By David Landis, The Gay Gourmet –
How did this year fly by so fast? Suddenly, we’re already planning for New Year’s Eve and looking forward to 2026. Since this is San Francisco, there are so many choices and here are a few options for the rest of the holiday season and NYE.
I’m always looking for great queer holiday events, especially in the Castro. Lucky for me (and you), Deck the Halls, one of San Francisco’s original holiday pop-up bars, is returning for its ninth year through December 28, with the new addition of a weekend all-you-can-eat brunch buffet. Deck the Halls is open seven days a week from 4 pm to midnight, even on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. This year’s theme is Naughty Candy Shack. Most cocktails are served in themed vessels (think snow globes and gingerbread houses) and feature theatrics like fire and smoke, with playful names such as Resting Grinch Face, Yellow Snow, and Feliz Navi-Daddy.The new location is in the Castroat the corner of Market & Noe Streets (the former Fisch and Flore), with indoor and heated patio areas.
The San Francisco Champagne Society (SFCS) is a speakeasy-style champagne salon tucked away in SoMa. Founded by champagne expert Bill Marci, SFCS offers a rare, intimate tasting experience. It features small-production, grower champagnes sourced directly from France, served in a moody, members-only-style loft that’s all about discovery and indulgence. This season, they’re offering a variety of holiday and New Year’s experiences, including: Holiday Parties for Two to Ten Guests: a curated champagne flight and light bites in an ultra-private setting; Private Buyouts for Up to 15 Guests: a full champagne takeover with caviar, Brillat-Savarin triple cream cheese, and smoked trout from McFarland Springs; and Champagne & Caviar New Year’s Celebrations: afternoon and evening events ringing in the New Year with champagne at midnight Paris or NYC time, featuring pours from the SFCS library and caviar from Tsar Nicoulai.
This New Year’s Eve, The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel’s historic Redwood Room once again becomes the stage for an unforgettable celebration as top Bay Area nightlife curators Yuksel Presents, Sol Y Luna, and Vadik Presents bring BLACKTIE NYE to San Francisco on Wednesday, December 31. Originally opened in 1933 at the end of Prohibition, the Redwood Room has long been a cultural landmark, known for its Art Deco design, rich redwood interiors, and timeless San Francisco allure. This December, the legendary lounge transforms for one night into a luxe, immersive celebration where social tastemakers, media, and revelers can ring in 2026 in style. Events include: DJ performances, complimentary party favors, a red-carpet entrance, a live screening of San Francisco’s fireworks on a large-scale projector (so you don’t have to endure those cold nights outdoors), and a midnight countdown and balloon drop.
Solage in Napa invites guests to gather for a bold, sensory celebration of flavor and culture with a playful dining pop-up in collaboration with Fly by Jing. Dubbed Solhouse x Fly by Jing, the pop-up features Solage Executive Chef Gustavo Rios, whose dim sum-inspired menu showcases Fly by Jing founder Jing Gao’s acclaimed recipes and sauces from her James Beard Award-winning cookbook. Guests can also enjoy traditional tea and sake service and take part in hands-on dumpling workshops, making for a truly festive experience. Solhouse x Fly by Jing will be offered Thursday–Sunday through the end of the year, with reservations available on Resy.
Chotto Matte, the Nikkei cuisine rooftop restaurant in Union Square, is planning a retro Disco Fever Cocktail Party and special tasting menu to ring in the New Year. With the view of shimmering lights of the city, diners can experience San Francisco from above to start out the year right. Guests will be greeted with a complimentary welcome champagne, and curated wine and beverage packages will be available to elevate the evening. Diners begin their glamorous evening with a curated 8-course prix-fixe menu, thoughtfully crafted to showcase the flavors and flair for which Chotto Matte is renowned. After dinner, the celebration heats up with the Disco Fever Cocktail Party, which will feature a live DJ, captivating dancers, and lively entertainment that will keep the energy soaring all night.
