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New Year’s Eve New York 2026 | 10 Incredible ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve in New York

Why Celebrate 2026 New Year’s Eve in New York City?

Celebrating New Year’s Eve in New York is an experience unlike any other. The lively and vibrant atmosphere of New York City makes it the perfect palace to be in on New Year’s Eve. The entire city is lit up in anticipation, and numerous concerts, shows, parties, and events are being held all around the city to welcome the new year.

More about the weather in New York during New Year’s Eve

New Year's Eve New York

Highest temperature: 6 to 8°C

Lowest temperature: -1 to -2 °C

Chances of rain: There is about a 25% chance of rain.

What to wear: Winter wear with a couple of layers should suffice. Be sure to cover your neck since it gets quite chilly at night.

Top 10 things to do in New York on New Year’s Eve

1. Witness the ball drop at Times Square

Celebrating New Year's Eve at Times Square is one of the most popular ways to celebrate the new year. The highlight of the event is the iconic ball drop at exactly 12 AM. Every year, almost a million people make their way to Times Square, and the energy and intensity of the event are unlike anything else you’ve seen before!

What to expect: Huge crowds, most popular attraction, party

Tips: Reach early to secure a good spot to watch the ball drop

2. Watch fireworks

The epic fireworks show that lights up the night sky are one of the highlights of New Year's Eve in New York City. There are 4 main spots where fireworks are launched. The most popular, as you might have already guessed, is Times Square. Central Park is close behind, and is a great place to relax on the lawn and catch the fireworks display. If you’d like to avoid crowds, New York Harbor is a great spot, which can be seen from New Jersey and Brooklyn.

3. Go partying

For New Year's Eve in New York City, Manhattan offers some top spots like Marquee in Chelsea, LAVO Nightclub in Midtown, and PHD Rooftop Lounge at Dream Downtown in the Meatpacking District, all known for their high-energy parties and world-class DJs. In Brooklyn, House of Yes in Bushwick and Elsewhere in Williamsburg are popular for eclectic performances and live music. Queens' Knockdown Center in Maspeth also provides a large space for lively celebrations. Be sure to book early to secure your spot for an unforgettable night.

4. Attend the New York Road Runners’ Midnight Run

Another viral event for fitness enthusiasts is a fun 4-mile run sponsored by the New York Road Runners Organization. The run starts at Bethesda Terrace precisely at the stroke of midnight and is set underneath a 15-minute fireworks display that promises to make your experience magical.

5. Attend a show or concert

There are several popular shows that take place on New Year's Eve. One such show is the New Year’s Eve Gala by the Metropolitan Opera. You can catch renowned stars such as Javier Camarena, Angel Blue, and Pretty Yende in action as you enjoy an unforgettable performance.

Best Broadway shows

6. Go on a cruise

A boat cruise is one of the best ways to explore the city. You can enjoy some live music and some delicious food while catching stunning views of the famous New York skyline. You can see the skyline lit up at night, making your cruise straight out of a fairytale. This is the perfect experience for a date, although it can be a little heavy on the pockets.

What to expect: Romance, panoramic views, and fireworks

Best New York cruises

7. Visit Coney Island

Although Coney Island is thought of as a summertime vacation spot in New York City, it reopens only for one night on New Year's Eve. Take a ride on the massive Ferris Wheel and catch the breathtaking fireworks display. The New York Aquarium is also a place you can visit, although it is only open until 9:00 PM. If you enjoy going to a beachside carnival for some fun activities on NYE, Coney Island is the perfect spot.

What to expect: Family-friends, rides and activities, fireworks

Tips: Book your tickets in advance and expect large crowds

8. Go ice skating

Don't miss a chance to get on one of Manhattan's iconic ice skating rinks to celebrate the new year. Glide under the glorious Rockefeller Center Christmas tree in Midtown or head to an open-air holiday market at Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park's rink. This is the only free skating rink in the city! Wollman Rink in Central Park also makes for a magical skating experience with breathtaking views.

