The fireworks in Central Park and Prospect Park are off this year due to the drought, but don’t worry, there are still tons of great things to do and places to be to see New Year’s Eve 2025 in!
New years eve in New York City is on the bucket list of countless travellers across the world! If you’re heading there this year, check out these free and paid events.
This post is constantly updated, and full of tips for where to see the fireworks that are still happening (and where they WON’T be), as well as exclusive rooftop parties with open bars, harbor cruises and more.
Start your new year’s eve celebrations with a bang (or a couple of cocktails) and end with the ball drop. One of the best ways to not miss out would be to book one of these fab New York hotels which have epic views of the midnight fireworks.
NYC has all the excitement and magic one needs to see in the new year and whether you’re on a budget or money’s no object, this post is for you.
Where better to have the best new year’s eve than the Big Apple?
*This post contains affiliate links. That means if you make a purchase from some sites I will earn a commission at no cost to you.
Fun ways to celebrate the New Year in NYC
*Disclaimer: while I make every effort to ensure the content below is correct, please click on the relevant links to go directly to the attraction in question and double check hours, costs, latest weather or pandemic interruptions, etc.
To help you make the most of your New Year’s Eve celebration, and to better experience New York on a budget, this post covers some epic ways to begin the new year.
Whether you prefer a more exclusive and elegant night out with your nearest and dearest, or to be one of a million jostling in a throng of New Yorkers, I’ve got you covered.
If you’re looking for the best, or hidden, rooftop restaurants and bars in NYC, you’ll love the places I’ve also selected on this post the best dreamy rooftop restaurants in NYC – but make your booking soon so you don’t miss out.
If you’re looking for NYC New Year’s Eve parties and events, I have short-listed my top picks for you to choose from. Each event has its own details on dress code, time and cost.
Table of contents
- Fun ways to celebrate the New Year in NYC
- Party on the Roof!
- Get the Party Started!
- Take a Dinner & Fireworks Cruise
- Holiday Lights Walking Tour
- 2024/2025 Times Square timings on New Year’s Eve
- New Year’s Eve in Brooklyn
- Other things to do in New York this New Year
- 5 Quick Tips to have the Best New Year’s Eve in NYC
Party on the Roof!
The Tallest Rooftop Party in New York
Join the New Year’s Eve gala at Bar 54 for stunning, one-of-a-kind views of the Manhattan skyline, and direct views of the Ball Drop! These limited tickets are highly sought after, and you can get them through my direct link. You’ll enjoy a 5-hour premium open bar, as well as 3 hours of passed appetizers. Dress to impress at this black tie optional, exclusive soiree.
Get your Bar 54 NYE tickets here >
Marriott Marquis Times Square New Year’s Eve Gala
This VIP New Year’s Eve party is a once-in-a-lifetime event, just steps away from the famous Ball and with not-to-be-missed views of the Times Square celebrations and the NYE Ball Drop.
Enjoy amazing views from one of two outdoor terraces, and look down on the New Year’s Rockin’ Eve main stage below. Ticket includes dinner buffet, dessert bar and 5 hours of premium open bar with live DJ.
Get your tickets quick for Marriott Marquis NYE party >
Get the Party Started!
Party at Applebees Times Square
Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Applebee’s on 42nd Street, located between 7th & 8th Avenues in the heart of Times Square. This family-friendly party begins at 7pm, through till the champagne toast and live viewing of the ball drop at midnight. Includes hors d’oeuvres, buffet dinner, premium open bar, DJ and dance floor.
Just before midnight, join in with the excitement of the crowds for a west side view of the ball drop! Guests will be escorted through security to the live ball drop event, conditions permitting.
Get your Applebee’s NYE tickets here >
New Year’s Eve Gala
Head to historic and fabulous Gotham Hall for this New Year’s Eve extravaganza! This fancy gala dinner includes open bar for cocktails all evening and reserved seating buffet.
The former Greenwich Savings Bank is now a magical grand and monstrous ballroom space, so dress in your finery and enjoy the elegance and charm of the 1920s with the gilded ceiling, the stained glass skylight and Corinthian columns of this fabulous space at one of the hottest events in town this NYE.
Located in Herald Square on 36th Street and Broadway, doors open at 8pm… and that is precisely when the open bar starts too! You’ll enjoy five hours of open bar to imbibe in all the festive cocktails you want, and a delicious buffet from 8pm – 10.30pm, followed by dessert, and ring in the new year with a champagne toast.
