New Year’s Eve in Santa Barbara is filled with events and activities to bid farewell to 2025 and welcome 2026 with excitement. From memorable dining experiences and all-night dance parties to outdoor wellness activities, we invite you to toast to the year ahead, Santa Barbara-style. Here is your complete guide to New Year’s Eve events in Santa Barbara.
Please be sure to call and confirm event details in advance. Reservations and tickets may be required.
NEW YEAR’S EVE Events & ACTIVITIES
Noon Year’s Eve at MOXI, Dec. 31 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation celebrates “Noon” Year’s Eve with a family-friendly, museum-wide party featuring interactive exhibits, themed activities, a lively countdown to 2026 and a rooftop dance party.
Cost: TBD
New Year’s Eve Champagne Cruise, Dec. 31 from 3-5 p.m.
Set sail into 2026 along the stunning California coastline aboard the Double Dolphin for the highly anticipated New Year’s Eve Champagne cruise. Enjoy bottomless champagne and breathtaking Riviera views. Each ticket includes a reusable nautical Govino glass, ensuring you toast the new year in style.
Cost: $110 per person.
New Year’s Eve Cosmic Countdown, Dec. 31 from 3 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Ring in 2026 at Dusk Bar with stellar cocktails, live tunes from DJ Brooklyn Basement and a complimentary midnight toast.
Cost: Admission is free
New Year’s Eve Bar Crawl, Dec. 31 at 6 p.m.
Why stick to one spot for New Year’s Eve? Celebrate the start of 2026 in downtown Santa Barbara with the New Year’s Eve Bar Crawl. Enjoy exclusive drink specials as you hop between bars, lounges and nightclubs. Tickets include access to over ten NYE parties, welcome shots at select venues, drink deals and a crawl map to guide your night!
Cost: $46.03 per person ages 21+
NYE Comedy Show featuring Craig Shoemaker, Dec. 31 from 7-9:30 p.m.
Laugh your way into 2026 with Craig Shoemaker live in Santa Barbara. This New Year’s Eve show delivers sharp stand-up, a lively crowd and high-energy vibes to close out the year. Seating is limited and first-come, first-seated, with standing room expected — plan to arrive early.
Cost: $30 per person
New Year’s Eve Kid’s Bash, Dec. 31 from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
Ring in the New Year with the Kid’s Bash in the Village Hall at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara. Young guests can enjoy lawn games, a buffet, board games, crafts and a screening of Space Jam for a fun and relaxing celebration of their own.
Cost: $183 for children ages 5-12, $80 for teens ages 13-16
New Year’s Eve with The Symphony, Dec. 31 from 8:30-10 p.m.
Conductor and host Stuart Malina leads the Santa Barbara Symphony at Granada Theatre in a vibrant New Year’s celebration of Broadway showstoppers, Hollywood hits and all-American orchestral flair
Cost: Ticket prices start at $71 per person
New Year’s Eve Le Bal Cristal, Dec. 31 from 8:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.
Join Rosewood Miramar Beach this New Year’s Eve for a glimmering night of elegance and exclusive service. For this New Year’s Eve celebration, inspired by a one-of-a-kind speakeasy, guests will be treated to lively libations, spectacular performers, one of LA’s top dance bands, champagne toasts and so much more in the fabulous Chandelier Ballroom.
Cost: $375-$549 per person.
New Year’s Eve ‘O’ Bar/Cigar Lounge Soirée, Dec. 31 from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Ring in the New Year at the ‘O’ Bar & Cigar Lounge with an elegant soirée featuring light bites and beverages in a refined setting.
Cost: $85 per person
Ringing in New Year’s Eve at Hotel Californian, Dec. 31 from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Ring in 2026 at Hotel Californian as Crush Club transforms the night into an open-air New Year’s Eve celebration under the Santa Barbara stars. Expect bold beats, high energy and an electric atmosphere that carries you straight into the new year.
