Going Places, Near & Far: New Year’s Eve in New York, the City That Never Sleeps

Karen Rubin

New Year’s Eve in Times Square is one of the experiences you must have at least once in your life. That’s the way it was for me when I did it a few years ago. But New York offers many other experiences. I followed my Times Square experience with joining in the New York Road Runners’ party in Central Park, complete with live band, midnight fireworks and yes, a midnight Fun Run. Incredible.

With festive events in Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island, including the annual ball drop in Times Square, New York City holds onto the tradition of being the New Year’s Eve capital of the world.

“From the iconic ball drop in Times Square to the simulated ball drop in Coney Island, New York City has no shortage of events and activities that make it a quintessential New Year’s Eve destination,” said Fred Dixon, president and CEO of  NYC & Company. “We will once again host visitors from around the globe for a multitude of unique celebrations, setting 2016 off to an unforgettable beginning.”

Times Square has been the center of worldwide attention on New Year’s Eve ever since 1904 when the owners of One Times Square started holding rooftop celebrations to greet the New Year. The first Ball Lowering celebration took place in 1907, and this tradition is now a universal symbol of welcoming the New Year.

The estimated 1 million revelers in Times Square are expected to be joined by more than 100 million television viewers in the United States and more than 1 billion people worldwide collectively watching a 109-year-old tradition: the Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball Drop. A 12-foot-diameter geodesic sphere covered in 2,688 Waterford crystals, the ball weighs 11,875 pounds and is powered by 32,256 Philips Luxeon Rebel LED lights, capable of creating a palette of more than 16 million vibrant colors. At 11:59 pm, the ball begins its descent atop One Times Square as millions of people count down the final seconds of the year and celebrate the beginning of a new year.

Here are some tips: You have to get to Times Square in the early afternoon, before 3 pm, to even get inside the “zone” that is otherwise cordoned off by New York’s Finest. And the most significant thing to remember about this is that you can’t leave and return and there did not seem to be any bathroom facilities within the zone. Bring your own bottle of water and snacks but don’t drink much before you come (though I did see some pizza deliveries being made, just how is beyond me).

Keep the weather forecast in mind, but come with layers of clothes, particularly warm socks and hats and a waterproof cover, and possible feet and hand warmers. You might also bring a small collapsible seat or something to sit on like a cushion. You can’t bring much in because of security. Definitely bring your camera (check battery) because the images are fabulous with all the neon lights.

It is a marathon that tests endurance – literally standing in one place for eight or more hours. It is this physical challenge that becomes part of the fun (and part of your own legend which you will be able to tell over and over).

The assembled minions are a cross section of humanity – not too many fat cats among the hoi polloi in these crowds. But that is the most fun – this sense of community that forms and being part of this amazing celebration. Gathering from early afternoon, the dazzling lights, neon colors, massive dynamic photos from gigantic billboards add to the energy and the people around you become your new best friends.

Don’t want to brave the cold and the crowds? Another way to experience the ball drop in Times Square is at one of the hotels. Hotel Novotel’s Supernova is a VIP venue that provides unobstructed views of the spectacular Ball Drop. This year’s entertainment program at Supernova features aerial acrobatic performers to entertain guests with a Cirque Du Soleil-inspired show, VIP table service, a six hour premium open bar and a midnight Champagne toast along with gourmet passed hors d’oeuvres and succulent sweets. For more information, visit www.supernovaballdrop.com.

My other favorite way of celebrating New Year’s Eve is theEmerald Nuts Midnight Run hosted by the New York Road Runners Club. Join in the fun and celebrate with dancing (starting at 10 p.m.) which is free and open to the public, followed by a costume parade and contest (starting at 11 p.m.) at the Central Park Bandshell at 72nd Street near 5th. With a countdown to midnight beginning at 11:59 p.m., the 4-mile unscored run (but cash prizes for the top three winners!) begins at the stroke of midnight, as a spectacular 15-minute fireworks display lights up the night and the start of 2016. (Register in advance. Fees up to $65; pick up registration number at NYRR, 322 Columbus Avenue (between West 75th and West 76th streets, www.nyrr.org/races-and-events/2015/nyrr-midnight-run)

More in Manhattan

 

New York Philharmonic: On New Year’s Eve, Lincoln Center’s David Geffen Hall will resound with French delights like Offenbach’s Can-Can and Saint-Saëns’s Carnival of the Animals among others for the New York Philharmonic’s La Vie Parisienne. Pianist Makoto Ozone, artist-in-association Inon Barnatan and mezzo-soprano Susan Graham will make guest appearances and headline the fantastic show, conducted by Alan Gilbert. For more information, visit nyphil.org.

