7 Places To Spend New Year’s Eve in NYC

It’s that time of year again. Time to party, time to reflect, time to set new goals… but mostly, time to celebrate!

New Year’s Eve is an exciting event, and there are so many things going on in New York to help you make the most of it. Sure, you could just stay inside and watch the festivities from your TV, but why not end the year in style? 

If you’re at a loss for new ideas or just aren’t entirely sure what is happening around the city, not to worry. Here’s a list of exciting and fun places to spend your New Year’s in New York City.

1. See the ball drop at Times Square

For over 120 years, much of the world has marked the new year by watching the festivities broadcast live from Times Square. Isn’t it about time you went to the party?

Maybe you’ve been planning to go for a while, or perhaps you’ve made a spur-of-the-moment decision to go this year, but have no idea how to prepare yourself. Let me, a New York City tour guide, shed some light on this world-famous outdoor all-night party. 

This is a particularly exciting year because a brand new ball will be making its debut along with a new One Times Square multi-story interactive experience. This new experience will be inside the building where the first Times Square party happened back in 1904. 

This ball dropping this year is the seventh in a long tradition of Times Square balls, and it’s quite an upgrade. Here’s what makes it special:

• It features 5,280 handcrafted Waterford crystal discs, known as the “Infinite Edition — Infinite Joy, Infinite Light, Infinite Beginnings.”
• This futuristic ball will showcase a new crystal design each year, marking every New Year’s Eve with a unique expression of crystal joy and light. 

The most important thing you need to know if you’re going is to expect a lot of people — and I do mean a lot of people. The event is completely free, with no tickets involved, and it’s estimated that over 1 million people come out every year. 

Also, expect a long night. If you want any chance at all of getting a good view, your best bet is to arrive before noon Dec. 31. However, some people show up as early as 6 a.m. Enter from the north to avoid the denser crowd, and you might be able to squeeze your way to a good spot. The best place to stand to catch a great view of the iconic ball drop is at the intersection of Broadway and 7th Avenue.

Be sure to bring water and snacks. To hold your spot, you can’t risk a food run. However, there aren’t any public restrooms in the area (Newsweek explains how rough the bathroom situation is), so you’ll need to take that into account too.

Also, dress warm! It’s December in New York, and we embrace layered looks here. Not only is it more stylish to have several layers of clothing, but it’s also a better strategy to remove some items if you’re warm than to freeze for 12 hours if you don’t wear enough.

Keep in mind that once the event is over, exiting will take some time. Just be patient and be prepared. 

With all this in mind, you’ll have an unforgettable night and be part of a tradition that’s a phenomenon around the world.

2. Attend a concert

Whether you’re looking to have a jazzy, poppy, soulful, or “rockin’” new year, there are lots of musical events taking place this year. 

• The Concert for Peace is an annual tradition at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. This celebration features music, dance, and prayer while thousands of guests hold up candles to illuminate the church. 
• If you didn’t get to see it before Christmas, check out the Rockettes at the Radio City Christmas Spectacular’s NYE performance. 
• The divisive jam band, Phish is playing at Madison Square Garden.
• Carlos Henriquez Nonet will perform an early and late jazz set known as Dizzy’s New Year’s Eve at Lincoln Center. The Big Apple Circus also has performances at Lincoln Center that the whole family can enjoy, beginning at 9:30 p.m. New Year’s Eve.
• Gov’t Mule is playing The Beacon Theater on the Upper West Side.
• Jazz destination Birdland in Midtown has two shows: either The Birdland Big Band or singer Marilyn Maye.
• Check out a drag show and have a fabulous meal while you watch at LipsNYC.

3. Head to a party

Yearning for a never-ending night of drinking and dancing, but don’t know where?  Well, New York’s venues are full of outrageous and extravagant parties for every kind of person who loves any kind of place. These parties cater to locals and visitors alike who want a memorable night. 

 Grab a ticket for one of these flashy parties taking place in NYC.

