This ball dropping this year is the seventh in a long tradition of Times Square balls, and it\u2019s quite an upgrade. Here\u2019s what makes it special:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- It features 5,280 handcrafted Waterford crystal discs, known as the \u201cInfinite Edition \u2014 Infinite Joy, Infinite Light, Infinite Beginnings.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- This futuristic ball will showcase a new crystal design each year, marking every New Year\u2019s Eve with a unique expression of crystal joy and light.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
The most important thing you need to know if you\u2019re going is to expect a lot of people \u2014 and I do mean a lot <\/em>of people. The event is completely free, with no tickets involved, and it\u2019s estimated that over 1 million people come out every year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Be sure to bring water and snacks. To hold your spot, you can\u2019t risk a food run. However, there aren\u2019t any public restrooms in the area (Newsweek explains<\/a> how rough the bathroom situation is), so you\u2019ll need to take that into account too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also, dress warm! It\u2019s December in New York, and we embrace layered looks here. Not only is it more stylish to have several layers of clothing, but it\u2019s also a better strategy to remove some items if you\u2019re warm than to freeze for 12 hours if you don\u2019t wear enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Keep in mind that once the event is over, exiting will take some time. Just be patient and be prepared. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
With all this in mind, you\u2019ll have an unforgettable night and be part of a tradition that\u2019s a phenomenon around the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Attend a concert<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Whether you\u2019re looking to have a jazzy, poppy, soulful, or \u201crockin\u2019\u201d new year, there are lots of musical events taking place this year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- The Concert for Peace<\/a> 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.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- If you didn\u2019t get to see it before Christmas, check out the Rockettes at the Radio City Christmas Spectacular\u2019<\/a>s NYE performance.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The divisive jam band, Phish<\/a> is playing at Madison Square Garden.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Carlos Henriquez Nonet will perform an early and late jazz set known as Dizzy\u2019s New Year\u2019s Eve <\/a>at Lincoln Center. The Big Apple Circus <\/a>also has performances at Lincoln Center that the whole family can enjoy, beginning at 9:30 p.m. New Year\u2019s Eve.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Gov\u2019t Mule<\/a> is playing The Beacon Theater on the Upper West Side.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Jazz destination Birdland in Midtown has two shows: either The Birdland Big Band <\/a>or singer Marilyn Maye<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Check out a drag show and have a fabulous meal while you watch at LipsNYC<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
3. Head to a party<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"People](\"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2017\/01\/People-cheering-with-wine-glasses-1024x684.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nYearning for a never-ending night of drinking and dancing, but don\u2019t know where? Well, New York\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Grab a ticket for one of these flashy parties taking place in NYC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Fancy a night of dancing to Abba covers and other disco hits with a lively DJ? Check out Gimme Gimme Disco <\/a>at Irving Plaza.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Looking for something beyond words? Brooklyn\u2019s surreal and fabulous House of Yes nightclub<\/a> is hosting its 10th NYE party with \u201cperformances and activations that may involve fresh fruit, feelings, mild confusion, time-dilation, and enthusiastic consent.\u201d Whatever that means, it is sure to be unusual!<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Party above the chaos of Times Square, but still in the heart of it all, on the rooftop venue The Edison Ballroom<\/a>. This event includes five hours of open bar, dancing, and food in a classy Art Deco space.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- For something a little less pricey and more casual, head to The Ditty in Astoria<\/a> for a three-hour open bar with a champagne toast at midnight.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Head to the epic Last Dance party<\/a> at a bar with all the downtown vibes, dancing, drinks, and rooftop access at The DL.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Head to Le Bain<\/a>, 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.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- If your idea of a party is Brooklyn elegance, check out the very classy Masquerade party at Brooklyn\u2019s 1 Hotel<\/a>, and experience the good life, Brooklyn-style.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
4. Take a tour<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"large](\"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2024\/11\/large-christmas-tree-in-Rockefeller-Plaza-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nYes, our New York tours<\/a> are running on New Year\u2019s Eve! Not at 11:30 p.m., of course, but for a daytime celebration, why not discover the city with a local?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tour Rockefeller Center<\/a> where the gigantic Christmas tree will still be on display Dec. 31. Or see New York from the elevated High Line<\/a> as a New Yorker points out the art, greenery, and views that make this park a favorite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t