The Metropolitan Opera: The Metropolitan Opera will perform Les Pêcheurs de Perles December 31 through February 4, the first Met performance of Georges Bizet’s beautiful opera in a century. Set in the Far East, it is a story about lust and longing, featuring Diana Damrau, Matthew Polenzani and Mariusz Kwiecien. Following the performance on New Year’s Eve, there will be dinner and dancing on the Mercedes T. Bass Grand Tier. For more information, visit MetOpera.org.

Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine: The Cathedral Choir, Orchestra, and soloist Jamet Pittman will be joined by guests Judy Collins, Jason Robert Brown, and host Harry Smith of NBC News for this year’s New Year’s Eve Concert for Peace at the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine, beginning at 7 pm. For more than 25 years, the show has brought people together to bring in the New Year with peace, which will this year feature Leonard Bernstein’s work, with a performance of his Chichester Psalms. A limited number of general admission seats are free and open to the public on a first-come, first-serve basis (get there by 6 pm when doors first open). Reserved seats are $40, $100, $150, which can be purchased online. Later in the evening, a special late-night service will be held to ring in the New Year. (St. John the Divine, 1047 Amsterdam Avenue at 112th Street, New York, NY 10025, 212-316-7540, info@stjohndivine.org, stjohndivine.org.)

Madison Square Garden: A popular touring act since the late nineties, Phish returns to Madison Square Garden with a show to ring in the New Year. Throngs of loyal fans will fill the concert hall from December 30 through January 2 for their unique and famed concerts. For more information, visit thegarden.com.

Merchant’s House Museum: On New Year’s Day, the Merchant’s House Museum in the East Village will be re-creating one of old New York’s cherished traditions—paying house calls to revive and reaffirm friendships. House tours, 19th-century readings on New Year’s Day celebrations, punch and confections will all be part of the festivities, as well as a holiday raffle drawing. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit merchantshouse.org.

 

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Times Square: With over 500 artifacts and 20 galleries, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Times Square will once again be holding a New Year’s Eve celebration to ring in 2016. This year’s event includes an open bar, nonstop cocktail-style delicacies and a night full of exciting entertainment. There will be live performances, dancing and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. VIP guests will enjoy two additional hours at the open bar. For more information, visit ripleysnewyork.com.

 

Bateaux New York will host a New Year’s Eve cruise offering a sophisticated experience highlighted by live soft jazz and fine dining.  Gourmet cuisine and a carefully curated wine list are included in the luxurious evening, as well as party favors, a premium bar package, and beautiful views of the skyline. For more information visit bateauxnewyork.com.

 

Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises: For an exciting twist on the classic Circle Line cruise, ships will take guests to the Statue of Liberty to watch the annual fireworks show. The party cruise includes hors d’oeuvres, a full open bar, party favors, a DJ, and a midnight champagne toast. The cruise boards at 9pm and sails from 10pm to 1am. (Must be 18 years old to board and 21 years old to drink alcohol.) For more information or to purchase tickets, visit circleline42.com

 

World Yacht Cruises: World Yacht Cruises will also host a New Year’s Eve Dinner Cruise, which boasts eye-catching views of the fireworks and sweeping views of the City, all seen from the Statue of Liberty. The cruise goes around Manhattan and includes a five-course dinner, premium open bar, DJ, party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. Boarding is at 9pm, and the cruise sails from 10pm to 1am. The fun continues with a dockside party until 1:30am. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit worldyacht.com.

 

Waldorf Astoria New York: Visitors coming to the City can celebrate New Year’s Eve in style with a gourmet meal at Peacock Alley at the famed Waldorf Astoria New York. The hotel’s restaurant will offer a dinner fete with seafood, caviar and traditional dinner stations complete with a live band, dancing and premium open bar. Visitors can book now at eventbrite.com. Additionally, the hotel’s historic restaurant, Bull & Bear Prime Steakhouse, will offer a pre-fixe dinner menu, live band and dancing with several packages to choose from. For reservations, visit opentable.com

Mandarin Oriental New York:  The Mandarin Oriental New York invites visitors to ring in the New Year at its annual black-tie New Year’s Eve gala, featuring an open bar cocktail hour, six-course gourmet dinner and live entertainment throughout the evening. The hotel also has a special New Year’s Eve Celebration Hotel Package, which includes luxury accommodations, two tickets to the gala and daily breakfast. For more information and to reserve, email NewYearsEveNYC@mohg.com.

