New Year's Eve is a very special evening for many and there are particularly great parties everywhere. And New York has the reputation of being the best place in the world to party . If you combine these two facts, you will experience a New Year's Eve in New York that you will probably never forget in your life. We would like to give you tips on what you should pay attention to at the largest and most famous party in the world, the Ball Drop . We also introduce you to some of the hottest party alternatives in the city. So you can decide for yourself how you want to spend your unforgettable evening in New York City .
New Year's Eve in Times Square: What you should know:
Join an estimated crowd of one million people , which will also be watched on television by around a billion people around the world. In 1904, partygoers met on New Year's Eve and watched the ball drop together. Today this event has become the largest and most famous event in the world.
What exactly is happening? Every year on December 31st at 11:59 p.m. a huge ball (43 meters in diameter and weighing around 5900.00 kg) is dropped from a tower at the “One Times Square” building (ball drop).
What is the event program like? The program will be available from December and you can find it by CLICKING HERE . Many very famous artists will perform again this year and make the “ball drop” a special experience.
Where do you have the best view from?
The show takes place directly in front of the “One Times Square” building. You get the best view if you stand on Broadway between 43rd and 50th Streets . Alternatively, 7th Avenue between 43rd and 59th Streets also offers a good view.
Do you need a ticket? No. You don't need a ticket. It's free like visiting the public library. However, it will be significantly more crowded. There are some bars and hotels that offer private events. Tickets are mandatory here.
When should you go to Times Square? Experience in recent years shows that you should go to Times Square in the afternoon to secure a good spot. Don't put it out until 11:30 or you'll be behind about a million heads and won't be able to see the ball drop.
How do you get to Times Square? Many of the subways go to Times Square. So you can take the following connections: 1, 2, 3, 7, A, B, C, D, E, F, M, N, Q, R, W and S. The MTA company warns that the station on 42nd Street will be very crowded and that it is better to get off at the “Port Authority Bus Terminal” instead.
How do you access Times Square? Due to the large crowds making their way, there is increased security around Times Square. Many streets will be closed. Therefore, you can get to Times Square from either 6th or 8th Avenue.
Are there security guards? Yes. Every guest is screened before being allowed into Times Square. Large bags and backpacks are prohibited and every bag will be searched by security.
What should I wear? Bring your New Year's hats. Everything else you should cover with very warm clothing and a winter coat. It is likely that you will be standing in the cold for many hours.
Can I toast the New Year with a bottle of sparkling wine? Drinking alcohol on the street is generally prohibited in New York. You can get in big trouble with the police if you drink in public. Instead, pack enough non-alcoholic drinks for the waiting time.
What if I'm hungry, thirsty or need to use the toilet? There are no public bodies organized by the event. However, there are many bars, restaurants and hotels around where you can use the toilet or get food and drinks. Among others, the following:
- Renaissance New York
- DoubleTree Guest Suites
- Marriott Marquis
- Bubba Gump Shrimp Company
- Olive Garden
- R Lounge
- Novotel New York Times Square
- The Knickerbockers
Alternatives to Times Square
You don't feel like waiting in this huge gathering of people in the cold for hours? Then New York also has some other great parties to offer:
Our “My Trip to New York” New Year’s Eve cruise CLICK HERE
When: December 31st from 9 p.m. to January 1st 1 a.m
Address: Marco Polo Cruises 2430 FDR Drive Service Road East, New York, NY 10010
We would be happy if you would like to spend New York with our “ My Trip to New York” team. We offer a cruise around the island of Manhattan where you will have the most amazing view of the Manhattan skyline. You also have the chance to marvel at the most amazing fireworks display in the city over the Statue of Liberty. Included in the price is a delicious New Year's Eve buffet put together by the famous San Matteo. Some great DJs accompany us through the evening with great party music that makes you want to dance. Get dressed up, but don't forget your winter coat in which you can watch the fireworks and welcome 2018 with us! :)
How to get to the drop-off point: You can order an Uber, Juno or Lyft to the subway station on 23rd Street. Because from there it's still a bit of a walk until you reach the harbor. Subway 4, 5 or 6 will take you to the subway station described.
A Date with Fate: New Year's Eve in Brooklyn
Brooklyn Winery
When: December 31st from 9:00 p.m. to January 1st, 2:00 a.m
Address: 213 North 8th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Cost of Tickets: $150.00 CLICK
Brooklyn Winery is one of the most classic yet hippest places to spend New Year's Eve in New York. Almost all drinks in the bar are included in the entrance fee. It's a 40's style party with great and elegant decorations and appropriate 40's music. Take a few souvenir photos in the photo box. :) This party is perfect for all romantic couples who haven't forgotten how to celebrate properly.
How to get to the party: L Train (Subway) to Bedford Avenue
1 OAK party
When: December 31st from 9:00 p.m. to January 1st, 4:00 a.m
Address: 453 W 17th St., New York, NY, New York, NY 10011
Ticket price: $159, table of 8 or more for $3,000
This New Year's Eve you have the unique chance to celebrate in what is currently probably the most exclusive club in the city in the “1-Of-A-Kind” nightclub. It's a very extravagant place and you have to dress up to get the critical bouncers to let you in. All year round, this club is New York's VIP spot and you can meet celebrities like Jay-Z, Beyonce, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kanye West, Bradley Cooper, Pharrell, 2 Chainz, Jamie Foxx, Nas, Chris Rock, LeBron James, Robin Thicke, Alex Rodriguez, Kate Hudson, Heidi Klum and Lena Gercke. So if you fancy an exclusive and very chic party, then this is the one for you. The club is correspondingly expensive and the admission price does not include drinks.
How to get there: A, C or E train to 14th Street Station.
To reserve or purchase tickets , click HERE
MORE PARTIES IN NEW YORK ON NEW YEAR'S EVE
Party for under 21s
In America you only come of age from the age of 21 and are only allowed to stay in establishments that serve alcohol from this age onwards. Many parties are only for those aged 21 and over. But here are a few great events for the “minors” :)
Terminal 5
When: December 31st from 10 p.m
Address: 610 West 56th Street, west of 11th Avenue, New York, NY 10019
Minimum age: 18
Tickets: from $49.50
This is one of the biggest parties in New York. On 5 different dance floors you can choose which music you want to party to and spend the evening with up to 3,000 other visitors. Live show acts from well-known artists round off the program. :)
How to get there: take the 1, 2 or 5 train (subway) to 59 Street, Columbus Circle Station.
Baby's All Right
When: December 31st from 8:00 p.m
Address: 146 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Minimum age: 18
Ticket price: $49.99
One of the hottest bars in Brooklyn is hosting a great party again this year with many artists performing here. There are also DJs who play great music to dance to. :)
How to get there: take the L Train (Subway) to Bedford Avenue Station or the M Train to Marcy Avenue Station
The Bowery Ballroom
Address: 6 Delancey Street, New York, NY 10002
Admission: 9:00 p.m., show starts at 10:00 p.m
Minimum age: 18
Ticket prices: range from $50.00 to $55.00
NYC punk legends record a show here for New Year's Eve parties around the globe. Production was quiet for two years, which is why the show is so special. This New Year's Eve show has been around since 1998. You will have a great experience here and it is a great alternative, especially for those who are not yet of legal age. :)
How you got there:
J Train (Subway) to Bowery Station
4 or 6 Trains (Subway) to Spring Street Station
B or D Trains (Subway) to Grand Street Station