New Year’s Eve in New York City: Tips on Ringing in the New Year

Times Square? Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve? THE Ball Drop? These three things have one thing in common: New York City. Millions of visitors each year gather in this concrete jungle to ring in the New Year. Read on to discover our top 4 reasons you have to ring in the New Year in NYC

Champagne toasts, confetti, and celebrations are part of every party during New Year’s Eve. If you’re looking to celebrate in a grandiose fashion, New York City is the perfect stop for a variety of different parties. Head to Times Square to see the official year sign or make a confetti wish! You can also make a wish online now. These wishes are first posted on the Times Square wishing wall then fulfilled as they fly in the air on New Year’s Eve. When the clock strikes midnight, the confetti is sprinkled over the crowd creating a magical sight.

Party in the City That Never Sleeps

For a comical evening, head to one of the many comedy clubs in the city. Looking for something more romantic? Different cruise lines hold parties on the water with views of fireworks and more. These tickets can go fast as it is a very popular way for people to celebrate. How about a show? Madison Square Garden and Barclays Center both host concerts on New Year’s Eve. Be sure to take advantage of staying close to these venues as transportation can get hectic around these areas during this time. In addition, many bars around the city open their doors with zero cover charge and provide champagne toasts when midnight hits. There are multiple opportunities to party into the New Year.

After the party ends, the cold winter streets are met with a surge of travelers trying to get back home. Getting a yellow cab or an Uber/Lyft can be very difficult.  A way to beat this traffic is to stay at an apartment close to the venue. This gorgeous studio Murray Hill vacation rental is close to many different rooftop bars and clubs. After a night of celebrations, enjoy going back to the comfortable king-sized bed. During the day, take advantage of the building amenities that include a pool, laundry room, Turkish bath, and gym. The apartment includes an open kitchen, but if cooking isn’t on your vacation plans, find your favorite brunch spot in NYC. Explore the city by hopping on the nearby subway or discover Murray Hill through the nearby attractions starting with the Empire State Building and the New York Public Library.

Family Fun 

Every family has a different definition of fun and New York City has a lot to offer, for example, the famous Ball Drop in Times Square or AMC Empire 25 which opens its floor to families for the night. Your family can access a kid-friendly zone or adults-only VIP floor. Live DJ performance, live New Year’s Eve countdown and complimentary festive party favors are all guaranteed.

Started as part of the urban renewal project in the 1950s, Lincoln Center was built as a major performing arts center to attract a diverse audience from all around the world. Today, the center consists of thirty indoor and outdoor performance facilities which bring five million visitors annually. The David Geffen Hall is home to the symphony orchestra, the New York Philharmonic. To catch this year’s New Year’s Eve events, be sure to book tickets online.

Close to many family-friendly attractions and Lincoln Center is this 2 bedroom Upper West Side vacation rental. Less than just one block away is the popular Central Park. This townhouse accommodation has been declared a landmark building and has the lovely feature of a private backyard, enclosed with a fence with a picnic table. The fully-equipped open kitchen is the perfect place for a family breakfast on New Year’s Day. When you’re ready to venture out, check out the Museum of Natural History, just three blocks away.

For activities that require no admission fees, St. Bartholomew’s Church holds a free concert to showcase their grand Aeolian-Skinner pipe organ with 168 stops and over 12,000 pipes. This sacred oasis and designated New York City Landmark, has been part of New York City’s history for over 100 years. Its pipe organ is the largest in New York and one of the largest in the world. If that doesn’t entice you, a free champagne reception follows the concert!

If you would like something more visual, head to Brooklyn to enjoy a fireworks show at Prospect Park Grand Army Plaza! This spectacular show is enjoyed by many, both locals and tourists.  This free event is a great place to take your kids to. The best places for viewing are along Prospect Park’s West Drive and between Grand Army Plaza and 9th Street. In the neighborhood on a Saturday as well? Then be sure to check out the greenmarket held here year round or other greenmarkets around New York City.

Stay close to the fireworks at this 3-bedroom Crown Heights vacation rental! This duplex occupies a 4-story brownstone with a private garden and a patio. It has a separate dining area with a long dining table and an open kitchen, great for brunch mornings. Other than being close to Prospect Park, the apartment is also within walking distance of the Brooklyn Children’s Museum, Brooklyn Botanic Gardens, and Brooklyn Art Museum. Brooklyn is a great family-friendly borough, so if you want to stay for a longer period of time, extend your visit in Brooklyn with one of our furnished apartments.

Start Off on a Healthy New Year

New York Road Runners has the perfect event for that thrill. Starting at 11:59PM, runners can literally run into the New Year at The NYRR Midnight Run. The run takes place in Central Park. If you’re looking to qualify for the New York City Marathon, this four-mile race can be credited towards it. Similarly, on the next day, the Annual Coney Island Polar Bear Club Plunge takes place. Thrill-seekers can go for a swim in cold waters at Coney Island. There is no registration fee for the event, but donation is encouraged as this year’s plunge is raising funds for a more sustainable and cleaner environment for the Coney Island community.

There are many different ways to ring in the New Year and there are many different ways to find rentals in New York City. Send us an apartment rental request and let one of our experienced agents help find you the perfect apartment for a spectacular New Year’s celebration in New York City.