InterContinental New York Times Square: Ca Va Brasserie by Todd English at the InterContinental New York Times Square invites visitors to count down to the new year with its exclusive masquerade party, featuring unlimited food and drinks from 8 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. The hotel will also offer a special New Year’s Eve package with a minimum two night stay. For more information, visit interconny.com.

 

Mastro’s Steakhouse: The critically-acclaimed restaurant will be hosting an elegant celebration with their famous cuisine taking center stage. There will be live entertainment featuring the MKG Trio as well as dancing and party favors for guests. Passed hors d’oeuvres and handcrafted cocktails will be available throughout the night and the traditional champagne toast will take place at midnight. For more information, visit mastrosrestaurants.com

First Night in Brooklyn

 

Coney Island LED Ball Drop: For those who want to experience the thrill of the ball drop without the crowds of Times Square, Coney Island will be hosting a New Year’s Eve celebration with an LED ball drop simulated on the Parachute Jump.  A fantastic fireworks show will be held at midnight, and boardwalk bars and restaurants will be open for after parties.  For more information, visit coneyislandusa.com

 

Prospect Park Fireworks: Visitors and locals can New Year’s Eve in Prospect Park under Brooklyn’s beautiful annual fireworks display at midnight, sponsored by Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams. This event is free and open to all ages and includes hot refreshments and entertainment. The Grand Army Plaza, along West Drive in Prospect Park, and along Prospect Park West between Grand Army Plaza and 95th Street are the best places to see the spectacular fireworks show. For more information, visit prospectpark.org.

 

Jimmy Buffett at the Barclays Center: The Barclays Center will host Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band for their first New Year’s Eve concert in New York City, where they will perform music spanning their entire career. For more information, visit barclayscenter.com.

Coney Island Polar Bear Club Annual New Year’s Day Swim: On New Year’s Day 2016, the Coney Island Polar Bear Club will uphold the tradition of its annual plunge into the Atlantic Ocean. The swim is open to the public and starts at 1pm on the boardwalk at Stillwell Avenue. Camp Sunshine, a charity for children with life-threatening illnesses, will be accepting donations. For more event, pledging and registration details, visit polarbearclub.org

New Year’s in Queens

Resorts World Casino: This year for New Year’s Eve, Resorts World Casino will be hosting the Legends in Concert tribute show, featuring impersonators of Tina Turner, Prince, Lady Gaga, Rod Stewart and many others. Tickets range from general admission to VVIP, and all guests must be 18 and over. The show will begin at 9pm. Following the show, a party will be held at Club360, and all casino games will be available, including over 3,000 slot machines. For more information, visit rwnewyork.com

Staten Island Gala

Nicotra’s Ballroom: Beginning at 7:30pm, Nicotra’s Ballroom at the Hilton Garden Inn New York/Staten Island will host a New Year’s Eve Gala to ring in 2016. It will be an elegant occasion complete with cocktail reception, gourmet dinner and traditional champagne toast. A DJ will play music all night for dancing, and guests will enjoy a fantastic light show. There will be a live feed of Times Square playing through the night for viewing the ball drop. For more info, visit nicotrasballroom.com.

Angelina’s Ristorante: Visitors and locals can spend their New Year’s Eve in Staten Island at Angelina’s Ristorante enjoying a delicious blend of traditional and innovative Italian cuisine. Beginning at 8:30pm, celebrate with a three-course all-inclusive menu. For more details, visit angelinasristorante.com.

Thomas the Tank Engine in The Bronx

 

New York Botanical Garden: As a part of the 2015–2016 annual Holiday Train Show, Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends will be taking children and their families on a memorable sing-along adventure as they decorate the station. The event runs from January 2 to 24, with select show times, and parents are encouraged to bring cameras for photo opportunities with Thomas. Visit nybg.org for tickets and the full performance schedule.

To plan a New Year’s Eve visit to New York City, check out NYC & Company’s guide at nycgo.com/newyearseve. For all there is to do and see in New York City, visit nycgo.com.

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