Ring in the New Year at The Marker in San Francisco
Why New Year’s Eve in Union Square Hits Different
There’s no place quite like San Francisco on New Year’s Eve. As the city’s lights shimmer across the bay and the air buzzes with anticipation, Union Square becomes the elegant, energetic heart of it all. From rooftop bubbles and festive dinners to the countdown beneath the skyline, downtown San Francisco feels alive with possibility.
At The Marker, you’re steps from the city’s best celebrations, perfectly placed for guests who want big-city excitement with boutique charm. Our central location near Union Square means you can stroll to chic lounges, festive dinners, and transit lines leading straight to the waterfront fireworks, no rideshares or long waits required.
As one of the top Union Square San Francisco hotels, The Marker lets you embrace the spirit of the night in style. Think vibrant streets, laughter echoing through the air, and a toast to new beginnings just beyond your doorstep.
What to Do on New Year’s Eve in San Francisco
New Year’s Eve in San Francisco offers something for every kind of reveler, from fine dining to fireworks, rooftop toasts to cozy jazz lounges. Here’s how to make the most of it, Marker-style.
Dinner Reservations & NYE Menus
Start your evening with an unforgettable meal. At Tratto, our modern Italian trattoria, guests can indulge in comforting seasonal dishes, craft cocktails, and a lively, local atmosphere. If you’re planning dinner out, Union Square and downtown San Francisco boast some of the city’s top spots for New Year’s Eve dining, from Michelin-starred tasting menus to elegant prix-fixe feasts.
Popular nearby choices include:
- Farallon – ocean-inspired fine dining in an art deco setting
- Mourad – contemporary Moroccan elegance for a special night out
- John’s Grill – a San Francisco institution just steps from the square
Reservations fill fast, book early to secure your table.
Fireworks on the Waterfront
No New Year’s Eve in San Francisco is complete without fireworks over the Bay. The city’s annual Embarcadero fireworks show lights up the sky at midnight, best viewed near the Ferry Building or along the Embarcadero waterfront.
The celebration is free and open to the public, with dazzling views of the Bay Bridge and city skyline. We recommend leaving The Marker around 11 PM – it’s a pleasant 20–30-minute walk or quick BART ride from Union Square.
Rooftop Lounges & Cocktail Spots
If crowds aren’t your style, trade the waterfront for a boutique New Year’s Eve experience. Toast with friends at nearby rooftop bars like Charmaine’s atop the Proper Hotel, or slip into a hidden speakeasy-style bar such as Bourbon & Branch for a more intimate countdown.
For live jazz and a timeless atmosphere, Black Cat in the Tenderloin offers soulful sets and champagne service into the early hours, the perfect mix of old-school glamour and modern San Francisco cool.
Live Music, Cruises & Themed Parties
Prefer a grander celebration? The city’s iconic New Year’s Eve events span the spectrum:
- San Francisco Spirit NYE Cruise – dance beneath the fireworks on the Bay
- Bimbo’s 365 Club – vintage venue hosting an annual themed bash
- Hotel VIA Rooftop Party – stunning skyline views with a high-energy vibe
Whatever you choose, remember: New Year’s Eve events in San Francisco tend to sell out quickly, so plan ahead.
NYE at The Marker: Boutique Stays Near the Celebration
When you stay at The Marker, you’re not just booking a room, you’re claiming a front-row seat to one of the country’s most beautiful New Year’s Eve destinations.
Our Union Square hotel puts you within walking distance of nearly every major celebration – meaning no cabs, no stress, and no missing the countdown. Prepare for the night in our vibrant, art-filled lobby, sip champagne before heading out, and return to a peaceful, design-forward room when the city quiets down.
Highlights include:
- Prime location near Union Square, Market Street, and BART
- Walkable access to NYE dinners, shows, and nightlife
- A warm, festive lobby atmosphere perfect for gathering with friends
- On-site dining and cocktails at Tratto
Ideal for couples, groups, or last-minute getaway seekers
If The Marker is offering a New Year’s Eve package or champagne welcome, mention it here – the experience feels elevated yet effortlessly relaxed.
New Year’s Day in San Francisco: Brunch, Views & Slow Starts
The morning after the countdown deserves its own kind of magic. Sleep in, then ease into the first day of 2026 with brunch at Tratto, where comfort food and bottomless mimosas pair perfectly with a slow start.
Afterward, take a morning stroll through Union Square, wander down Market Street, or explore Yerba Buena Gardens and SFMoMA, both just a short walk away. For those extending their stay, post-holiday sales at the city’s boutiques make for a stylish bonus round of shopping.
Prefer a day of rest? Book a spa treatment nearby or curl up in your suite with room service and a view. The Marker was made for lingering.
Plan Your NYE Getaway Before It Books Up
Each year, New Year’s Eve in San Francisco draws visitors from around the world – and rooms near Union Square sell out fast. Make The Marker your home base for a curated, cozy celebration just steps from the action.
Check our seasonal offers, explore boutique rooms, or book your New Year’s stay today and start your 2026 countdown in true San Francisco style.