Cost: $50-$90 per person
New Year’s Eve Soirée at The Ritz-Carlton, Bacara Santa Barbara, Dec. 31 from 9:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Welcome the New Year with festive vibes, a live DJ and celebratory party favors at The Ritz-Carlton, Bacara Santa Barbara. Sip on crafted cocktails like espresso martinis, a classic old fashion or endless pours of sparkling as every toast becomes a moment to cherish. Join in on the countdown and raise a glass to 2026 in signature Bacara style.
Cost: $85 per person
New Year’s Eve Cellar Speakeasy, Dec. 31 from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Welcome 2026 at Marisella’s Cellar Speakeasy with festive cocktails, party favors, and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. With no cover and an intimate, high-energy atmosphere, it’s an easy stop for a celebratory drink or a late-night countdown.
Cost: Varies by menu item
Disco Cowgirls & Midnight Cowboys, Dec. 31 from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Saddle up for a disco-cowboy New Year’s Eve at Paloma, where rhinestones meet mirrorballs and the dance floor keeps going all night. Tickets include a welcome drink, light festive bites, DJ-spun beats, nonstop dancing and dazzling NYE décor. Dust off your boots, add some sparkle and two-step into 2026 in style.
Cost: $61.50 per person
New Year’s Eve Between Us at Alcazar Tapas Bar, Dec. 31 from 10 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.
Volume One: In Session at Alcazar is an intimate New Year’s Eve gathering centered on music, mood and connection. Expect a DJ-driven soundtrack, crafted cocktails including low-ABV options, and a dance-forward countdown in an elevated setting. Guests begin the night by choosing an “aura” through a welcome sip, with immersive details layered throughout for a social, intentional way to welcome the year ahead.
Cost: $65-$85 per person
Countdown to Midnight at The Manor Bar, Dec. 31
Ring in the New Year in style at The Manor Bar with Rosewood‘s exclusive Midnight Rendezvous. Immerse yourself in the elegant ambiance as you enjoy live music, special champagne offerings, and an unforgettable midnight countdown. Celebrate the arrival of the new year with sophistication and revelry in this one-of-a-kind experience.
Cost: Admission is free
Ring in 2026 with Santa Barbara Comedy Hideaway, Dec. 31
Santa Barbara Comedy Hideaway returns to The New Vic Theater with its annual New Year’s Eve special event shows, featuring headliner Darren Carter “The Party Starter,” known for appearances on The Tonight Show, Comedy Central and HBO.
Cost: Tickets start at $45 per person
New Year’s Eve Menus
New Year’s Eve at The Set, Dec. 31 from 3-10 p.m.
Celebrate New Year’s Eve at The Set with festive flavor. Enjoy holiday entrées like roasted prime rib, crispy chili salmon or seared chicken breast, paired with seasonal sides and decadent desserts such as carrot cake or the Wave Breaker brownie sundae. Toast to new beginnings with a meal worth celebrating!
Cost: Varies by menu item
New Year’s Eve Dinner at Lulio, Dec. 31 from 4-9 p.m.
Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Lulio, a stylish downtown trattoria known for its coastal Italian cuisine and inviting atmosphere. Savor à la carte dishes or indulge in a special prix fixe menu from 7-9 p.m., featuring seasonal ingredients and refined flavors crafted for the occasion.
Cost: $165 per adult, $65 per child (ages three and under are free)
New Year’s at The Lark, Dec. 31 to Jan. 1, 2026
Ring in the New Year at The Lark with seasonal chef-driven specials from Executive Chef Jason Paluska, featuring bright citrus, winter greens and comforting dishes alongside the regular à la carte menu. A festive, polished way to close out the year.
Cost: Varies by menu item
New Year’s Eve Jazz Dinner at Finch & Fork, Dec. 31 from 5-9 p.m.
Bid farewell to 2025 with a decadent New Year’s Eve dinner at Finch & Fork, featuring a chef-driven three-course menu by executive chef John Vasquez and live jazz by Calo & Miles. Expect seasonal starters, refined entrées and indulgent desserts, with optional wine pairings and craft cocktails.
Cost: $125 per person
Five-Course New Year’s Eve Dinner at The Revere Room, Dec. 31 from 5-9:30 p.m.
