PHOTO: FELICE 56
Every year in Times Square about 2 million people countdown the dropping of a nearly 6-ton crystal ball above the Crossroads of the World, ringing in the New Year. But if you’re looking for something that doesn’t involve standing for hours in the cold with no restroom in sight, here are a few of our favorite places to celebrate the New Year at a variety of price points.
Watch Midnight Fireworks in Prospect Park: FREE!
Head to New York’s second largest park to ring in the next decade with a dazzling display of fireworks at the iconic Grand Army Plaza. The event, which is in its 40th year, is free and open to the public and takes place rain or shine. RSVP here.
Oceans: $20+
Make your reservation at Gramercy’s newest restaurant, Oceans, which opened just last month. Celebrate New Year’s Eve with a wide selection of fresh seafood, both locally and internationally sourced. A live jazz band will be playing all evening and there will, of course, be a champagne toast at midnight. Make your reservations here.
New York Road Runners Midnight Run: $25-70 (dependent on membership type)
If dancing and drinking aren’t really your thing, or you’re just looking to get a jump start on your New Year’s resolutions, the NYRR is hosting a 4-mile run kicking off at midnight in Central Park. Sign up now before the registration closes.
Hot Rabbit’s Resolutions LGBTQ New Year’s Eve at Bowery Ballroom: $40
LGBTQ events curator Hot Rabbit is putting on a New Year’s extravaganza at the lower east side’s Bowery Ballroom. The night will be filled with DJ sets, drag queen performances, and even a contest for best dressed, so come prepared. Tickets are available here.
House of Yes + ZERO Golden Era: New Year’s Eve 2020: $40-150
Enter the Golden Era at Brooklyn’s House of Yes this New Year’s Eve. The venue is hosting a party to celebrate the new gilded age, the roaring 2020s. Be sure to dress up in all your gold, glitter, and old Hollywood glam or you could be turned away (check out their inspo board for ideas). Buy your tickets here.
The Roller Wave x Ace Hotel: New Year’s Eve Roller Disco: $50-100
The Ace Hotel is hosting a New Year’s Eve Roller Disco with The Roller Wave featuring music from a live DJ, plus an open bar all night long. Skates are first come, first served if you don’t bring your own! Grab your ticket here.
Moxy East Village Alphabet Bar New Year’s Eve 2020: $85
Dance the decade away in the lobby of this East Village boutique hotel. Alphabet Bar is hosting a New Year’s Eve bash with a live DJ, party favors, and an open bar from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Plus, there will be a la carte bar snacks and light bites available. Grab your tickets here before they sell out.
FELICE 56 New Year’s Eve Dinner: $110
For a relaxing evening of amazing food and even better conversation go to FELICE 56 for a Tuscan-inspired, menu including lobster tortellini, grilled pacific shrimp or filet mignon, finished with a sweet fruit dessert and a complimentary prosecco toast at midnight. Request the prix fixe menu when booking a reservation here.
Capodanno a Eataly NYC Downtown: $150
Before the clock strikes mezzanotte, load up on unlimited pizza, pasta, and charcuterie at the Eataly in downtown Manhattan. The best red, white, and sparkling wines will be flowing all evening plus live entertainment and a mountain of delicious Italian desserts. Tickets are still available here.
ZUMA New Year’s Eve 2020: $150-300
Spend the evening at ZUMA where you can choose from a selection of cocktails and sushi and dance the night away with a live DJ and geisha performers. Don’t forget to grab a picture on the red carpet step and repeat before the midnight champagne toast. Make your reservations here.
Sandy’s Holiday Extravaganza – A Decade of Madness and Mayhem at Joe’s Pub: $155-205
Join Broadway star Sandra Bernhard at Joe’s Pub for an evening of tunes to take you into the new year and make you reflect on the past decade. This will be the 10th year Bernhard has performed for the holidays, so grab your tickets for the special night here.
TWA Hotel New Year’s Eve – Party Like It’s 1962: $185-2,000
Put on your best sixties chic attire and head out to the TWA Hotel at JFK Airport. Watch jets take off while sipping bubbly from their open bar, listen to live retro music and maybe take a turn ice skating on the Runway Rink. Book your tickets and maybe even an overnight stay here.
New Year’s Eve in Paradise at Times Square EDITION Paradise Club: $195+
Enter a paradise for the evening at this bar in the Times Square EDITION hotel. All night long enjoy DJ sets, cabaret-style performances, an open bar, and passed hors d’oeuvres, plus access to the outdoor terrace where you can watch the madness in Times Square from above. Tickets are available here.
Sleep No More New Year’s Eve Party: $275+
Spend New Year’s Eve at the McKittrick Hotel in Chelsea with tons of live, one-night only performances at Sleep No More. Guests should wear shades of midnight blue, silver, gold, or black. RSVP quickly for these tickets.
Annaleigh Ashford on New Year’s Eve at 54 Below: $320-515
Take in an amazing two course meal at 54 Below with a performance by Tony-award winner Annaleigh Ashford and Will Van Dyke and the Whiskey 5. After dinner put on your dancing shoes and dance until the clock strikes midnight. Ticket reservations can be made here.
Roaring 20’s New Year’s Eve at Bagatelle: $380-550
Slow down and enjoy the end of the decade at Bagatelle’s Roaring 20s-themed celebration. Their prix fixe menu begins at 8:30 and features white truffle risotto, wagyu beef wellington, and plenty of other tasty treats. Make your reservations here.
An Elevated New Year’s Eve Experience at 701 West at Times Square EDITION: $1,200
If you’re looking for an elegant, black tie event to usher in the new year, there’s no better place than 701 West at Times Square EDITION. After a 3-course meal by a Michelin-starred chef you’ll be able to enjoy an open bar all evening and views of Times Square as the ball drops. Reservations are available here.
