Watching the ball drop in Times Square is, for some, the ultimate way to spend New Year's Eve.
As a native New Yorker, I've celebrated New Years in Times Square a few times and it was unforgettable.
But over the years I've discovered other fun ways to ring in the New Year.
As a local tour guide for nearly a decade, I've been asked by hundreds of tourists the best ways to spend New Year's Eve both in and beyond Times Square.
In this post, I share 8 ways to celebrate, including the ball drop, as well as alternative New Year's Eve experiences I think you'll enjoy.
In this video, Katherine, my fellow tour guide here at New York Tours by Foot, goes over these experiences.
1. See The Ball Drop In Times Square
For many, watching the Times Square ball drop is the ultimate way to spend New Year’s Eve.
Some of my fellow tour guides feel that everyone should be part of this celebration at least once in a lifetime.
I've done it and don't regret it, but it was challenging. You'll need patience and stamina. It's not for the claustrophobic!
If you want to be part of this occasion, our post, How To Watch The Ball Drop In Times Square, explains everything you need to know.
As part of the annual Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest, there are musical performances.
It airs on ABC, should you decide to stay in.
Others prefer to steer clear of the area and opt for other activities like those I go over below.
2. Gather On The Brooklyn Bridge At Midnight
If you plan to walk over the Brooklyn Bridge during your trip, why not do it on New Year’s Eve?
The views of the twinkling skyline are magical, heightening the mood.
While this is an informal tradition, it's quite a popular one.
Revelers walk over the bridge and count down the clock to midnight among strangers, both locals and tourists.
What I like about this experience is the vibe. It's festive, friendly, casual and celebratory.
If you decide to go this route, bundle up. It can get cold on the bridge at night!
3. Take A Fireworks Cruise
If you are looking for a fabulous party with a view of the fireworks, you can't go wrong with a New Year's Eve cruise or boat ride!
I've enjoyed quite a few over the years and you get a lot for the money, depending on which one you pick.
Some serve food, have an unlimited open bar, and offer live entertainment like bands or a live DJ.
You will be pleasantly surprised by the prices of some of the below cruises, considering what you get.
- New Year's Eve Circle Line Cruise - a highly rated fireworks cruise with a reputable cruise line.
- Moonlight New Year's Eve Fireworks Party - a four-hour party on the Great Point, a spacious, triple-decker vessel.
- New Year's Eve Cruise on New York Water Taxi - aboard a smaller vessel, the New York Water Taxi, which makes for a more intimate evening.
4. Celebrate In Central Park
Central Park is a wonderful place to visit year-round and it's even more special on New Year's Eve!
There are two ways to celebrate in the park: fireworks and a midnight run.
Fireworks
Fireworks are launched in Central Park each New Year’s Eve from Bow Bridge, and you can see them from just about anywhere in the park.
Several of my fellow tour guides go every year for the somewhat mellow, yet festive atmosphere.
If you plan on going, some entrances to the park close at 8 pm for safety reasons.
I suggest that you arrive early, bundle up, and bring hot chocolate to warm you up while waiting for the midnight pyrotechnics show.
Midnight Run
Start the New Year off with a brisk 4-mile run at midnight!
This annual event is sponsored by the New York Road Runners Club. See the NYRR website for information and to register for the run.
I can't offer thoughts on this one...I haven't done it and I don't think I ever will.
But if you are a runner, I can't think of a better way to celebrate!
5. Watch The Ball Drop From Your Hotel
Of the many hotels in Times Square, a few have rooms that offer great views of Times Square.
Others have rooftops and common areas with views like this!
Hotels with rooftops and common viewing areas:
- Knickerbocker
- Hyatt Centric Times Square
- Renaissance New York Times Square
Hotels that have rooms with views:
- Marriott Marquis
- LUMA Hotel Times Square
- Hilton Garden Inn Times Square
Room rates will be sky-high, but I guarantee you’ll have an incredible time!
If you are considering staying in Times Square, see our post, Where to Stay in Times Square.
6. Attend An Exclusive New Year's Party
Many restaurants and clubs in Times Square throw New Year’s Eve parties, which typically include dinner and a champagne toast.
Some have open bars as well.
However, just because the restaurant is in Times Square does not mean they have views of the ball.
If you want to see the ball, I suggest you scope out the location in advance to see what to expect view-wise.
See the official Times Square Alliance website for a list of New Year's Eve Parties in Times Square.
I want to warn you about people selling “All-Access” passes for New Year’s Eve, promising entry to multiple venues.
These passes are not valid for access to the locations promised and worse, many of the passes sold are counterfeit.
How about spending your evening at a no-cover-charge restaurant in Times Square?
One of our guide's cousins visited from Germany and they went to the Long Room Irish Pub, had a great meal, and enjoyed live music.
Once the ball dropped, they stepped into Times Square to celebrate and kept their spot at the bar.
7. Head To Brooklyn For Free Fireworks
For free fun and fireworks, head to Brooklyn!
While there, check out some of these other things to do in Brooklyn.
Coney Island Fireworks
Yet another New Year's experience I really like!
This annual event takes place on the boardwalk and features live music and a pyrotechnic show at midnight.
It's free (who doesn't love that!) and it's next to the ocean, which is not what one typically pictures as a setting for New Year's Eve in New York City.
See the official Coney Island website for the details.
Even if you don't go to the fireworks, you can always find fun things to do in Coney Island year-round
Prospect Park Fireworks
This annual celebration takes place at Grand Army Plaza just north of Prospect Park in Park Slope.
It's very popular with Brooklyn residents like myself but there is always room for more people!
Starting at 11 pm, surrounding the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch, built in 1892, there will be live music and free hot chocolate.
At midnight, fireworks are launched and look magnificent in the sky above this gorgeous historic arch.
Find out more here.
8. New Year’s Eve At Madame Tussauds
Celebrate with your favorite celebrities, in wax form, at this all-ages party!
There will be food, an open bar (ages over 21), and a special 4-D cinema experience with wind, snow, mist, and scent!
This activity is especially family-friendly. Read more about Madame Tussauds.
On New Year’s Eve, most of NYC is open for business.
You can go out to eat, grab drinks, hear live music, see a movie, or just about any other activity you would enjoy any night of the year.
See what else is going on that night from our post, What to Do in December in NYC.
No matter what you do, New York City is THE place to be for New Year’s Eve!
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