NYC New Years Eve: Your 2023 Guide on Where to Celebrate

Spending New Year’s Eve in New York City’s Times Square is a global tradition, but did you know the Ball Drop is only one of many exciting Big City happenings going on this momentous night?

The hub of the world’s New Year’s Eve celebrations is none other than New York City. But, once you make it to the dreamy city, where should you go?

Listen up as we detail every last hotspot for a rocking NYC New Years Eve.
The Ball Drop in Times Square is an excellent place to start, but there’s much more to do and see that you won’t want to miss.

The Big Apple lights up for the holiday with epic NYC New Years Eve parties, live entertainment, attractions, delicious eats, and more. Indeed, a glittery cityscape or a night of live DJ beats creates the perfect backdrop to start off a shiny new year!

Start planning your holiday trip to the Empire City with our guide to experience all that New York City has to offer on New Year’s Eve.

Ready to get a masterclass in NYC New Years Eve tips? Read on!

Hotels NYC New Years Eve

Before you decide which lavish New Years Eve parties NYC to attend, we suggest you secure some prime Big Apple lodgings. Make the most of your NYC New Year when you reserve any of our New York City Hotels.

Sleep just steps away from Central Park or the Natural History Museum. Whether your plans entail an after-hours fete or a brisk bike ride, we offer accommodations for every type of traveler.

The Top New Years Eve Events NYC

Times Square Ball Drop New Year’s Eve

It’s a given that this NYE in NYC event made the list! For over a century the New Years Eve celebration at Times Square has hosted an hours-long spectacular viewed by over one billion people. For couples, families, and tourists alike watching the ball drop in the Big Apple is a time-honored tradition.

Festivities include performances by famous musicians, swag handouts, and a toast. It all leads up to the classic countdown featuring a confetti release! This New Year’s Eve event venue NYC is the star of the show.

The celebration draws in colossal crowds every year, so arrive as early as possible. Most participants arrive around late afternoon. The show begins at 6 p.m. Eastern Standard Time when the New Year’s Eve ball will be raised to the top.

Pro Tip: Planning ahead is key! If you arrive in the afternoon, you will notice viewing areas that have been set up. These areas will fill up. So, once you’re in place, get ready to stand for quite a while. Also, keep in mind that public bathrooms are not available in Times Square.

This event is 100% free to attend! Don’t fall for scalpers selling NYC Ball Drop tickets for the countdown or various concerts as part of the overall celebration.

Wide shot of a concert with confetti falling down at Madison Square Garden in NYC, New York, USA — photo credit: Madison Square Garden via Facebook

Phish at Madison Square Garden

The legendary rock band Phish will be performing at Madison Square Garden on New Year’s Eve, joining many other NYE concerts NYC happening across the city that night. Get your tickets ASAP! This concert will sell out.

New Year’s Eve concerts NYC are unbeatable experiences that will fully prepare you for the year ahead! A plethora of New Year’s Eve event venues NY put on shows that will have you dancing all night long.

Walk Across the Brooklyn Bridge New Year’s Eve

Another one of the extremely popular New Year’s Eve events in New York City is the walk across the Brooklyn Bridge.

Before midnight, participants walk across the bridge from Brooklyn to Manhattan for unbelievable views of the fireworks celebrations all over the city.

If you’re looking for unforgettable New Year’s Eve events, Brooklyn Bridge walks are essential.

Ice Skating at the Rockefeller Center Ice Rink

What better place to celebrate the new year than on the rink? This iconic spot is open until midnight on New Year’s Eve. This activity is high on our list of things to do for New York New Year’s Eve!

Get your New York New Year’s Eve tickets today to take in the glow of the surrounding fireworks as you glide across the ice!

Pro Tip: Keep in mind the classic Christmas tree will only be lit until 9 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. If you want to catch this dazzling sight, hit the ice early!

skaters at rockefeller center in NYC — Ice Skating at Rockefeller Plaza/petercruise, flickr

Time’s UP Annual New Year’s Eve Bike Ride

Meet up at one of four different locations to ring in the new year as you ride! The ride ends in Central Park, where a festive afterparty awaits riders. To top it all off, it’s free!

Spend your New York New Year catching an adrenaline rush! This is one of the best things to do in NYC New Year’s Eve.