Buy your sought-after Gotham Hall NYE tickets here >
Dueling Piano with Open Bar
If you fancy a rollicking good time and something a bit different than where all the beautiful people are, head to the Shake Rattle and Roll Dueling Piano show.
This high-energy, musical comedy show features all your favourite hits from the 50s to today. There will be plenty of singing, dancing, and audience participation. Plus, a four hour open bar, appetizers, and a champagne toast.
Bar hop until midnight
The New Year’s Eve Prohibition History Tour is a six hour tour with a dedicated reserved viewing space of the ball drop at Times Square.
This tour begins in one of New York’s oldest bars and former speakeasy during the Prohibition Era. You’ll hear about gangsters and bootleggers and the sudden demise of Prohibition. There is an open bar from 7:00pm-12:00am and view the ball drop from 12 blocks away, in an exclusive section that the general public is not allowed into.
Take a Dinner & Fireworks Cruise
Due to drought conditions this year, fireworks in Central Park and Prospect Park have been cancelled, but don’t worry, other events are planned.
For the best seats to see the fireworks in New York, you’ll need to head to the river, or better yet, join a New Year’s Eve cruise on the Hudson River or East River and raise a glass at midnight at the most spectacular show in town.
Cruise with Hornblower
Join the Hornblower Infinity’s New Year’s Eve party on the river. I love this for the big party of 1000 people! It’s the largest floating party in NYC this New Year’s Eve, with multiple decks to dance the night away, and large outdoor areas to see the fireworks from. Age 21+. Departs from Pier 15, 78 South Street at Fletcher Street. Boarding 9.30pm for a 10.30pm departure. You can buy general admission tickets right up to VIP seated dining.
Get your Hornblower Infinity tickets here >
Cruise with Timeless Yacht
Timeless Yacht’s New Year’s Eve cruise is open to all ages. Spread out over three decks with a large open air top deck and a dance floor on each level. Grab a glass of bubbles at midnight and get in position for the fireworks bursting from the Statue of Liberty. Departs from Pier 36 – 299 South Street at Montgomery Street. Boarding 8.30pm for 9.30pm departure. There is a dinner buffet and a mid-shelf open bar.
Get your Timeless Yacht NYE tickets here >
Cruise on the luxurious Cornucopia
Enjoy a hot buffet dinner and open bar with a live DJ onboard the three-level Cornucopia Majesty. This family-friendly New Year’s Eve Gala sets off at 9pm and returns at 1am. Boarding starts at 8pm at Pier 81, 12th Ave. It promises to be a massive party with a capacity of 1000 people so bring your dancing shoes and charge your phone for the fireworks from the water at midnight.
Get your Cornucopia Majesty tickets here >
>> Try this Circle Line Harbor Cruise with fireworks views, champagne at midnight and an open bar, live DJ and a cruise around lower Manhattan. Select the light buffet option, or choose the desserts and snacks.
You’ll have photo stops at Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the lower harbour iconic sights of NYC.
Grab one of my cute New York souvenirs to celebrate your trip: Girls trip, Thanksgiving, Christmas
Holiday Lights Walking Tour
All through the holidays you can join this fun walking tour of the amazing lights in New York City during the festive season. This is great idea for those of us who don’t know where to begin, or where to end! They do have a private tour also on New Year’s Eve for 1-5 people, so jump on the link and book your spot.
Book the Holiday Lights Walking Tour for your group >
FREE New Years Eve events in NYC
Believe it or not, there are free things to do on NYE in NYC including seeing the fireworks!
Free Fireworks Show
Head to Battery Park to see the fireworks near Statue of Liberty. It’ll be crowded, especially as the park ones are cancelled, so plan to get here early, or better yet, get a hotel with a view!
Watch the New Year’s Eve Ball Drop!
The Times Square ball drop at the stroke of midnight should probably be #1 on this list, but I put it down here because you’ll need a cocktail (or two) first!
Every year a million people gather in Times Square and watch the famous ball drop when the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve. In fact New York’s New Year’s Eve would be incomplete without this tradition!
2024/2025 Times Square timings on New Year’s Eve
6pm the crystal ball will be raised to the top of Number One Times Square. Live music and entertainment will get started. You’ll need to be in place well before this, like 3pm.
