When Christmas has come and gone, there's only one thing left to look forward to. Boxing day. The day people all over the world lace up your boxing gloves, and fights their families for Christmas dinner leftovers. But wait, don't do that. Take the gloves off, because we're nearly in 2020. And you know what that means? New Year's Eve, the last and possibly biggest event of your year, is on its way. Whether you're visiting New York, or call the city home, you might be wondering what to do? Well, lucky for you, we've compiled an elite list of only the best New Year's entertainment that NYC has to offer. So prepare for the new year in New York, with the best New Year's Eve events in 2019. You're most welcome.
Featuring...
- Times Square
- NYRR Midnight Run
- Prospect Park Fireworks
Times Square NYE Ball Drop
Times Square
If you want something traditional, family-friendly, and with plenty of photo opportunities, Times Square is just the place. Famed for the ball drop that sees in the New Year, it's the place to be in NYC. It's popular. Real popular. Hundreds of thousands of people popular. It's so popular that the line to get in starts 12 hours earlier, at noon. So if you want in, you need to be dedicated.
Plus, you know, New York is pretty cold in the winter. So wrap up warm. If you go to the toilet, or leave for any other reason, you'll likely lose your spot. If you do keep your place, and stay warm, you'll be in for a treat. Singing, dancing, live performances, and the aforementioned ball drop all await. Bear in mind that there's a no-alcohol policy if you like a drink or two to ring in the new year.
NYE Ball Drop party
Assorted locations in and around Times Square
For all you party animals who want to see the ball drop with a glass of champagne in hand. Well, thankfully you're covered too. As you'd expect, these parties aren't cheap, and tickets are pretty limited. But you get a lot of bang for your buck.
Free bar, dinner, and the best view of the ball drop this side of the front row. Plus you're inside, so no worries about freezing in the late-December cold. And you'll likely have space to relax, eat, and a generous dancefloor to bust some moves on. If your stuck with your little ones, or actually want them to accompany you, you're in luck. Children are usually welcome too. However, no one under 21 can have a drink. It might be New Year, but you still have to play by the rules! Book ASAP to make sure you get a place.
Go Clubbing
Assorted clubs around NYC
Yes, we all like to dance every so often. How else does one express oneself? Thankfully, New York is teeming with clubs of all shapes and sizes that open until the early hours. And on NYE, it's no different. You've got popular clubs like Marquee and 1 Oak, as well as more paired back options such as Le Bain, PHD, and Output.
Whatever your dress code, music taste, or preferred scene, there's sure to be a New York club that fits the bill. Just be aware, lots of these places will have hefty entry fees, or will be sold out weeks or even months in advance. Do your research. The last thing you want to see in the new decade is to spend ages getting to a club only to find out they're fully booked. With any luck, and a fair bit of forward-planning, you'll get your dancing shoes on this new year's, and tear up that dancefloor like nobody's business. Who's the dancing queen? You are. You are.
Prospect Park Fireworks
Prospect Park
If you're looking for some New Years' fun that won't break the bank, head over to Prospect Park and check out their New Years' fireworks. It's completely free to get in, and there's some quality live entertainment to kick off proceeding at 10:30pm.
Grab a hot chocolate to keep warm, and see in the new year the way nature intended - surrounded by trees! This is Prospect Park's 40th year of fireworks, and attendees will be joining thousands of New Yorkers who make it out every year. Kids are welcome too, of course. Just make sure they're wearing multiple scarves.
NYRR Midnight Run
Central Park
Planning on making a New Years' resolution come January? Planning on getting into shape? Well, what better way to start the year, and keep your resolution, with the NYRR Midnight Run? Simply swap your suits and shoes for joggers and sneakers. As the bell tolls midnight, hundreds of runners set off on the 4-mile course.
Starting near Bethesda Terrace, runners will complete a circuit that takes them through Engineers' Gate, past the Reservoir, and all the way back around. A magnificent fireworks display awaits everyone at the finishing line, and you can help yourself to a sparkling cider at the halfway mark. Clearly, it's not a run that takes itself too seriously. But that's exactly what you want after a week of Christmas gorging. About as exhilarating a new year in New York you can imagine!
Whatever you do, you're sure to enjoy your New Year in New York!
Oh, and if you're feeling hungry before the celebrations get underway, or you're feeling famished once the night is through, go grab a burger at some of the best joints around.
And if you're from out of town and staying for a few days...
...you'll want to make the most of your time in the Big Apple. As you can imagine, there's a huge amount to do and see. It's the city that never sleeps, after all. You'll want to start with all the iconic buildings and locations in the city. Head up to the Empire State Building's Observatory for the best views overlooking the city. Take a trip over to Liberty Island and visit Lady Liberty herself. Take a bus tour of New York's inner landmarks. Or take the seas and get a different perspective of the city.
And, if you want a little culture, then check out these unmissable exhibitions. If you're unsure about how to get about the city (it's pretty big), check out our handy beginner's guide to the subway, and all you need to know about hailing a cab too.