*Please note that Time’s UP event is awaiting confirmation.

Where to See Fireworks in New York City on New Year’s Eve

There’s nothing like the awe-inspiring view of sparks flying across the wide-open night sky to celebrate the new beginning that comes with a fresh year. Midnight fireworks are one of the best bets for a truly enchanting NYC New Year’s Eve.

From tours that cover the Financial District and the World Trade Center to watching these colorful explosions above Grand Army Plaza. There are a multitude of ways to appreciate the sparkle on New Year’s Eve:

Pro Tip: Formerly, Central Park and Coney Island have hosted New Year’s Eve fireworks shows. Be sure to check out these locations, too!

*Prospect Park and Grand Army Plaza fireworks are still awaiting confirmation.

New Year’s Eve Parties in NYC

Of course, New Year’s Eve celebrations in New York City include over-the-top parties! RSVP for some of the city’s hottest New Years Eve party affairs at hotels and other venues across the boroughs. New Year’s Eve event venues show off by offering roaring good times and ice-cold drinks.

A party is the place to be if you’re hoping to celebrate New York City New Year’s Eve with live music, open bars, and a champagne toast. When the clock strikes midnight, you’ll be in an ideal setting to usher in the new year in style!

This year’s line-up of parties includes:

Be sure to check each party’s rules regarding dress code, tickets, tables, and age restrictions before purchasing to avoid any party snafus.

Pro Tip: Hoping to catch a show on New Year’s Eve in NYC? Make your way to 42nd Street in Manhattan. Here, you’ll find a lineup of theaters filled with performers ready to impress!

New York City Attractions Open on New Year’s Eve

If you’re visiting with little kids whose bedtime will come before midnight, you’ll need to fill your daytime itinerary with fun activities. Celebrating New Year’s Eve doesn’t have to take place at night!

Or, if you’re an adult and you want to make your New York City New Year’s Eve experience last all day long (we don’t blame you), you’ll need to find things to do before the evening hours hit!

Fortunately, hundreds of attractions in New York City are open on New Year’s Eve, including:

To skip the inevitable lines on New Year’s Eve, be sure to purchase your attraction or museum tickets in advance.

Also, we know the holidays can be tough on the wallet. Save some extra cash when you bundle your attraction tickets with a hotel room reservation! Stay on the lookout for NYC New Years Eve hotel packages.

The Best New York City Eats on New Year’s Eve

When in New York City, you have to eat as the New Yorkers do. Everyone knows the New York-style version of favorites like pizza and cheesecake are unparalleled. Here are some of our top picks for dining on New Year’s Eve in New York City.

Related Post: The Ultimate Guide to Hidden Gems in NYC

Be sure to call ahead to see if you need reservations! These popular spots are usually buzzing, for good reason.

Here’s where to go if you’re craving…

Classic Italian Food

A stunning atmosphere and equally stunning Italian noms await at Bamonte’s. Even though the ambiance is opulent, Bamonte’s dress code is not. It’s up to you whether you dress fancy or relaxed!

Korean Soul Food

Get a table at Her Name is Han for delectable tapas and Korean BBQ.

Sourdough Crust Pizza

Grab a slice (or two… or three) at Ops.

Seasonal American Cuisine

Indulge in a tasteful American meal at the award-winning Gramercy Tavern.

Exquisite Nordic Cuisine

Sample tastes of Scandinavia to your heart’s content at Aquavit.

NYC New Year’s Eve: The Epicenter of Celebrations

It’s no surprise the City That Never Sleeps is the perfect New Year’s Eve destination. Plan a trip to New York City to get in on the action and start the new year off right!

Watching the Times Square Ball Drop is a bucket list must, but there are countless other exciting ways to spend the holiday in the city, too.

This year, make all your Big City New Year’s Eve dreams come true. We’re here to help make it happen, so check out these deals before you head to the City of Neon and Chrome!

How Will You Celebrate New Year’s Eve New York?

Tell us your plans for New Years Eve NYC in the comments below!

Written by Isis Maya Nissman

A New York native, Isis-Maya spent most of her professional life working in TV production until a vacation whisked her away to Central...

New Years Eve NYC: Your 2024 Guide on Where to Celebrate