Graton Resort & Casino is rolling out the red carpet to host an epic New Year’s celebration this year. An extended weekend of phenomenal gaming giveaways—including the chance to drive home in a 2026 Hummer EV—alongside non-stop live performances from celebrated artists and an impressive selection of handcrafted cocktails will help partygoers toast the beginning of 2026. Three major giveaways run from New Year’s Eve through the weekend: the $50,000 Countdown Giveaway will allow guests to start earning entries at 3 am New Year’s Eve, leading up to 20 winners of $500 free slot plays drawn every hour between 1 pm and 5 pm; the $20,000 New Year’s Cash Giveaway begins from 12:15 am to 2 am January 1, and drawings will take place every 15 minutes, giving away $1,500 cash to one lucky winner and $250 free slot plays to four winners in each drawing; and the 2026 New Year New Wheel Giveaway (January 1–3), where players can earn up to 5 times entries and win $500 free slot plays in hourly drawings from 7 pm to 10 pm. The grand finale each night during this giveaway is the 11 pm drawing, where one fortunate guest will win a 2026 GMV Hummer EV SUV. Guest performers throughout the holiday include Tyler Johnson, Sin Silver, Dustin Saylor, String Me Along, and Hong Kong superstar Gallen Lo. 630 Park Steakhouse is offering a five-course special holiday tasting menu. And don’t forget the special Chandon Champagne bar, which features festive edible glitter in select champagne offerings, as well as signature spritz-style cocktails, including one with elderflower liqueur and another with yuzu liqueur.
The much-anticipated return of Krampus’ Cove comes back to Rye Bar in San Francisco for its fourth year. Created by Erin Hayes and Kelsey Ramage—the duo behind Black Lagoon—this holiday pop-up celebrates the macabre Alpine legend of Krampus and is open through December 31. Krampus is a horned, demonic figure from Central European folklore, a sinister companion to St. Nicholas, who punishes misbehaving children during the Christmas season. Rye Bar will be transformed into a spine-tingling, immersive experience. Think black Christmas trees decorated with doll heads, skeletons, skulls, and fake severed body parts, among other haunting decor. The menu will offer six freakishly delicious cocktails, including: Naughty List Negroni (Copalli Cacao Rum, Campari, Lustau Rojo Vermut, and passionfruit); Merry Axe-Mas (Maker’s Mark 46 Bourbon, Averna, spiced cider, miso butterscotch, and Bitter Queens Tobacco Bitters); and Grinches Need Love, Too (vodka, Grinch (pandan and peppermint), Lusta Palo Cortado (sherry), lemon juice, absinthe, and Campari).
Mamahuhu—the fast-casual Chinese-American restaurant in San Francisco and Palo Alto from partners Anmao Sun, Ben Moore, and James Beard Award-winning Chef Brandon Jew (Mister Jiu’s)—is teaming up once again with the beloved Jewish bakery Loquat for a special Jewish-Chinese Christmas collaboration. The two beloved Bay Area restaurants again this year offer their popular Red Bean Sesame Babka, made with sweet red bean caramel, sesame, orange zest, and osmanthus. Babka loaves will be available for pick-up at all Mamahuhu locations and at Loquat through December 25. Mamahuhu also offers Holiday Tinsfilled with a trio of seasonal treats, including the Red Bean Sesame Babka, a jar of Mamahuhu’s signature Red Bean Caramel Spread, and a bag of Kenya Karagoto Coffee from San Francisco coffee roaster Four Barrel. Available throughout December at Mamahuhu’s locations, Four Barrel, and The Mill, these tins make a warm, delicious gift or a perfect addition to your own holiday table.
David Landis, aka “The Gay Gourmet,” is a foodie, a freelance writer, and a retired PR maven. You can email him at: davidlandissf@gmail.com Or visit him online at: www.gaygourmetsf.com
The Gay Gourmet
Published on December 18, 2025
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