10 Best Things to Do for New Years Eve in New York
Where to Go in New York for New Year’s?
The best things to do for New Year’s Eve in New York take you on an epic journey through the city that never sleeps. There’s always something happening, and New Year’s Eve is no exception. In fact, this winter celebration often comes with a whole host of holiday-specific festivities for you to choose from.
The question is will you spend your New York New Year’s Eve sailing away on the Hudson River, catching the fireworks show from Central Park, or watching the iconic Times Square Ball Drop? Regardless, you’re practically guaranteed to have a great time while celebrating New Year’s Eve in New York.
What are the best things to do for New Year’s Eve in New York?
1. Times Square Ball Drop
Iconic New Years’ Eve event
Good for: Nightlife, Photo
Without a doubt, the most iconic thing to do for New Year’s Eve in New York is to watch the Times Square Ball Drop. As you wait for January 1 to arrive, you’ll be entertained with musical performances galore, with past celebrations bringing greats like Diana Ross, Elton John, and Taylor Swift to the stage.
Then, at the stroke of midnight, that iconic 12-ft-wide ball will finally drop. Fireworks will light the night sky backdrop, setting the new year off to a great start.
Location: Manhattan, NY 10036, USA
Times Square Ball Drop
2. Central Park fireworks
A workout and a celebration
Good for: Nightlife, Photo
Ring in the new year with Central Park Fireworks while also starting off on the right foot with your New Year’s resolutions. It all starts with dazzling fireworks that light up the sky exactly at midnight. Take a hot chocolate with you and settle back to watch the spectacular display featuring the biggest and best fireworks New York has to offer.
But it’s not just a festive show. Those fireworks also signal the start of the annual 4-mile (6-km) midnight race. So, lace up your running shoes and race your way to the finish line. Who knows? You might even start the new year with a new personal best.
Central Park fireworks
3. Brooklyn Bridge walk
A glimpse of multiple celebrations
Good for: Photo, Couples, Families
The Brooklyn Bridge isn’t just one of the most famous landmarks in New York City. It also offers incredible views of Brooklyn and beyond. That means, when New Year’s Eve rolls around, you can get a glimpse of multiple celebrations from this one spot.
For the best experience, start walking across the Brooklyn Bridge a little before midnight. Keep your eyes peeled for all sorts of New Year’s Eve decorations. Though the Empire State Building display will likely claim most of the attention initially, the fireworks from Liberty Island to Staten Island will take the stage at midnight.
Brooklyn Bridge walk
4. Rockefeller Center ice skating
Fun on ice on New Year’s night
Good for: Families, Couples
Hang on to the holiday spirit a little longer by ice skating at Rockefeller Center on New Year’s Eve. Whether it’s midday or midnight, you can lace up your skates for a winter wonderland thrill underneath the famous tree. There are plenty of food stalls and restaurants in the area if you need to grab a hot drink and warm up.
On the occasional New Year’s Eve, the Rockefeller Center’s ice rink turns into a venue for a professional ice-skating show. So, if you’d prefer to watch the experts at work rather than take to the ice yourself, keep an eye on the Rockefeller Center holiday calendar.
Location: 600 5th Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York, NY 10020, USA
Open: Monday–Thursday from 11 am to 11 pm, Friday from 11 am to 12 am, Saturday–Sunday from 9 am to 12 am
Rockefeller Center ice skating
5. Hudson River New Year’s Eve cruises
Festivities on a luxurious cruise
Good for: Couples, Luxury, Photo
Sail into the new year on a Hudson River cruise. There are quite a few cruising companies that offer trips at the stroke of midnight, so you’ll have your pick. Most of these luxury boats come with food, drinks, and epic river views.
From these cruises, you’ll also often get views of many of the best New York New Year’s Eve festivities. Keep your eye out for the fireworks from Liberty Island, Central Park, and Grand Army Plaza, amongst others.
Hudson River New Year's Eve cruises
6. Broadway shows
Award-winning musicals and theater performances
Good for: Families, Couples, Nightlife
What better way to ring in the new year than with the peak of the New York City entertainment scene and Broadway shows? With dozens of Broadway shows playing on any given night, there’s sure to be one to catch your eye for December 31.
It is important to note that Broadway theaters often have irregular performance schedules during the week of New Year’s Eve. While some shows cancel performances, others add bonus performances. Your best bet for an up-to-date schedule is to check the Broadway or Playbill websites.
Broadway shows
7. Grand Army Plaza fireworks
Budget-friendly fireworks show
Good for: Budget, Photo
While there are lots of great fireworks shows in New York City on New Year’s Eve, the fireworks at Grand Army Plaza really stand out from the crowd. This colorful display right over Prospect Park is a great way to ring in the new year without spending a dime.
Plus, in the hours leading up to midnight, there’s fantastic live music. Sway the night away to tunes by some of the coolest up-and-coming artists in the city. Have your camera ready to snap the best pictures of you and your loved ones with the amazing backdrop of stunning fireworks.
Location: Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238, USA
Grand Army Plaza fireworks
8. Top of the Rock Observatory
Birds’ eye view of the city’s festivities
Good for: Families, Couples, Photo
Make your way to the Top of the Rock Observatory for a 1-of-a-kind view of New York City’s New Year’s Eve festivities. From 70 stories up, you’ll get to see a good chunk of Manhattan from this toasty perch.
Though this bird’s eye view is available any time of year, New Year’s Eve is extra special. Watch fireworks light up the surrounding night sky and even see the iconic Times Square ball drop without the wintry weather and packed crowds.
Location: 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112, USA
Open: Daily from 9 am to midnight
Top of the Rock Observatory
9. New York Philharmonic’s New Year’s Eve Concert
Incredible classical music performance
Good for: Nightlife, Couples
Get in on a long-standing tradition with a seat at the New York Philharmonic New Year’s Eve Concert. This symphony orchestra features some of the greatest musicians in the world, all led by world-famous conductors.
For New Year’s Eve in particular, this world-famous orchestra plays everything from classical compositions to contemporary film scores. Sometimes, some of Broadway’s best vocalists will join in on this holiday event as well, adding a whole new level of talent to this already magical evening.
Location: 10 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023, USA
New York Philharmonic's New Year's Eve Concert
10. High Line Park
Refreshing walk by day, party by night
Good for: Nightlife, Photo, Unusual
High Line Park, usually just called the High Line, is a great place to celebrate, both throughout the day of December 31 and as the clock strikes midnight. But either way, bundle up because this outdoor venue is practically guaranteed to be chilly.
During the day, the most motivated locals and visitors walk their way around the High Line, taking in the last of the holiday decorations from this elevated promenade of sorts. And when night rolls around, many of the nearby event venues, like the Le Bain nightclub at The Standard Hotel, throw annual parties to remember.
Open: Daily from 7 am to 8 pm
High Line Park
This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.