8 More Ideas for New Year's Eve in San Francisco

(Source: 699pic.com)

While San Francisco's nightlife is not to be missed, we understand that not every visitor wants to spend the last hours of the year in the club. That's why we've compiled this list of other options for ringing in the new year. Reservations are strongly recommended, so make your plans now!

Ice Skate Under the Winter Sky

Each of San Francisco's seasonal outdoor ice skating rinks will be open on New Year's Eve. The newest rink at Civic Center's Winter Park will be open until 9:30 p.m., as will the rink at Union Square. The Embarcadero Center rink is scheduled to stay open until 9:30 p.m. as well, but those hours may change as fireworks and other New Year's Eve activities along the waterfront are announced.

Hard Rock Cafe's Midnight Masquerade

Celebrate the new year with the original rockers at Hard Rock Cafe. Included with your Midnight Masquerade ticket is a three hour open bar (yes, you heard right), tons of hors d'oeuvres, live entertainment, a prime spot on PIER 39 to view the fireworks, and a free midnight toast. The first 150 guests even get free masquerade masks. You'll want to spent the last of 2018 and the first of 2019 at Hard Rock Cafe.

New Year's Gaiety with the San Francisco Symphony

Ring in the new year with the perfect combination of San Francisco's classic style and camp irreverance at this concert that promises to be anything but typical. Conductor Edwin Outwater and the Grammy Award-winning San Francisco Symphony will welcome drag legends Peaches Christ and Varla Jean Merman, as well as stars of stage and screen Jane Lynch and Cheyenne Jackson. The performance begins at 8:00 p.m.

Norm Lewis at Feinstein's at the Nikko

One of Broadway's most commanding leading men, Norm Lewis will play two shows on New Year's Eve at Feinstein's at the Nikko, at 7:30 and 10:30 p.m. Doors open early for you to take advantage of their excellent food and drink menu.

The Japanese New Year's Bell-Ringing Ceremony

Head over to the Asian Art Museum between 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Dec. 30 (yes, that's New Year's Eve Eve!) for your chance to take a swing at a 2,100-pound, 16th Century Japanese temple bell. This Buddhist ritual is meant to welcome the new year with a clean slate. The bell is rung 108 times to represent the 108 "mortal desires that torment humanity." Get their early to make sure you get to be one of the lucky few to strike the bell!

Cruise the Bay on Commodore Cruises

Dinner, dancing and fireworks await aboard the Cabernet Sauvignon Commodore. Enjoy a gourmet dinner buffet, hosted standard bar, and live music as you cruise across San Francisco Bay. Boarding begins at 8:30 p.m. and there is free parking available at their Alameda dock.

"Beach Blanket Babylon" New Year's Eve Special

Spend the holiday at a San Francisco institution! The wild and wacky "Beach Blanket Babylon" revue will have two performances on New Year's Eve, at 7 and 10:15 p.m. The later show will be followed by dancing.

Enjoy A Sunset Sail on the Schooner Freda B

Who says you have to wait until nighttime to start celebrating? Board the Freda B in Sausalito at 3:45 p.m. and take a delightful trip around San Francisco Bay before the sun sets. A cash bar will be open during the two-hour cruise, serving California craft beer and Napa Valley wine.