New York City on New Year’s Eve might well be considered the center of the universe. That’s because the iconic Times Square ball drop, possibly the most famous New Year’s Eve celebration in the world, has been taking place at One Times Square every year since 1907 (with the exception of two years during WWII, when it had to be suspended due to blackout restrictions). Roughly a million people typically gather in Times Square (Midtown West) for the ball drop each year, with millions more watching on live television around the world.
The ball drop is free, and no tickets are needed to get into the Times Square area. Times Square is located in Midtown West, a popular neighborhood with elegant and very convenient accommodations. If you think you need to be there in person this New Year’s Eve, remember that the best spots (Broadway from 43rd to 50th Streets, and on Seventh Avenue going up to 57th St.) are usually taken by the middle of the afternoon, so you need to arrive early, and also be prepared for any kind of inclement weather—rain, snow, sleet, or frigid temperatures. Remember that there are no public restrooms in Times Square, and security is a real concern—no backpacks or bags are allowed in the area on New Year’s Eve.
Of course, this being New York, you can also opt for any number of less crowded, but equally unique alternatives to Times Square. A popular four-mile run through Central Park includes a (non-alcoholic) champagne toast, a DJ, and fireworks by the same people who bring us the Macys 4th of July fireworks every summer. The run begins at 12:00 midnight, but it’s also part of a larger free party at the Central Park Bandshell (near the Park’s Fifth Avenue and 72nd Street entrance) that starts at 10:00.
Another fun possibility for New Year’s Eve in New York is the celebration at Brooklyn‘s Grand Army Plaza, where you can enjoy fireworks and the countdown right at one of the city’s great architectural monuments, and in Park Slope, one of New York’s liveliest neighborhoods and with plenty of charming accommodations.
New York Habitat’s apartments include vacation rentals all over New York City, so you can be close to Central Park, Times Square, Grand Army Plaza, or wherever else you decide to ring in the New Year:
– This fully furnished studio vacation rental in Midtown West-Chelsea (NY-14066) is one block from Central Park and features a state-of-the-art kitchen.
– This 2-bedroom bed and breakfast rental in Brooklyn’s lively Prospect Heights neighborhood (NY-12771) is conveniently located right off of Grand Army Plaza and has its own home theater system.
Do you have a favorite memory of celebrating New Year’s Eve in New York City, or a recommendation you want to share with other readers? Please leave us a comment.
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