The list in my order
4 I’d go back to, 8 only if it suits you and 1 I’d skip. 1 cost nothing. My verdict on 13 of them, and the ones nearby from my other lists.
Times Square Ball Drop
- AddressTimes Square, Manhattan, NY 10036
The Times Square Ball Drop has been a New Year’s Eve tradition in NYC for over 100 years. Celebrity performers and television crews cram into a few small city blocks to ring in the new year, with more than 1 billion people worldwide watching the ball drop online and on TV.
For many, attending the Ball Drop is a bucket-list item, but I’m not keen on the experience. I wrote an article about celebrating New Year’s Eve in Times Square. To summarize, the cold, lack of restrooms, and anti-climactic ball-drop are reasons I’m not the biggest fan (but you do you).
Ring in the New Year Aboard a Cruise
Yes, you read that right, one of the most popular ways to ring in the New Year’s in New York City is on a cruise around Manhattan Island. There’s more than one cruise company hosting booze-filled, dance-inducing cruises in NYC. My two suggestions are Liberty and Skyline Princess Cruise Lines, each provides food, drinks (including a champagne toast), and a dance floor.
The biggest difference is that Liberty Cruise charges per person, and doesn’t guarantee seating. Skyline Princess on the other hand rents tables for the night, but can be a bit pricier.
Summit One Vanderbilt
- Cost$300
- Address45 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017
Summit One Vanderbilt is the most unique observation deck in NYC, with glass floors, ceilings, and windows making guests feel like they’re floating 1,100 feet in the air. They also host an NYE party in NYC, where for $300 (2024 price), guests receive two cocktails, a live DJ, a dessert bar, and a midnight champagne toast overlooking NYC.
The Edge
- Cost$375
- Address30 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001
The Edge is one of the newer observation decks in New York, but its glass floor ledge overlooking the city has quickly made it a fan favorite. For $375, or $3500 for a 10-person table (2024 prices), guests are welcomed to the Peakaboo restaurant at The Edge from 11 PM to 1 AM to celebrate NYE in NYC. Otherwise, The Edge is open until 11 PM on New Year’s Eve with a general admission ticket.
Westlight
- Cost$275
- AddressThe William Vale Hotel, 111 N 12th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Westlight is a popular rooftop bar offering stellar views of Midtown Manhattan, and they host an annual New Year’s Eve party in Brooklyn. General admission is $275 per person, or tables are available for $400 per person (2024 pricing).
Carbone
- Cost$395
- Address181 Thompson St, New York, NY 10012
An upscale Italian restaurant in the Greenwich Village, Carbone is the go-to spot to celebrate anniversaries, engagements, and, in this case, New Year’s Eve in NYC. Famous for rejecting Justin Bieber after he showed up without a reservation, it’s safe to say Carbone is exclusive. Those hoping to snag a table at the nicest New Year’s Eve dinner party in NYC can expect to pay $395 (2024 price).
Tavern on the Green
- Cost$350
- AddressW 67th St, New York, NY 10023
Located in Central Park, Tavern on the Green is one of the most iconic restaurants in New York City. The restaurant is cozy and warm, and they host a (disco themed!) NYE party for $350 per person from 9 PM to 2 AM (2024 prices). The price tag includes a five-course dinner and a sparkling wine toast.
Copacabana
- Cost$100
- SubwayC, E to 50 St, 12 min
- Address625 W 51st St, New York, NY 10019
The Copacabana is arguably the most storied club in New York City (famous for being featured in the movie Goodfellas).
In the present day, the Copacabana is in Hell’s Kitchen and movie buffs can still show up for a good time at this Latin-centric club. They even host an annual NYC New Year’s Eve party full of salsa, bachata, and other popular Latin genres. Prices vary from year to year (usually around $100), but I’ll update this post when information for 2025 is released.
HK Hall
- SubwayC, E to 50 St, 11 min
- Address605 W 48th St, New York, NY 10036
HK Hall is in Hell’s Kitchen and was formerly known as Stage 48. Located in a former horse stable, the two-story venue is large enough to fit in a sizeable dance floor that swells with a lively crowd enjoying the classic American pop party anthems. Ticket prices for the NYC New Year’s Eve party have yet to be made available, but I will update this post when they are.
