Sure, you could welcome in 2020 by cramming into Times Square for several hours and nearly freezing to death with a million or more of your closest friends. Or you could celebrate in style at any of these delightful happenings on Tuesday, New Year’s Eve, in NYC.
Get crafty with your kids
Crafty kids can make time capsules, noisemakers and silly glasses at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan’s New Year’s Eve extravaganza — without interrupting regularly scheduled bedtime. “It’s a great, safe way for families to experience the excitement and energy of a New Year’s bash together before dark,” says David Rios, director of public programs. Noon to 5 p.m.; specific event times vary. $15. 212 W. 83rd St.; CMOM.org
Watch the skies
The 40th annual New Year’s Eve fireworks over Prospect Park will mark the change from 2019 to 2020 at midnight, preceded by live entertainment from Brooklyn’s own DJ Headache. 10:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Free. Grand Army Plaza; ProspectPark.org
Watch a highbrow movie
Unwind at Film Forum with a glass of free bubbly before the theater’s 35 mm screening of “Midnight,” a 1939 comedy about an American showgirl (Claudette Colbert) in Paris who’s tasked with helping a wealthy man save his marriage. 9:40 p.m. $15. 209 W. Houston St.; FilmForum.org
Drink like Don Draper
Swing into the ‘60s at TWA Hotel’s Party Like It’s 1962 New Year’s Eve party, where revelers can indulge in a five-hour-long open bar while showing off throwback attire. “We expect to see some Jackie Os and James Bonds in the crowd!” says Sean Cassidy, director of operations for the hotel’s owner. 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. $185 and up. 1 Idlewild Drive, JFK Airport; TWAHotel.com
Keep it classical
New York Philharmonic harpsichordist Paolo Bordignon turns to the largest pipe organ in the city for a lively concert at St. Bartholomew’s Church. A highlight: a postlude of “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” as arranged by David Willcocks to celebrate what would’ve been the composer’s 100th birthday. 11 p.m. Free. 325 Park Ave.; StBarts.org
Take a fun run
For a less debaucherous New Year’s Eve idea, race into 2020 with the New York Road Runners Midnight Run. Fireworks kick off the 4-miler, and sparkling cider will be handed out at the halfway point. “[It] gives you a sense of community as you begin a healthy start to the new year,” says NYRR president and CEO Michael Capiraso. Midnight. $70. Enter Central Park at 72nd Street; NYRR.org
Say cheese
Sophisticates can class up their holiday with a swanky Murray’s Cheese tasting in which you’ll munch on Brillat-Savarin, La Tur, Gruyere Moléson and Beaufort cheeses. And what would those dairy delights be without pairings of Champagne, caviar, truffles and foie gras? 6:30 to 8 p.m. $150. 254 Bleecker St.; MurraysCheese.com
Take a wild ride
Kick off the new year with a little yee-haw at Western-themed bar Johnny Utah’s, whose raucous party will stream the ball drop live on multiple screens. Only the bravest cowboys will finish up the five-hour open bar with a spin on the joint’s famous mechanical bull. 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. $80 and up. 25 W. 51st St.; JohnnyUtahs.com
Jumpstart those resolutions
For a peaceful start to 2020, join those saying “Om” at Bend & Bloom’s Be the Light yoga class. After working out by candlelight with live cello accompaniment, participants will toast the new year and each other with Champagne. 10 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. $60. 708 Sackett St., Park Slope; BendAndBloom.com
Rock out
Thunderstorms kept the Strokes from going on with their highly anticipated Governors Ball set this summer, but the garage-rock revivalists have returned home to do right by fans with a major New Years Eve concert at Barclays Center. 8:30 p.m. $79.50 and up. 620 Atlantic Ave., Brooklyn; BarclaysCenter.com
Hit the boardwalk
Over at Coney Island, they’ll be counting down the minutes to midnight and the New Year at the iconic Parachute Jump before a 10-minute fireworks spectacular illuminates the boardwalk. Midnight. Free. Steeplechase Plaza, near the boardwalk and West 16th Street; ConeyIslandFunGuide.com
Roll into the New Year
Lace up your skates because the Roller Wave disco party at the Ace Hotel is serving up fun on wheels for the holiday festivities. DJ E-Stylez from Hot 97 will be spinning, but make sure to get there early if you don’t own skates: rentals are first come, first served. 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. $50 and up. 20 W. 29th St.; AceHotel.com