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 to cater to a range of personalities. Before the parties, head to Times Square to see the official 2020 sign or fill out a confetti wish! You can also fill out a digital wish 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 12, 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 are holding 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 are both hosting 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 are opening their doors with zero cover charge and providing 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 coming back to the comfortable king-sized bed. During the day, take advantage of building amenities that include a pool, laundry room, Turkish bath, and gym. The apartment does include an open kitchen, but if cooking isn’t on your vacation plans, find your favorite brunch spot in Brooklyn. Explore the city by hopping on the nearby subway lines or discover Murray Hill through the nearby attractions starting with the Empire State Building and the flagship branch of the New York Public Library.

Family Friendly Fun 

Every family has a different definition of fun and New York City can offer that range. Starting from the famous Ball Drop in Times Square, this family activity is a committed process, however, rewarding in the end. If you do not want to venture into the crowded streets, AMC Empire 25 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 NYE countdown, and complimentary festive NYE party favors are all guaranteed.

On the other end of the music spectrum, Lincoln Center is hosting the New York Philharmonic’s New Year’s Eve concert featuring Tony Award winner Katrina Lenk. 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. Nearly seventy years later, the center consists of thirty indoor and outdoor performance facilities which bring five million visitors annually. At the David Geffen Hall, this symphony hall is home to the symphony orchestra, the New York Philharmonic. Founded in 1842, it is the oldest symphony orchestra in the United States and one of the oldest in the world. To catch this year’s New Year’s Eve concert, be sure to book tickets online or watch it on PBS on Live from Lincoln Center.

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 making a family breakfast on New Year’s Day. Both bedrooms include a queen sized bed; an additional twin-sized bed is situated in one of the bedrooms for extra sleeping accommodations. For extra privacy, the two bedrooms are located on opposite ends of the townhouse. 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 is holding 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 catch a fireworks show at Prospect Park Grand Army Plaza! This spectacular is enjoyed by many, locals and tourists.  This free event is a great place to bring your kids to enjoy. 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 by 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 those DIY Brunch mornings. Other than being close to Prospect Park, the apartment is 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

Most of us by this time of year have accumulated some holiday weight. You might be writing in your resolution list that you want to become healthier and fit. Due to this dreamy commitment, gym membership registration rates skyrocket during this period. To really commit to the process, start off your year in a more thrilling way.

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 TCS 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.