House of Yes
- Address2 Wyckoff Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11237
As one of the most popular clubs in Brooklyn, it should come as no surprise that House of Yes hosts one of the best New Year’s Eve in NYC. Located in a former ice-making warehouse, the dance floors are spacious and inviting. Ticket prices have yet to be announced, but I will update this post when available.
New York Road Runners MIDNIGHT RUN
- Cost$70
- SubwayB, C to 86 St, 6 min
- AddressCentral Park, New York, NY
If working out on the dance floor isn’t your style, why not work out with a run through Central Park to ring in the New Year in New York City? Thanks to the New York Road Runners (NYRR), this NYC New Year’s Eve event is available to anybody willing to stay up until midnight for a friendly neighborhood race. Entry costs $70 for the 4-mile race (2024 prices), with registration taking place on NYRR’s website.
Firework Show at Prospect Park
- Costfree
- SubwayF, G to 15 St-Prospect Park, 9 min
- AddressProspect Park, Brooklyn, NY
Show up at Prospect Park’s Grand Army Plaza at about 11 PM to celebrate free fireworks in NYC on New Year’s Eve. Not only is this event alcohol-free, but there will also be hot drinks and live music. This is a great event to bring the whole family to (if the kiddos are still awake). When the clock strikes midnight, fireworks will light up the sky, giving the perfect backdrop for that New Year’s kiss.
More Fun Things to Do in New York City During New Year’s Eve
If you’re in New York City for a few days leading up to, or after, New Year’s Eve consider checking out some of the following fun things to do.
Go Ice Skating
There are few things more iconic than ice skating in NYC. The holiday season is as magical as you’d imagine, and ice skating in NYC among towering skyscrapers can make anyone feel like they’re in a Hallmark movie. If you’re celebrating New Year’s Eve in NYC, there will be plenty of ice skating rinks to enjoy. Many people (myself included) consider this a can’t-miss winter activity.
Check Out The Beautiful Christmas Trees
Most Christmas trees stay up past New Year’s Eve in NYC, so while you peruse the Big Apple, consider checking out some lingering holiday magic. I recommend checking out the Rockefeller Center’s Christmas Tree for those with only enough time for one. It’s centrally located in Midtown near plenty of attractions and is the city’s most popular tree. It’s usually up until mid-January.
Enjoy a Holiday Show
If you want to stay out of the cold, check out one of New York City’s many Christmas shows. Whether it’s Broadway or the Ballet, you won’t be disappointed. I suggest checking out The Christmas Spectacular, Starring the Radio City Rockettes. However, there is one caveat, the last show is on January 2nd. However, if you’re in New York City before New Year’s Eve, this is without a doubt the top show I’d recommend.
Tips for Celebrating NYE in NYC
- NYC is COLD during the winter season. Average temperatures in December hover around 44°, but the windchill makes it feel colder. When celebrating New Year’s Eve in NYC, wear an insulated coat, a warm hat, or a beanie; plus, these bad boys don’t hurt.
- The subway is an efficient mode of transportation, but it won’t drop you off at the door, so you’ll be doing a lot of walking. You will want walking shoes that will keep your feet dry and comfortable. You’ll be getting those steps in, I guarantee it.
- New York City averages more than 63 million visitors annually, and the holidays are busy. Expect crowds when celebrating New Year’s Eve in NYC, make reservations in advance, and show up early.
Frequently Asked Questions. Things to Do on New Year's Eve in New York City
What do New Yorkers do on New Year’s Eve?
On New Year’s Eve, New Yorkers typically gather in Times Square to watch the iconic ball drop, celebrate with friends and family, and enjoy fireworks displays across the city.
Is it free to watch the ball drop in NYC?
Yes, it is free to watch the ball drop in Times Square on New Year’s Eve; however, securing a good viewing spot may require arriving early and enduring large crowds.
Should I go to NYC for New Year’s Eve?
Yes! So long as you’re okay with large crowds, cold weather, and bustling celebrations, attending New Year’s Eve festivities in NYC can be an unforgettable experience.
Is Times Square ball drop worth it?
Whether the Times Square ball drop is worth it depends on your tolerance for large crowds, cold weather, and the excitement of being part of an iconic New Year’s Eve celebration.
