Central Park, the most popular place in New York to watch the New Year's Eve fireworks
Posted at 10:00 • December 31, 2018 • Sanel Huskanovic • New Year's Eve
On New Year's Eve there will be fireworks in the center of Central Park, at Bow Bridge-Cherry Hill, which will be visible from most parts of the park. As usual in New York, there is a huge crowd in the park and a midnight marathon. Here are some tips to ensure you have a great evening.
The fireworks in Central Park on New Year's Eve are so popular because the park is centrally located, easy to get to on foot or by public transport and it offers a beautiful show with a stage, with a live DJ, where people dance and celebrate. The stage show, featuring an interactive dragon, elaborate stilt walkers, giant banners and more, begins at 10 p.m.
At midnight there will be a big 20-minute fireworks display and the kickoff to a 4 mile midnight run. The music plays until 2am. There are plenty of outside toilets and stands offering hot cocoa, food and other non-alcoholic drinks.
There are fireworks at the following locations in NYC
CENTRAL PARK, MANHATTAN
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Last year, Central Park's fireworks were launched from the centrally located Bow Bridge instead of the Naumburg Ribbon Bowl, meaning the fireworks were visible from almost all areas of the park. If you plan to enter the park for the fireworks, you should get there at least a few hours before midnight because you will have to go through security and to avoid pedestrian entrance closures and heavy foot traffic.
Where to watch?
Bethesda Fountain: Entrance to this area closes at 8:00 p.m. However, if you get there early enough to claim a spot, this is a beautiful, iconic place to watch the fireworks. Pack a snack, dress warmly and expect lots of fellow fireworks fans.
Sheep's Meadow: If you show up a little later, go south of 72nd Street to get to the large meadow for a nice view. You will have to go through security no matter how you enter the park: leave the contraband champagne bottles at the hotel.
Participate in the Midnight Run: Sign up for New York Road Runners ' annual Midnight Run. The music and dancing begins at 10:00 p.m. and the four-mile tour begins at midnight, right under the fireworks.
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