Perfomers this year include Megan Thee Stallion, Tyla, Flo Rider, Sabrina Carpenter, Maria Becerra, Jelly Roll comes on about 10.30pm, Yng Lvcas, LL Cool J is scheduled for 11.38pm (let’s see how close Dick Clark can keep to time!!), Paul Anka and players from NJ/NY Gotham FC will join the 60 second countdown at one minute to midnight with the Mayor, and confetti explodes from surrounding buildings.
People begin to gather from early afternoon, so if you don’t mind crowds, join the masses to see the giant, sparkling ball drop 141-feet (43 metres) from the roof of One Times Square.
Note: there are no toilets or portaloos in the area, and people swear by adult diapers! TRUE
The best view to see the crystal ball drop is in the heart of Times Square where Broadway and 7th Avenue meet, also known as the ‘Bowtie’.
However, it can still be seen from quite far (including several hotels which I have listed below) and the entire scene is televised across the city too. So maybe just stay in one of these rooftop restaurants and watch the live stream including the live performances outside while you’re keeping warm!
Keep in mind that New Year’s Eve in New York is in deepest darkest winter and the iconic ball drop is an outdoor spectacle, so dress warmly (these heated hand warmers are essential to keep in your pockets!)
New Year’s Eve in Brooklyn
Take the family to Prospect Park
Rug up warm and head to Brooklyn’s Grand Army Plaza in Prospect Park which plays host to a festive New Year’s Eve celebration for the whole family.
Prospect Park usually hosts a free one-hour event from 11pm with live music and hot chocolate and, at midnight, a massive display of fireworks, but due to the risk of a spark going astray, fireworks are cancelled at Prospect Park this year. However, don’t panic, as they are planning a clever drone light show, which will look amazing – without all the noise that scare the animals!
The best viewing spots are at Grand Army Plaza, the Park’s West Drive, and along Prospect Park West between Grand Army Plaza and 9th Street.
Check the Prospect Park website for latest updates.
Walk over Brooklyn Bridge
Get far away from the chaos of Times Square, and take a walk over Brooklyn Bridge. Yes, it will still be busy so you’ll want to get a spot early, but from here you can see some of the fireworks towards the south.
Get your Thrills at Coney Island
Looking a more unique and exciting way to celebrate New Year’s Eve? Coney Island in Brooklyn will give you a whirlwind adventure.
The famous amusement park’s celebrations kick off at 6pm and include all of the perks expected from New Year’s Eve: possible fireworks, definite live entertainment and a happening social scene.
Located right by the beach, Coney Island is particularly exposed to the city’s winter chill, so make sure that you dress warmly. And, perhaps bring an extra jacket for when the heated excitement of the rides cools you down.
Other things to do in New York this New Year
Skate into the new year!
Ok, disclaimer: I can’t skate. In fact I hate the whole idea of slipping and sliding so I don’t ski either, but for those who do not share my phobia, here are three great places to ice skate in NYC.
The Rockefeller Center Ice Rink, under the famous Christmas tree, is a hot spot in the cold climate over winter. Even just wandering past to take a few photos is a must (that’s more like me!), and the experience is an affordable way to enjoy the city.
But if the busyness of the Rockefeller Center intimidates you, then you can visit one of the many other ice rinks that pop up across the city.
In fact skating at Central Park on the Wollman Rink is just as iconic as the Rockefeller rink, but less crowded – and cheaper!
Or head to the pop-up Winter Village in Bryant Park and don your skates there – then shop in the surrounding market stalls and grab a bite to eat.
Join the midnight fun run!
If you want to get a bit exercise on New Year’s Eve, or are crazy enough to just want to do this midnight run, that lace up your shoes and head to the start line for this four-mile race setting off at 11.59pm on December 31st.
Join this New York Road Runners race and if your NYRR membership is active for this final race of the 2024 9+1 program, you will earn guaranteed entry to the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon. Either way, entrants to the NYE race will also get a New Balance long sleeve tech T-shirt.
They usually shoot fireworks in Central Park at midnight, but are rethinking what they will do instead. Check the link above for up to date information.
Buy a New York Go City Explorer Pass and choose from two to ten attractions (out of a list of 90 amazing New York experiences) for discounted tickets.
You can save up to 50% by bundling this way, over buying tickets separately. If you choose the Hop On Hop Off bus, that takes you to Coney Island.
5 Quick Tips to have the Best New Year’s Eve in NYC
- Dress warmly! I think that’s the third time I’ve mentioned it 😉
- Get to your destination early
- Set out a budget beforehand to decide if you’re going to go large or not
- Be prepared for crowds, which are huge on a normal day, and the size of revellers will only increase during the festivities
- Don’t take a bag, wear a clever neck scarf with a pocket for your cell phone and cards, or a small crossbody bag that you can keep in front of you
And after you’ve seen in the new year in, you might like to head off on a romantic winter getaway from NYC.