\n\t\t \n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t![\"Rockefeller](\"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2023\/11\/Rockefeller-Center-during-winter-in-NYC-500x500.webp\")
\n\t\t\t![\"ROCKEFELLER\"](\"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2017\/12\/ROCKEFELLER-250x250.jpg\")
\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tA city within a city \u2014 and 70 stories above the city<\/span>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t$39<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tLearn More\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/section>\n\n\n\n\n
Or why not get out on the water? You can spend the afternoon on the harbor touring with Lady Liberty<\/a>, who is always wearing her party hat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Local tip: <\/strong>There are several cruise lines that offer evening trips on New Year\u2019s Eve, but fair warning, most tend to be quite expensive and it tends to get chilly. City Cruises<\/a> and Circle Line<\/a> both include a DJ, food, and open bar.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. Go for a group run or ride<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Exercising through the night isn\u2019t usually how one would spend the holiday, but of course, New York turns it into a night of memories and joy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Head to Central Park for the annual New York Road Runners\u2019 four-mile Midnight Run<\/a>. While you\u2019re running, admire the fireworks and celebrate the camaraderie of a fun run with the locals.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Running not your sport? Maybe biking is! Sign up for the New Year\u2019s Eve Ride<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
6. Catch the views from an observation deck<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2017\/01\/The-Summit-One-Vanderbuilt-Transcendence-Room-at-night-1024x683.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nMany of the city\u2019s ever-increasing collection of observation decks will be open on New Year\u2019s Eve, including some right as the clock strikes midnight. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Final tickets for the night at the Empire State Building are at 7:45 p.m. SUMMIT One Vanderbilt<\/a> is having an all-night party. Edge<\/a> always has a champagne ticket option, but this time it\u2019s definitely justified.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t
\n\t\t \n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t![\"Hudson](\"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2020\/07\/Hudson-Yards-Tour-With-Optional-Edge-Upgrade-1-500x500.jpeg\")
\n\t\t\t![\"The-Vessel-in-NYC\"](\"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/02\/The-Vessel-in-NYC-250x250.jpg\")
\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDiscover the history of NYC\u2019s visionary neighborhood and scenic High Line<\/span>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t$39<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tLearn More\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/section>\n\n\n\n\n
7. Watch fireworks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Yellow](\"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2017\/01\/Yellow-and-red-fireworks-in-the-evening-sky-1024x683.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAny 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 \u2014 some years, they\u2019ve been canceled due to dry weather or heavy rain, so be sure to check before you head out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fingers crossed for some epic shows this December 31st. Here\u2019s some inspiration as you begin planning. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For a fun and educational preview, consider taking a walking tour in DUMBO<\/a> near the Brooklyn Bridge, so you\u2019ll 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re feeling up for it, head out to Prospect Park<\/a> in Brooklyn. A beautiful park worth exploring on its own, New Year\u2019s Eve will be celebrated with fireworks and live music. Starting at 10 p.m.<\/a> 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 \u2014 at least, compared to Times Square!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Did we miss anything?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If we missed a fun New York event happening on NYE, please drop us an email at info@exp1.com<\/a> or give us a shout on Facebook<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For more inspiration on what to see and do in New York, check out our NYC blogs<\/a> by local experts and guides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Looking for something beyond words? Brooklyn\u2019s surreal and fabulous House of Yes nightclub<\/a> is hosting its 10th NYE party with \u201cperformances and activations that may involve fresh fruit, feelings, mild confusion, time-dilation, and enthusiastic consent.\u201d Whatever that means, it is sure to be unusual!<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- If you didn\u2019t get to see it before Christmas, check out the Rockettes at the Radio City Christmas Spectacular\u2019<\/a>s NYE performance.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The Concert for Peace<\/a> 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.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n