Quick Take:
From laser-lit dance parties to intimate musical performances, there are plenty of New Year's Eve celebrations going on across Santa Cruz County to bid farewell to 2024 and ring in the start of 2025.
You can embrace it. You can deny it. You can celebrate it. You can cower and attempt to hide from it like it’s the slobbering monster from “Alien.” But the new year is coming regardless.
Whatever the prevailing mood, New Year’s Eve arrives Tuesday, and whether you’re eager to show 2024 the door, or are begging it to stick around a bit longer, surely you need a plan. We’re here to help. Here’s a curated guide to the big events this NYE. All of the following take place on Dec. 31, unless indicated otherwise. Let’s do this:
The 418 Project, Santa Cruz — The “Gathering in Gratitude 2025” event enlivens the downtown HQ of The 418 Project with live musical performances from the duo MaMuse and the local supergroup Sitar Power, featuring the incomparable sitar master Ashwin Batish, his son, multi-instrumentalist Keshav Batish, and Ashwin’s sister, Meena Batish, an acclaimed singer. Also on hand will be Shekinah belly dance troupe and the aerialist group Cloud Mirage Circus. Plus a lot more. 8 p.m. Tickets begin at $32.95.
Civic Auditorium, Santa Cruz — The Civic is the spot for a big event called “Galactic New Year’s Eve,” featuring light shows that include psychedelic lasers, and dancing, with three DJs. Tickets are $69.99 general admission.
The Catalyst, Santa Cruz — The Catalyst this year for NYE welcomes the distinctive Bay Area-based world fusion band Beats Antique, fronted by the mesmerizing dancer Zoe Jakes, along with the electronica duo YAIMA. Tickets are $64.87-$93.92
Moe’s Alley, Santa Cruz — The Santa Cruz-based funk band Space Heater takes the stage for a disco party all night long along. 9 p.m. Tickets are $30 advance; $35 day of the show.
Felton Music Hall, Felton — Two well-known local bands, Harry & the Hitmen and the San Lorenzo Valley’s own Wolf Jett, perform live. 9 p.m. Tickets are $32.92.
The Crepe Place, Santa Cruz — A multi-band extravaganza at The Crepe with the funk band Velour, the R&B group Trianna Feruza & the Heavy Hitters, and the house band Planet of the Crepes. Free champagne at midnight. Tickets are $23.60.
Actors Theatre, Santa Cruz — Best Coast Burlesque presents a NYE party titled “Bawdy” with performance artists Arcadia Cane, Edie Eve, Carmen Caliente and many more. Shows 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. Tickets from $33.85.
Chaminade, Santa Cruz — The NYE party at Chaminade features live music from Vintage Point, a champagne toast, and a cash bar. 9 p.m. Tickets are $99.
Veterans Hall, Santa Cruz — One of the area’s premier Grateful Dead bands, the China Cats, play live with a “liquid light show” at the Vet’s Hall. Tickets are $48.
Crow’s Nest, Santa Cruz — The Felton band Fishhook gets things rocking at The Crow’s Nest on the beach in Santa Cruz. 9 p.m. $20 cover charge.
Seascape Resort, Aptos — Folk, jazz and standards are on the schedule for the live band Junebug, headlining the NYE celebration at Seascape Resort. Free. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Peace United Church, Santa Cruz — The 20th annual “Organists Kaleidoscope,” features a number of local organists with solo and ensemble performances. Free. 4 p.m.
Holy Cross Parish Hall, Santa Cruz — Beginning at 7:30 p.m., the Holy Cross Church parish hall will be open for the interfaith vigil for peace in the new year, with songs, chants, meditations, labyrinth walk, and speakers from local faith communities. Free and open to everyone.
The Inn at Pasatiempo, Santa Cruz — James Durbin & the Lost Boys are the featured attraction at the Inn at Pasatiempo in a 1920s-style event called “A Night at the Speakeasy.” 8 p.m. Tickets are $87.21.
Bruno’s, Scotts Valley — The Black & White Ball at Bruno’s features the 1990s cover band Fire Peach, with party hats, noisemakers, appetizers and more. 8 p.m. Tickets are $25.
Joe’s Bar, Boulder Creek — The T. Rollin Trio is on stage at Joe’s in Boulder Creek for a rock ’n’ roll dance party beginning at 9:30 p.m. Free.