FAQs about new year’s eve in New York
Yes! The only time you’ll pay is for a private event. Anyone can see the ball drop in Times Square for free – but it’s on a first-come first-in basis, so you’ll need to come early for the best view. (Remember, it’ll be cold. Wrap up warm!)
Fireworks will NOT be shooting off in the parks this year due to the drought: I am still checking on Liberty Island fireworks which are seen from boats running NYE cruises till midnight, Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn Heights, Luna Park at Coney Island. And, Number One Times Square at midnight.
At 3pm the surrounding streets are closed to traffic and people start coming in to find the best position from about 2pm.
Book a hotel with views of the Ball Drop at Times Square
Make sure you select a room with Times Square facing windows, or check with the hotel if they have public viewing areas or rooftop patios and bars to ring in the new year.
- The Knickerbocker – best views from the rooftop terrace and bar
- Casablanca Hotel Times Square – see views from the rooftop
- M Social, Times Square – views from some rooms and Perch and Terrace
- New York Marriott Marquis – head to the 48th floor restaurant for music and views
- Hyatt Centric Times Square – best views from Bar 54
- Hilton Garden Inn – views from top floor rooms
- Margaritaville Resort Times Square – views from 7th floor pool deck, and the rooftop
- The Pearl Hotel – not all rooms have Times Square views, so make sure when you book
- Renaissance New York Times Square – get a balcony room for great views, or head to the bar/lounge
- Millennium Hotel Broadway, Times Square – book a room with floor to ceiling windows facing the view
- Residence Inn, Central Park – rooms above the 65th floor looking over the intersection have the view
Getting to New York
I have been using Southwest Airlines lately for my domestic flights within the US because this no-frills airline actually has LOTS of frills, including free luggage and snacks but no seat allocation! You can read all about my review and tips for flying Southwest here.
Happy new year!
Check out more of my NYC posts:
Because I always walk about 20,000 steps per day in New York, I put together this post of the Best Shoes to Wear in New York for both summer and winter.
How to have a Gorgeous Christmas in New York
Where to have Thanksgiving Day at one of these NYC restaurants.
Find a hotel with awesome New Year’s Eve fireworks views from your room or maybe a rooftop party.
My picks for awesome flea markets in NYC to pick up a quirky gift or enjoy the street food.
The dangerous history of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and balloon fails over the years
Amazing ways to spend Valentine’s Day in New York City
Find my picks for the best dreamy rooftop restaurants in NYC in this post!
There are plenty of places to see the 4th of July fireworks in New York for free, or book a harbor cruise get amongst it with an open bar and live DJ.
If you’re looking for best brunch spots in NYC, especially if you love a great bottomless brunch, you’ll love this post.
Shop till you drop in these 12 shopping locations in NYC which I’ve reviewed in this post.
New Year’s Eve in Las Vegas sees the entire Strip closed to traffic and a massive four-mile block party. Read more about NYE in Vegas in my post here.
Shop in my curated Amazon Store where I have put lists together for travel and great gift ideas too!
Daniel
Monday 5th of December 2022
What do you suggest for a couple in their 30s? we are from Colombia and we've been in NYC before but never on New Years eve. We heard the ball drop ticket was 250 dollars.
Megan Singleton
Monday 5th of December 2022
Hi Daniel, watching the ball drop in Times Square is free. I've added an FAQ, thanks to your question. You'll need to get there early though for the best spot. You may have been looking at some of the private events? I would suggest a harbor dinner cruise to see the fireworks with an open bar and live music!
Karla Steele
Wednesday 19th of October 2022
What do you suggest for a family with 16 and 17 year olds for NYE? We are coming from the Midwest and Times Square is on our list.
Megan Singleton
Thursday 20th of October 2022
Hi Karla, I'm not sure apart from getting a good spot to watch the ball drop in Times Square and ice skating during the day for 16 and 17 year olds, but I'll add your comment here and maybe some other readers who travel with teens will have some good ideas too.
Valerie
Sunday 9th of October 2022
Thank you for this post! Just booked flights to spend NYE in NYC and I had no idea what to do! Excited to check some of these ideas out.
Megan Singleton
Sunday 9th of October 2022
Fabulous! I will update this post with more info closer to NYE too :) - Megan