New Year’s Eve falls on a Saturday in 2022, providing an extra day to recover before the work week begins. Clubs and venues around Los Gatos and the South Bay have planned accordingly. All events are on Dec. 31, unless otherwise noted.
The focus is on dancing at Charley’s LG, with a house band that features musicians from some of the region’s top tribute bands. DJ Paige Lauren gets the party started at 7pm on New Year’s Eve, as the appetizers are passed, with live music at 9pm. Dance contests with $500 in cash prizes (single, couple, group) will keep folks moving until the balloons drop and the bubbly is popped. 15 N Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos | $50 ($30 in advance) | 408.898.9568 | charleyslosgatos.com
Number 1 Broadway rings in 2023 with appetizers from 7-9pm, party favors, hats, balloon drop, champagne toast and desserts and coffee after 12:30am. There will be entertainment all night long with DJ Cris Campos from 7pm – 9pm and performances and music from Drive. 102 South Santa Cruz Ave. #B (Upstairs), Los Gatos | $30 online and $50 at the door (if available) | number1broadway.com
Chez Philippe’s New Year’s Eve bash includes a DJ and dancing with menu options featuring Lobster Bisque Soup, Filet Mignon Rossini, Wild Alaskan Salmon and more. By reservation only. 34 N Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos | 408.442.5353
Cardiff & Cocktails pours out shots of music from a quartet of high-powered DJs. Mr. V, Julius Papp, BB Hayes and Rated R will hit the decks for an action-packed farewell to 2022. The music begins at 9pm and flows all the way to 2023. Tickets include champagne toast at midnight and New Year’s party favors. 260 E Campbell Ave, Campbell | $10-$15 | nye2022-cardiffandcocktails.eventbrite.com
Pepe Promotions presents un Gran Celebración De Año Nuevo 2023 at Tacos Al Carbon Bar and Grill. In addition to performances by Banda La Indeleble Super Clave and DJ Sweet, there will be confetti cannons, a balloon drop and a midnight champagne toast. Free admission; private tables with 24 cervezas. 1733 Story Road, San Jose | 408.509.2575 | Information on Facebook
At Mama Kin, a downtown San Jose live music spot that still has that new club smell, The Humidors will lay down funk and soul for the masses starting at 9pm. Tickets are $30 ($350 for VIP table). 374 S 1st St, San Jose | mamakinsj.com or caltix.com
Over the hill, fans of Los Lobos can find the band sharing its almost five decades of music history at the Rio Theatre. Tickets start at $85.05; the band hits the stage at 9:30pm. 1205 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz | folkyeah.com
Not in the mood for music? Cum Town podcast host Nick Mullen is booked for five shows at the San Jose Improv, including two on New Year’s Eve. The comedian will bring his internet-savvy wit to Silicon Valley, drawing fans who follow him on his podcasts and social media feeds, and his blog on Thought Catalog. Tickets are $40; shows are 21 and older. 62 S 2nd St, San Jose | 408.280.7475
In the lull between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, one flurry of excitement comes in the form of the Champions of Magic, an evening of illusions and special effects featuring four acts: Young & Strange, Alex McAleer, Hollie England and Fernando Velasco. Shows take place Dec. 27-29. San Jose Civic, 135 San Carlos St, San Jose | 408.792.4111 | championsofmagic.co.uk
Aside from Enchant at PayPal Park (enchantchristmas.com) and Christmas in the Park (christmasinthepark.com), there are other kid-friendly ways to ring in the new year.
Happy Hollow’s Noon Year’s Eve at Happy Hollow Zoo is all about outdoor fun for the little ones. From 11am to 4pm on Dec. 31, guests can enjoy activities, crafts, games and entertainment, all included in admission. 748 Story Road, San Jose | happyhollow.org/noonyearseve
Over at California’s Great America, New Year’s Eve at WinterFest starts at 4pm on New Year’s Eve. Rides will be open and the celebration lasts until 12:30am. 4701 Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara | 408.988.1776 | cagreatamerica.com
