New Year’s Eve 2017 in New York: Things to do

Are you looking for things to do for New Year’s Eve 2017 in New York? Spending New Year’s Eve in the Big Apple is undoubtedly everyone’s dream, and we’d say it’s one of those things you should do at least once in your life. On New Year’s Eve, the city is transformed; the Christmas decorations from the recent festivities blend with the sense of anticipation for the New Year’s Eve celebrations just around the corner. New Year’s Eve in New York is magical, and we’re ready to give you all the tips you need to make the most of 31 December, telling you about the events, special offers and everything you need to know to experience your New Year’s Eve 2017 in a truly unique way…and the hostels in New York are truly fantastic!

New Year’s Eve 2017 in New York: what to do

1. New Year’s Eve in New York’s public squares

When you ask yourself what to do on New Year’s Eve in New York’s public squares, the fabulous Times Square surely springs to mind, where everyone gathers to watch the Ball Drop – a giant ball lowered from the One Times Square building, marking the start of the new year. This is New York’s most famous New Year’s Eve ceremony and, as such, attracts huge crowds, both tourists and locals alike.
We recommend you get there by late morning, bearing in mind that all the streets will be cordoned off, there will be lengthy security checks, and there’ll be little chance of finding a toilet.
It’s certainly an incredible experience to count down in the square, but – let’s be clear from the outset – it’s particularly demanding, so make sure you go prepared and well-equipped, bearing in mind that it gets very, very cold in New York in December!

2. New Year’s Eve in New York at a nightclub

When it comes to New Year’s Eve in New York, we simply must mention the nightclubs. There are countless events organised, plenty to do and a wide range of options to choose from, but be warned: prices are all quite high, and we advise you to book your tickets well in advance, because the closer you get to the date, the more the price will rise.
Bear in mind that the concept of a nightclub in New York is quite different from what we’re used to in Italy; events rarely go past 3 am, so forget about dancing until dawn.
Of all the different nights out on offer, we recommend heading to the Gold Bar at 389 Broome St. In a completely gold-themed setting, excellent cocktails are served; for New Year’s Eve, it’s an open bar, with tickets starting from $112 for entry after half past midnight, though the evening will end at 2 am.
A more affordable option, but just as lovely – especially as it has a beautifully maintained terrace – is STK Downtown & Rooftop, at 26 Little W 12th St, where entry after half past midnight costs $29; here too, there’s an open bar and the party will go on until 2 am.
We recommend clicking on this website where you can buy tickets to spend New Year’s Eve in New York dancing!

3. New Year’s Eve in New York: events

No self-respecting New Year’s Eve in any city in the world would be complete without fireworks, and New York is certainly no exception. There are several beautiful spots from which to view these marvellous displays of colour, we recommend Central Park, with a particular focus on the Bethesda Fountain – the fountain depicting an angel that you’ve no doubt seen in countless films. The beauty of this spot is that it’s slightly elevated above the rest of the park and is situated near the lake, where the reflections of the fireworks on the water will be even more enchanting.
Another unmissable spot is New York Harbour, south of Manhattan – just imagine how stunning it is to see the Statue of Liberty against a backdrop of fireworks lighting up the city sky.
Finally, if the first two locations haven’t piqued your interest, we recommend heading to Prospect Park in Brooklyn – another wonderful park where the fireworks lighting up the sky won’t disappoint!

4. New Year’s Eve in New York… on a cruise

That’s right – there are loads of cruises organised to help you see in the New Year in style. Depending on your budget and preferences, you can choose from different packages; the most affordable ones include an after-dinner reception with canapés and an open bar until you return to port.
The main reason to choose this option is undoubtedly the atmospheric experience – it’ll be wonderful to watch the fireworks from the Hudson River with a glass of champagne in hand, looking towards Manhattan.
If you’re not too fussy, here’s a tip: ferries depart from Staten Island round the clock; they’re free, and if you time your journey so you’re on board at midnight, you’ll get the same view completely free of charge!

5. New Year’s Eve in New York: running

If you’re a running enthusiast and want to spend your last night of the year indulging in your passion, this is the one for you! The event kicks off at 10 pm in Central Park, where music, dancing and fun await you for two hours, right up until the stroke of midnight when, alongside the fireworks, the 4-mile marathon will set off to welcome in 2017!
For full details and to register for the race , click here – you can also check out all the other events being organised for running enthusiasts!

6. New Year’s Eve in New York: a stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge

One of New Yorkers’ New Year’s Eve traditions is to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge – and don’t think it’s all that easy; in fact, you need tickets to do so, which you can buy on the spot or online via the website. The cost isn’t exactly cheap – each ticket costs $35 (online price) – but the spectacle you’ll witness will be worth every single dollar spent.
The event starts at 10.30 pm, and the price also includes a guide who’ll explain the city’s history.

7. New Year’s Eve in New York on two (or more) wheels

If you fancy a New Year’s Eve celebration that costs nothing, this could be the perfect idea for you; all you need is a bike (or a skateboard) and to join a fun-filled group setting off from Square Park at 10 pm. As you cycle along, you’ll reach Belvedere Castle in Central Park, where a wonderful party awaits, with plenty of dancing and fun.
If you don’t want to cycle, but just want to enjoy the final party, you can head straight there at 11.45 pm – that’s the scheduled arrival time.
For any further information, and to see the other cycling events planned for late December in the city, simply visit this website.

8. New Year’s Eve in New York on the City’s Rooftop

No, that’s not a typo – we’ve deliberately capitalised the word ‘roof’ because we’re talking about the city’s most iconic rooftop: the Empire State Building.
Who hasn’t heard of it, and who hasn’t seen at least one romantic scene filmed on the terrace of this towering skyscraper that dominates the whole of New York? Just imagine: whilst it’s lovely to have a view of the whole city by day, on New Year’s Eve it will be even better.
The Empire State Building is so tall that, depending on which side you choose, you’ll see different views: the north side overlooks Central Park and Times Square; the east side overlooks Prospect Park and part of Central Park; the south side also overlooks Prospect Park and New York Harbour; whilst the west side overlooks Times Square, New York Harbour and a small part of Central Park.
Not quite clear? Arrive early and take a quick look around to choose the side you like best!

9. New Year’s Eve in New York to the beat of jazz

For jazz lovers, New York is the perfect city, even on New Year’s Eve. There are loads of venues offering themed evenings; of all of them, we recommend the Blue Note, where you can see out the old year to the music of Chris Botti – a show not to be missed!

10. New Year’s Eve in New York: a dip in the ocean

It’s a tradition on 1 January to gather for the Polar Bear Plunge, a group dip in the ocean that takes place at Coney Island. Given the freezing temperatures, we wouldn’t recommend giving it a go, but it’s certainly fun to pop over there for a stroll and watch this tradition unfold. It’s also a chance to support charity, as fundraising events are organised for various causes.

Many thanks to L.E Daniel Larsson, Charles Smith and Anthony Quintano for the lovely photos on Flickr!