New Year’s Eve in New York 2025

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

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.

Brunch
Bar Boulud: from $50
Daniel: from $576
Del Frisco’s Grille: from $50
Dinner
Eleven Madison Park: from $730
Hearth: from $240
The Dutch: from $100

Note: The prices mentioned are for 2 persons.

Budget
Jazz On the Park Hostel: from $78
Neptune Hotel: from $95
Flushing Hostel: $90
Mid-range
The Gallivant Times Square: from $122
The Hotel @ Times Square: from $188
Hotel King's Court: from $190
Luxury
W New York - Times Square: from $231
The Chatwal, a Luxury Collection Hotel: from $673
The Pearl Hotel New: from $296

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.
For great views of the fireworks display, the Empire State Building is a great spot. However, do note that it gets quite crowded, so heading to the landmark early is a good idea.
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 throught 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

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) Tickets

$30

4.4 | 4383 Reviews

Top of the Rock Observation Deck Tickets

$43.56

4.5 | 238 Reviews

30-Min All-Inclusive NYC Helicopter Tour from Downtown Manhattan

$389

4.5 | 2226 Reviews

Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes by QVC

4.6 | 3140 Reviews

One World Observatory Standard Ticket: Skip-the-Box-Office

$30.49

4.4 | 1020 Reviews

Guggenheim Museum Skip-the-Line Tickets

$30

4.4 | 224 Reviews

Empire State Building: Skip-the-Line Tickets

$92.55

4.2 | 62 Reviews

Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Guided Tour with Ferry

$59

4.1 | 844 Reviews

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Tickets

$47.91

4.6 | 4453 Reviews

Edge Observation Deck Tickets: Timed Entry

$39.20

4.5 | 5705 Reviews

Rockefeller Center Guided Tour

$29.40

4.4 | 8 Reviews

Circle Line: New York City Sightseeing Cruise

$52

4.4 | 5 Reviews

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

What can I do in New York City on New Year's Eve?

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.

Where are fireworks on New Year's Eve in New York City?

There are 4 spots where you can catch the fireworks display in New York City on New Year's Eve. They are Times Square, Central Park, Prospect Park, and New York Harbor.

What are the best things to do in New York for New Year's Eve?

You can take part in numerous activities on NYE ranging from a relaxed cruise to going club hopping around town.

Are tickets required to enter Times Square on New Year's Eve?

No, entry to Times Square is completely free on New York’s Eve.

Which streets are closed for the celebration on New Year's Eve in New York City?

Certain subway stations and streets are closed during New Year’s Eve in New York City. Check the subway website to know the exact station that is closed.

Can luggage be brought into Times Square during the New Year's Eve celebration?

You can carry luggage to Times Square during NYE. However, it may be difficult to carry a lot of luggage and move around.

Where can I see fireworks for New Year's Eve?

You can see fireworks in 4 spots around the city - Central Park, Times Square, Prospect Park, and New York Harbor.

What should I do on New Year's Eve in New York?

Watch the ball drop at Times Square, attend a party, watch the fireworks go off, or go on a cruise on New Year's Eve in New York.

How do I get around New York on New Year's Eve?

The subway, buses and taxis are all functional in New York on New Year's Eve. Check the schedules in advance.

Where can I see fireworks in New York City on New Year's Eve?

Times Square, Prospect Park, and Coney Island are the best places to be if you want to see dazzling fireworks on New Year's Eve in New York.