What to expect: Family-friendly, sporting activity

Tips: You will have to reserve a time slot online before arriving, even at the rinks that don't charge admission.

Ice skating at the Rockefeller Center

9. Have a delicious feast

Many of New York's most popular restaurants have special menus set for New Year's Eve. Dine at a restaurant of your choice and enjoy delicious food and alcohol for a low-key New Year's Eve in New York City. Make your reservations in advance because things can get crowded on New Year's Eve.

10. Visit an observation deck

What better way to say goodbye to 2024 and welcome the New Year than visiting the observation deck? The magical panoramic views of the city at night provides the perfect backdrop to reflect on the past year and bring in the new one with your family and friends!

Visit an observation deck in NYC

Plan your New Year's Eve in New York City

New Year's Eve New York

Subway: During peak hours (from 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM and from 3:30 PM to 8:00 PM), they run every 2 to 5 minutes. From midnight until 6:30 AM, trains run around every 20 minutes. Due to the NYE celebrations, some subway stations and streets are barricaded early in the day. Be sure to check the subway website for the latest updates.

Bus: Purchase a MetroCard at the nearest subway station. This gives you full access to the city’s buses as well as subway lines, making it economical and easy to travel from one place to another.

Taxi/Car: You can always hail a taxi or rent a car to get around New York on New Year's Eve. There will be plenty of traffic, so prepare in advance accordingly.

New Year's Eve New York

Note: The prices mentioned are for 2 persons.

New Year's Eve New York

Note: The prices mentioned are for 2 people

Handy tips for celebrating New Year's Eve in New York

  • If you plan on moving around the city quite a bit, be sure to purchase the MetroCard at your nearest subway station. This gives you access to all the buses and subway lines in NYC and is quite economical. 
  • Be sure to wear multiple layers of clothing and cover your neck since the temperature can go below freezing at night. 
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes since you will be doing quite a bit of walking throughout the day and night. 
  • To gain access to washrooms and other amenities, you can purchase a ticket to an event at one of the businesses in Times Square. This way, you can not just relax for a few hours before midnight, but you can also enjoy some food and drinks if it gets too cold outside. 

The best New Year's Eve parties in New York

The Premier Hotel New York

This is a premier penthouse house party in New York City to ring in the new year. This exclusive event also has a live view of the ball drop along with delicious food, alcohol, and a night of fun!

  • Tickets: from $1799
  • Location: 133 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036 | Find it on Maps

Gotham Hall NYC

Gotham Hall's inaugural VIP New Year's Gala promises an unforgettable evening of opulence and grandeur, set within the historical splendor of one of NYC's most revered venues.

  • Tickets: from $399
  • Location: 1356 Broadway, New York, NY 10018 | Find it on Maps

The Edge NYC

Ring in the New Year at the exclusive New Year's Eve celebration at the Edge NYC in Hudson Yards, one of the highest outdoor sky decks in the Western Hemisphere. Enjoy breathtaking views of the city skyline, an open bar, live DJ performances, and a midnight champagne toast to welcome 2024 in style!

  • Tickets: from $43.55
  • Location: 30 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001 | Find it on Maps

Bar 54 at Hyatt Centric Times Square

Bar 54 is the tallest rooftop lounge in Manhattan, perched atop the 54th floor of the Hyatt Centric Times Square. The New Year's Eve party here offers stunning, one-of-a-kind views of the Manhattan skyline and the ball drop!

  • Tickets: from $1249
  • Location: 135 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036 | Find it on Maps

Elsie Rooftop Broadway

With 25 stories of stunning views, guests relish in 5 hours of top-tier open bar, delectable dishes, and the choice of witnessing either the Empire State Building fireworks or the iconic Ball drop.

  • Tickets: from $499
  • Location: 1412 Broadway, New York, NY 10018 | Find it on Maps

Frequently asked questions about celebrating New Year's Eve in New York

You can enjoy some fun activities on New Year's Eve such as attending shows, and concerts, enjoying some delicious NYC delicacies, going bar hopping, taking a cruise, catching a stunning fireworks display, and taking part in the celebrations at Times Square.