Where to watch New Year’s Eve fireworks in New York?

New Year’s Eve Fireworks on Times Square

• It’s the shortest but most intense fireworks display of the year. As the final seconds of the old year tick away, the iconic crystal ball descends down the pole atop One Times Square. At midnight, fireworks light up Times Square. Expect a lot of noise!
• The ceremony is precisely choreographed. It’s called the “ball drop”—the descent of the New Year’s Eve Ball. This crystal globe sits at the top of One Times Square and slides down a pole to mark the arrival of the new year, accompanied by a shower of confetti, fireworks, and balloons.
• The first ball drop took place on December 31, 1907, and has happened every year since. The ball itself has evolved over time: the original wood and steel version was lit by lightbulbs, while today’s globe is made of crystal and lit by LEDs. Since 1996, a celebrity has triggered the ball’s descent.
• One thing never changes: the massive crowd. Many people wait for hours in the cold to get a good spot. Authorities estimate roughly one million people gather on Times Square on New Year’s Eve.
• To get a prime position, you’ll need to arrive early in the afternoon and stay put until midnight, with no access to restrooms. See our tips for New Year’s Eve on Times Square. Another option is to arrive later and watch the fireworks from a distance along Broadway or 7th Avenue.

Video of Times Square Fireworks

Marie Sedira shares the atmosphere in this video. It’s midnight and the fireworks crackle to welcome the first seconds of the new year. “It was absolutely huge,” Marie says, “it’s something I’ll never forget!” Watch her video here:

Fireworks over New York Harbor

• Another highly anticipated New Year’s Eve fireworks display lights up New York Harbor. At midnight, barges positioned near the Statue of Liberty launch a fireworks show lasting about 30 minutes—one of the longest in the city.
  You can see the display by arriving early at Battery Park, though the view will be distant. You can also head to New Jersey, particularly Jersey City and Liberty State Park.
• To escape the crowds and get the closest view, consider boarding one of the boats offering a New Year’s Eve evening on the water. You might choose our New Year’s Eve dinner cruise and fireworks.

New Year’s Eve in Brooklyn

• Brooklyn celebrates the new year with its own fireworks display. Head to Prospect Park from 10:30 pm for fireworks that light up the neighborhood’s sky.
• For the best vantage point, arrive early in the evening at Grand Army Plaza. You can also position yourself on West Drive, along Prospect Park West, between Grand Army Plaza and 9th Street.