New Year in New York

9th of December 2022

In this article

New York is definitely one of the best cities you can visit for the New Year. It offers a wide variety of events to attend even during winter, so there is no doubt that everyone will find suitable entertainment.

If you are one of those planning to spend New Year's Eve in this city, you are in the right place. This article will be a guide that will show you absolutely everything about your visit to New York.

You will learn all about the best places for New Year's eve, such as Times Square, some of the many clubs, rooftop bars, Prospect Park, etc.

To put it simply, we have covered everything, it is enough to sit comfortably in your favorite armchair and carefully read until the very end.

Where to Go in New York on New Year's Eve? Top 10 Ways to Celebrate the New Year in NYC

There are a huge number of places to visit in New York. The 10 most popular among them are listed and described below.

1. New Year’s Eve in New York at Times Square: A Classic

Definitely, the greatest spectacle that a person can experience is New Year's Eve at Times Square. The only disadvantage of this event is that it is the month of December and it is quite cold in New York then, and therefore it is necessary to bring warm clothes.

Despite that, thousands of people still spend Times Square New Year's Eve in New York City each year.

At 12 pm, the queue for the fabled Times Square ball drop starts to form. Time Square will be locked off after 3 p.m., therefore people should go there before then. At that point, anyone who wants to leave can do so but cannot return, not even to go to the toilet.

Additionally, alcohol is completely forbidden and small bags, including backpacks, will be checked.

New Year's Eve, in addition to the ball drop, is also filled with various manifestations, megastar concerts where people have fun.

2. Ring in the New Year On-Board a Cruise

A dinner cruise is a fantastic option for anyone searching for a unique, romantic, and wonderful New Year's Eve. The departure time is set for 9:00 p.m., while the return time is planned for 1:00 p.m. Numerous yachts and boats provide this service.

Prices range from $150 to $800 depending on the boats, the sort of menu, and the company, so everyone may find a deal that fits their budget.

The boats provide an incredible view of all the city's New Year's eve fireworks shows.

Furthermore, there's a chance to take a free boat ride to ring in the New Year! The Staten Island Ferry, which runs 24 hours a day, also runs on New Year's Eve, so everyone who boards at midnight will have a fantastic night for free.

3. NYE on New York’s Roofs

New York is a city full of skyscrapers, making it the ideal place for rooftop bars. Rooftop bars are enjoyable year-round, not only in the summer. The majority of them include blankets and fireplaces, which add to the comfortable ambiance. Drinking mulled wine or a hot chocolate while admiring the sparkling New York skyline sounds extremely pleasant.

On New Year's Eve, almost all rooftop bars offer specialties that especially delight lovers of good food.

4. Take a 6-Hour Bar Hopping Tour

This 6-hour walking bar tour includes exclusive access to watch the Times Square Ball Drop at midnight.

The tour starts in the afternoon and includes a visit to three of New York's oldest bars. In these, over drinks, visitors will have the opportunity to hear all about their history, and then finish the night in the VIP-access booth behind the barriers in Times Square for an open bar with appetizers.

Tickets cost around $299.

5. Go to Brooklyn's New Year Celebration in Prospect Park

Many tourists can gather their families and come to Brooklyn's Grand Army Plaza located in Prospect Park for a fun-filled New Year's Eve celebration.

The most important thing is that this event is free and starts at 11 p.m. It lasts one hour, and visitors can enjoy live music and good drinks.

New year's eve fireworks are set off at midnight and the greatest locations for watching are Grand Army Plaza, the Park's West Drive, and Prospect Park West between Grand Army Plaza and 9th Street.

This kind of view is not seen every day, that's why a large number of visitors decide to come here to celebrate the New Year.

Also, one of the most well-liked tourist destinations all year round is the renowned Brooklyn Bridge. This is a particularly spectacular location on the last day of the year, thanks to the quick stroll across the bridge just before midnight into Manhattan. The bridge's benefit is that you may freely take in the breathtaking panorama of the New York skyline.

6. Party at New York’s Hottest Venues

There are several renowned clubs in the city. On New Year's Eve, they all organize big parties. For the best new year's eve parties, tourists can visit some of NYC's top clubs such as 1 Oak, Nebula, Electric Room, Lavo Nightclub, and so on. Most of these clubs are very expensive.

7. Skate Into the New Year

For people who adore winter idylls as well as skating, this is the right choice. In NYC, there are three excellent spots to go ice skating.

In the cold winter months, the Rockefeller Center Ice Rink, located beneath the famed Christmas tree, is a popular destination. For people who don't like hustle like at Rockefeller Ice Rink, there are numerous other ice rinks that have appeared all around the city.

For example, skating in Central Park is equally as famous as skating on the Rockefeller rink. Also, tourists can go to the Winter Village in Bryant Park and put on their skates. Then, after that, they can shop at the nearby market stalls and have something to eat.

8. Go to an Exclusive Ball Drop Party

Tourists prefer attending Times Square Ball Drop Parties to savor the experience of dropping the ball. These are parties that allow the viewer to see the iconic Ball Drop at Times Square in a fantastic way and without freezing outside. Everyone will be able to see the Times Square Ball Drop clearly. Although the price of these ball drop parties is high, it is worth the experience.

These places offer an excellent menu throughout the evening thanks to an open bar, appetizers, dinner buffet, and dessert.

Minors under the age of 21 can also attend the event.

Usually, there will be one sizable area for dancing, one for drinks, and a couple others for relaxing.

Times Square Ball Drop Parties are very popular, so tickets sell out very quickly.

9. Kick off the New Year With the NYRR Midnight Run

Go for a run to start the New Year. The New Year's Eve run in Central Park is a big affair for a large number of people in New York.

The NYRR Midnight Run starts just at midnight hour. To kick out the new year, participants in the event run a roughly 4-mile course.

The New York Road Runners sponsored this interesting event.

What is most important, anyone can come to run. That is, not only professional runners participate.

10. Experience Coney Island in Brooklyn: A Whirlwind Adventure

Coney Island in Brooklyn will provide every visitor with the most exciting way to celebrate New Year’s Eve. A whirlwind adventure offered by Coney Island includes celebrations in the amusement park starting at 6 p.m.

Fireworks, live entertainment, and a buzzing social scene are all part of the New Year's Eve celebrations. Due to its location, this part of the city is quite colder, which requires warmer clothing.

Have the Best New Year in New York: Top Tips

Visitors visiting New York during the New Year should follow these tips:

Wear warm clothing
Get to your destination early because the crowds are big;
Determine the required budget in advance;
Don’t carry a bag, and don’t carry your phone and wallet in your back pocket;
Before booking a hotel, check its reviews on the internet;
To avoid traffic jams when returning to the hotel, it is best to book a hotel in the central area.
You may also want to explore New York's hidden gems and experience the city’s off-beaten-path attractions.

Travel Requirements for New York

All persons coming to New York will need either a visa or an ESTA, depending on the country they are coming from and how long they plan to stay. If they come from one of the countries that are under the Visa Waiver Program, they will be able to enter the country without a visa, only with ESTA.

ESTA can be used for tourist, transit, business or medical purposes. It allows a stay that cannot be longer than 90 days. ESTA provides several benefits over a visa, some of which are: quick processing, online application options, a simple and quick form to complete, and a price that is less expensive than a visa.

If an individual does not meet the requirements for an ESTA, then they must apply for a visa (most often for a B1 or B2 visa).