• Fancy a night of dancing to Abba covers and other disco hits with a lively DJ? Check out Gimme Gimme Disco at Irving Plaza.
• Looking for something beyond words? Brooklyn’s surreal and fabulous House of Yes nightclub is hosting its 10th NYE party with “performances and activations that may involve fresh fruit, feelings, mild confusion, time-dilation, and enthusiastic consent.” Whatever that means, it is sure to be unusual!
• Party above the chaos of Times Square, but still in the heart of it all, on the rooftop venue The Edison Ballroom. This event includes five hours of open bar, dancing, and food in a classy Art Deco space. 
• For something a little less pricey and more casual, head to The Ditty in Astoria for a three-hour open bar with a champagne toast at midnight. 
• Head to the epic Last Dance party at a bar with all the downtown vibes, dancing, drinks, and rooftop access at The DL.
• Head to Le Bain, located in the Meatpacking District at the Standard Hotel. Their yearly event always features amazing views of downtown, posh drinks, and a unique black-tie-meets-hipster atmosphere. 
• If your idea of a party is Brooklyn elegance, check out the very classy Masquerade party at Brooklyn’s 1 Hotel, and experience the good life, Brooklyn-style. 

4. Take a tour

Yes, our New York tours are running on New Year’s Eve! Not at 11:30 p.m., of course, but for a daytime celebration, why not discover the city with a local?

Tour Rockefeller Center where the gigantic Christmas tree will still be on display Dec. 31. Or see New York from the elevated High Line as a New Yorker points out the art, greenery, and views that make this park a favorite.

A city within a city — and 70 stories above the city

Rockefeller Center Walking Tour With Top of the Rock Upgrade

$39

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Or why not get out on the water? You can spend the afternoon on the harbor touring with Lady Liberty, who is always wearing her party hat.

Local tip: There are several cruise lines that offer evening trips on New Year’s Eve, but fair warning, most tend to be quite expensive and it tends to get chilly. City Cruises and Circle Line both include a DJ, food, and open bar. 

5. Go for a group run or ride

Exercising through the night isn’t usually how one would spend the holiday, but of course, New York turns it into a night of memories and joy. 

Head to Central Park for the annual New York Road Runners’ four-mile Midnight Run. While you’re running, admire the fireworks and celebrate the camaraderie of a fun run with the locals. 

Running not your sport? Maybe biking is! Sign up for the New Year’s Eve Ride, a free event where you ride through the streets beginning at Washington Square Park. The event is followed by an after-party at the Museum of Reclaimed Urban Space to help you celebrate your achievement.

6. Catch the views from an observation deck

Many of the city’s ever-increasing collection of observation decks will be open on New Year’s Eve, including some right as the clock strikes midnight. 

Final tickets for the night at the Empire State Building are at 7:45 p.m. SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is having an all-night party. Edge always has a champagne ticket option, but this time it’s definitely justified. 

Discover the history of NYC’s visionary neighborhood and scenic High Line

Hudson Yards Tour With Optional Edge and Vessel Upgrades

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7. Watch fireworks

Any good celebration calls for fireworks, and New York offers the best fireworks from various vantage points in the city. They are always, however, weather-dependent — some years, they’ve been canceled due to dry weather or heavy rain, so be sure to check before you head out. 

Fingers crossed for some epic shows this December 31st. Here’s some inspiration as you begin planning. 

The main places that fireworks are set off are usually Central Park (as part of the running event I mentioned above), Prospect Park in Brooklyn, and near the Brooklyn Bridge. 

For a fun and educational preview, consider taking a walking tour in DUMBO near the Brooklyn Bridge, so you’ll be in the right place at the right time, ready to go. And your guide can also suggest some great places to grab dinner nearby before the show. You can watch from Brooklyn Bridge Park, the Brooklyn Heights Promenade, or try to score a reservation at the iconic and romantic River Cafe.

If you’re feeling up for it, head out to Prospect Park in Brooklyn. A beautiful park worth exploring on its own, New Year’s Eve will be celebrated with fireworks and live music. Starting at 10 p.m. at Grand Army Plaza, check out the live music and grab some hot chocolate. At midnight, the fireworks will begin, celebrating the new year in a festive, more laid-back setting — at least, compared to Times Square!

Did we miss anything?

If we missed a fun New York event happening on NYE, please drop us an email at [email protected] or give us a shout on Facebook.

For more inspiration on what to see and do in New York, check out our NYC blogs by local experts and guides.

Feature photo credit: Anthony Quintano / CC BY 2.0