Enjoy a memorable five-course prix fixe menu at The Revere Room, featuring coastal-inspired festive cuisine. Optional wine pairings elevate the experience.
Cost: $185 per adult (children ages four and under are free)
A Glamorous New Year’s Eve Gala at San Ysidro Ranch, Dec. 31 from 5-10 p.m.
Welcome the new year in timeless style at San Ysidro Ranch’s Glamorous New Year’s Eve Gala. Enjoy a Champagne and Caviar Reception followed by a four-course dinner with amuse-bouche and curated wine pairings featuring Prestige Champagne and Grand Cru selections. Guests receive an exclusive SYR keepsake and can continue the celebration in the Speakeasy After-Hours Lounge with live music and nightcaps until midnight.
Cost: $500 per person
New Year’s Eve at Costa, Dec. 31 from 5-10 p.m.
Ring in the New Year with an elegant three-course prix fixe dinner at Costa Kitchen & Bar, featuring a celebratory menu by chef Sean Conway inspired by coastal flavors and seasonal favorites. The evening begins with refined starters, followed by thoughtfully prepared entrées and finishes with decadent desserts.
Cost: Varies by menu item
New Year’s Eve at Marisella, Dec. 31 from 5-10 p.m.
Ring in 2026 at Marisella with an elegant four-course prix fixe dinner showcasing seasonal ingredients and Italian-inspired flavors. The chef-driven menu moves from shared antipasti to refined courses like Sicilian crudo, truffle risotto, and classic lasagna, with entrée options including California rockfish, Masami Ranch Wagyu filet, and slow-roasted short rib. Finish with a rich chocolate dessert. Reservations recommended.
Cost: $165 per adult, $75 per child
New Year’s Eve Dinner at Caruso’s, Dec. 31 from 5-11 p.m.
Chef Massimo Falsini presents a luxurious prix fixe menu at Caruso’s, featuring truffle and caviar, making your final meal of 2025 an unforgettable culinary journey in Santa Barbara.
Cost: $425 per person
New Year’s Eve at Ama Sushi, Dec. 31
Welcome 2025 with a New Year’s celebration at Ama Sushi with your choice of an exclusive omakase experience or a four-course à la carte dinner.
Cost: $185 (four-course dining experience), $275 (omakase)
New Year’s at Loquita, Dec. 31 and Jan. 1, 2026
Ring in the New Year with festive holiday specials from Executive Chef Cristian Granada, served alongside Loquita’s beloved à la carte menu. Expect elevated Spanish flavors, seasonal takes on classic dishes, truffle-forward bites, savory roasted specialties and a signature Spanish-style olive oil cake to end the night on a sweet note.
Cost: Varies by menu item
NEW YEAR’S DAY EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
Welcome the new year with a delightful breakfast at Lulio, the beloved downtown trattoria known for its fresh, coastal Italian fare. Enjoy a festive morning spread featuring a curated buffet selection and a limited à la carte menu, perfectly suited for a relaxed start to the year.
Cost: $70 per person
Keep the celebration going with a New Year’s Day Bloody Mary Bar at Djinn at Hotel Californian. Build your own cocktail, enjoy tunes from Val-Mar Records and settle into the paseo to sip and watch the game.
Cost: Varies by menu item
Start the New Year with the Santa Barbara Polar Dip at Leadbetter Beach, a free, all-ages tradition with check-in at 11 a.m. and the plunge at 11:30 a.m. Bring warm layers and a sense of adventure for a spirited way to welcome the year ahead.
Cost: Admission is free
Start 2026 with a cozy New Year’s Day Pajama Brunch at Finch & Fork, featuring an à la carte menu, bottomless mimosas, a bloody mary bar and DJ Darla Bea. Come in your favorite PJs — reservations available on OpenTable.
Cost: Varies by menu item
Be sure to check back! Additional activities will be added as details become available. If you are a business within the Santa Barbara South Coast and would like your New Year’s Eve event listed, please contact [email protected].
