & Wings will have a toddler dance party at 6:00-8:00pm.
Fun for all ages: High Scores Arcade will be open Noon-10:00pm on New Year’s Eve and and New Year’s Day. Or kick back and enjoy a blockbuster movie at Alameda Theatre & Cineplex for only $5.50 on New Years Eve.
But if you’re looking for a last-minute gathering place with the 21+ crowd, these Downtown Alameda nightspots provide festive fun on New Year’s Eve — no reservations required:
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