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New Year’s Eve in New York City


5 min read
4 December 2023
Type of trip
City breaks

No place does New Year’s Eve quite like New York City. The city that never sleeps lives true to its name each year with a vibrant tapestry of festivities that promise an unforgettable start to the 12 months ahead. Here are seven ideas for your New Year’s Eve getaway that’ll let you immerse yourself in the pulsating rhythm of New York City – and experience a celebration like no other.

Times Square Ball Drop

Times Square Ball Drop
Times Square Ball Drop
Experience the vibrant spectacle of the New Year's Eve Ball Drop in Times Square

Experience the globally renowned New Year's Eve Ball Drop at Times Square, an iconic event that lures crowds from across the globe. Perched atop One Times Square, a geodesic sphere adorned with lights and glimmering crystal descends slowly, marking the arrival of the new year as the clock inches towards midnight.

At the stroke of 12, the sphere completes its descent, triggering a spectacular display of fireworks and jubilant celebrations. The event is renowned for its electrifying atmosphere, set amid neon lights, animated billboards and the collective joy of thousands.

Lock in a stay at Hotel Shocard Broadway, conveniently located just off Times Square, offering easy access to the heart of the festivities.

New Year’s Eve fireworks

NYE Fireworks in NYC
NYE Fireworks in NYC
Ring in the new year with a dazzling burst of light and colour over New York City's iconic skyline

As the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve, the New York sky transforms into a mesmerising canvas of colours. The annual fireworks display brings the sky to life and is one of the most memorable ways to welcome the new year in the city.

Whether against the iconic backdrop of Brooklyn's cityscape, under the watchful gaze of the Statue of Liberty or in the peaceful surroundings of Central Park,there are several memorable vantage points to enjoy the show from. Find your ideal viewpoint, wrap up and immerse yourself in the vibrant bursts of light, embracing the shared exhilaration of the crowd. For easy access to many of the city’s best vantage points, book a stay at the Four Seasons in the heart of downtown Manhattan.

NYRR Midnight Run

NYRR Midnight Run
NYRR Midnight Run
Kick off the new year at the Midnight Run in Central Park, surrounded by the city’s electric energy

For a dynamic start to the new year, why not join the New York Road Runners Midnight Run and embrace the excitement of New Year's Eve in New York City with a twist? Join the throng of spirited runners for this annual four-mile run as you dash into the new year, surrounded by the city’s electric energy.

If you’re the active type or want to get a head start on a personal goal for a more energetic year ahead, it’s the perfect way to combine a fun night with making sure your last steps of this year seamlessly blend into your first strides of the next.

Park Central Hotel is close to the starting line of the race but still within easy reach of all the city’s other New Year’s Eve attractions that you might also want to check out.

Brooklyn Bridge

Brooklyn Bridge
Brooklyn Bridge
Catch the midnight fireworks from the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, at the heart of New York City

Elevate your New Year's Eve experience – quite literally – with a timeless stroll across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. As the city lights shimmer on the water below, think of each step you take as something of a journey from the past to the future. You’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the skyline on this symbolic and scenic route, no matter whether you take the stroll in quiet contemplation or lively celebration.

Arrive well before midnight if catching the fireworks is your priority. From the bridge, you'll have a prime view of the display in New York Harbor near Liberty Island. Other vistas worth catching from the bridge include the Empire State Building draped in special colours for New Year’s Eve, and the timeless silhouette of lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty.

To be in a prime position for your New Year’s Eve exploration, get a room at the 33 Seaport Hotel, located right at the base of Brooklyn Bridge close to the Financial District.

Rooftop revelry

Rooftop revelry
Rooftop revelry
Celebrate New Year's Eve with rooftop revelry as you bid farewell to the old and welcome the new

Celebrate New Year's Eve on top of the world at some of New York City’s iconic rooftop venues. These elevated hotspots promise an unforgettable transition between the years – picture panoramic cityscapes, premium drinks and lively beats high above the Big Apple. A whole host of renowned rooftop destinations make the perfect spot to join in with the New Year’s Eve extravaganza. Experience rustic charm on the Refinery Rooftop, perched on the 13th floor of the Refinery Hotel with a retractable glass roof atrium that leads to a wood-decked terrace and views of the Empire State Building.

Or discover the contemporary Castell Rooftop Lounge in Times Square’s AC Hotel, where iconic views and a sophisticated yet comfortable atmosphere set the scene for the countdown to the new year, with signature cocktails on hand so you can toast to the year ahead.

Enjoy the festive spirit

Enjoy the festive spirit
Enjoy the festive spirit
Glide through a winter wonderland at Rockefeller Center's iconic ice rink

Immerse yourself in the rhythm of New York City at one of the electrifying concerts that take place on New Year’s Eve. Keep the festive spirit alive by stepping into the dazzling celebrations at the Rockefeller Center amid the iconic Christmas lights, where you can indulge in a buffet dinner, enjoy free-flowing drinks and groove to live music.

Jazz fans can join Michael Arenella & His Dreamland Orchestra for a soirée of glamour and dancing at The Atrium in Greenwich Village. Sip on a glass of bubbly during the midnight toast and kick off the new year in style. Or head to Stitch Bar & Blues for the ultimate New Year's Eve singles party – dance your way across two floors to the beats of hip-hop and top-40 tracks spun by a live DJ.

Whatever vibe you’re looking for, make your home base at the plush Times Square EDITION and you won’t be far from the action.

Sail into the new year

Sail into the new year
Sail into the new year
Sail into the new year on the Hudson, with the city's lights dancing on the water

Forget limiting yourself to celebrating New Year’s Eve on land: embark on a dinner cruise extravaganza and take in mesmerising views of New York City from the water as you bid farewell to one year and look forward to welcoming another.

There’s a variety of options to choose from, whether you want to set sail on a sleek yacht, a luxury cruise or an enchanting Hudson River voyage. Fitting the occasion, you’ll be able to indulge in exquisite cuisine, dance under the stars and toast to new beginnings against the backdrop of that iconic New York City skyline.

Whether you opt for an intimate dinner for two or a lively celebration with a bigger group of friends, each bite you take will be accompanied by breathtaking views for an unforgettable experience on the city’s waters.

You’ll want to rest up after all that celebrating, so book a stay at the splendid Residence Inn on the banks of the Hudson.


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