5 ideas for New Year’s Eve in New York

1/ Dinner Cruise with Fireworks

• For an unforgettable New Year’s Eve in New York, board one of the special New Year’s Eve dinner cruises! Each year, several cruises offer front-row seats to the midnight fireworks display over the Statue of Liberty.
• These ships bring you close to the action while you stay warm inside, enjoying views across New York Harbor. At midnight, everyone heads to the deck for the fireworks, with the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline as your backdrop.
• Spaces fill up fast, so book your tickets early. Visit the page dedicated to New York cruises. If you skip the cruise and watch from Manhattan or Brooklyn shores instead, the view will be distant and the wait may not be worth it.

2/ Ring in the New Year at Times Square

• Since 1904, Times Square has been the other iconic spot for New Year’s Eve in New York. Crowds gather each year at the base of One Times Square to watch the Ball Drop. A crystal sphere descends along a pole to a countdown, and at midnight, fireworks light up the building as the crowd celebrates.
• The downside: Times Square is packed on New Year’s Eve. You’ll wait for hours in the cold surrounded by massive crowds. Early arrivals show up at 3 pm! Once you claim your spot, you can’t leave—not even for a restroom break. This event is best for the most dedicated.
• For tips on experiencing New Year’s Eve at Times Square, read my guide on celebrating New Year’s at Times Square. I don’t recommend Times Square for families.

3/ Watch the Brooklyn Fireworks

• Brooklyn celebrates New Year’s with its own fireworks display. The fireworks light up at midnight over the arch at Grand Army Plaza, on the north side of Prospect Park. The Santore company sponsors the show and showcases new pyrotechnics. A concert starts at 10 pm to keep the crowd entertained until midnight.
• Brooklyn’s fireworks draw fewer crowds than Times Square. Still, arrive early—all of Brooklyn turns out for the celebration. The event has a family-friendly atmosphere.

4/ Celebrate New Year’s Eve at a New York Restaurant

• For a peaceful and warm evening, reserve a table at a New York restaurant. You have plenty of options, but I’d suggest choosing a distinctly American spot. I’m partial to The Marshal, an intimate restaurant that highlights produce from farms around New York.
• You could also try a diner—those classic American restaurants that evoke the 1950s. It’s a quintessentially American way to ring in the new year, complete with festive holiday décor.
• Another option: celebrate on a rooftop! You’ll enjoy city views while having drinks and food. Book ahead—you won’t be the only one with this idea. Check out the list of best rooftops in New York.

5/ Run the NYRR Midnight Run

• The organizers of the New York Marathon invite you to celebrate New Year’s Eve with a run! Each year, a 4-mile (6.5 km) race takes place at midnight in Central Park, the Midnight Run. It’s a great way to start your New Year’s resolutions—literally in the first minute of January.
• To participate, register on the NYRR website. The entry fee is $70, which includes a commemorative t-shirt. The start and finish are on 72nd Street Transverse, near Bethesda Terrace.
• Not a runner? You can still watch the race. The event is especially popular because fireworks light up Central Park at midnight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I celebrate New Year's Eve in New York?

New York celebrates the new year in several places at once, so you’ll need to choose. The city offers four different fireworks displays for New Year’s Eve. The most famous is at Times Square. You can also watch fireworks over the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn, or Central Park. Whichever you choose, expect crowds and plan to arrive early.

Is it cold for New Year's Eve in New York?

Yes, it’s cold. December temperatures in New York are typically winter weather, averaging 6°C (43°F) during the day and dropping to 0°C (32°F) at night. For New Year’s Eve, dress warmly, especially if you plan to watch one of the fireworks displays.