New Year's Eve fireworks in New York 2012: Where to see a display
Trip the light fantastic at New Year's Eve fireworks shows in Times Square, Central Park and over the Statue of Liberty.
Sun Dec 9 2012
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Photograph: Courtesy Countdown E
New Year's Eve fireworks: Where to see a display in New York
Yeah, you can see New Year's Eve fireworks in Times Square. The problem is, so can everyone else. Arrive early to snag a good spot and don't plan on going anywhere. Alternatively, spend a couple of Benjies to watch the display from the Novotel's terrace, or go the whole hog and pay upwards of five large to watch from R Lounge.
Click through this slide show for more places to see New Year's Eve fireworks in NYC.
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Photograph: courtesy New York Road Runners
New Year's Eve fireworks: Where to see a display in New York
See New Year's Eve fireworks in Central Park, courtesy of the New York Road Runners who start the Emerald Nuts Midnight Run as 2013 begins.
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New Year's Eve fireworks: Where to see a display in New York
Another free option to see New Year's Eve fireworks is the display set off from Long Meadow in Prospect Park, Brooklyn.
Put the ohhh-ahhh in ahhh-mazing with these New Year's Eve fireworks displays. There are the iconic bursts of light over the neon dream of Times Square, of course, but it's costly—either in terms of time or money. If you're a four-figure baller with a touch of class, don your finery for the Metropolitan Opera's gala which culminates in fireworks over Lincoln Center. Another option if there are a couple of Benjamins in your mitt is to splurge on a boat cruise that will stop by the Statue of Liberty at midnight for the display on Liberty Island. Alternatively, turn up for the New York Road Runner's Emerald Midnight Run for fireworks in Central Park or Prospect Park's display—both are free.
RECOMMENDED: New Year's Eve in New York guide
New Year's Eve fireworks in Times Square
New Year's Eve at Times Square
- Critics choice
- Free
Since 1907, a sparkly sphere has been lowered in Times Square, and even though the rest of the country has adopted the tradition, New York can still lay proud claim to it. Last year's event boasted performances from Justin Bieber and Lady Gaga. At a minute to midnight, the geodesic sphere (11,875 pounds, 12 feet across and covered with 2,688 Waterford crystal triangles and 32, 256 LEDs) will begin its 70-foot drop, before confetti is released and fireworks are shot into the city sky. Arrive by 2pm and be prepared to stay put: The main area (from 42nd Street to 47th Street) is usually packed by 3pm, and the rest fills up before 11pm. There’s also a limited amount of public restrooms in the area, and leaving to grab some food nearby means giving up your spot. Having said that, this is really the best kind of holiday masochism: You haven’t really celebrated until you’ve frozen your ass off and lost your voice screaming while that ball drops above you.
- Times Square Broadway, between 42nd and 47th Sts
- Mon Dec 31 - Tue Jan 1
Times Square Ball Drop Party
- Price band: 4/4
If you want to see the Times Square festivities up close, but aren’t willing to forgo food, booze and bathrooms, this gussied-up fete hosted by French Culture Nights is your best bet. In addition to passed hors d’oeuvres and a midnight champagne toast, the $195 ticket will give you access to a terrace overlooking the crossroads of the world—as well as the priceless pleasure of taunting the frozen crowd. Throw in an extra $90 for access to the heated section of the terrace, a four-hour open bar and an inside dance floor, where a DJ will be spinning rock, dance, Top 40 and classic ’80s tunes till 4am. Visit timessquareballdropnyc.com for tickets.
- Novotel Hotel 226 W 52nd St, between Broadway and Eighth Ave
- Mon Dec 31 - Tue Jan 1
New Year's Eve at R Lounge
- Price band: 4/4
If you don't mind starting off 2013 in the red, catch a (literally) thousand-dollar view of the Times Square festivities from the third floor of the Renaissance Hotel. The floor-to-ceiling windows afford a stellar view of the ball drop. To keep you entertained until midnight there's unlimited champagne, an open bar, cuisine by Blue Ribbon and DJs. Visit rloungetimessquare.com/newyearseve for more information and tickets.
New Year's Eve fireworks
Emerald Nuts Midnight Run
- Price band: 2/4
- Critics choice
- Free
Ring in 2013 and get an early start on that resolution to shed a few pounds at the four-mile Emerald Nuts Midnight Run. First warm up your legs as a DJ spins pop hits at the Naumberg Bandshell (10pm), then show off your holiday getup during a costume contest (11pm). Afterward, make your way to the start line; both the race and a fireworks display begin when the clock strikes midnight. Runners will get a celebratory glass of non-alcholic bubbly (sparkling apple cider) at the halfway mark, while spectators—up to 5,000 strong— can enjoy the aerial show as they wait to cheer on the finishers.
- Naumburg Bandshell, Central Park 72nd St, at Fifth Ave
- Until Mon Dec 31
New Year's Eve Fireworks
- Critics choice
- Free
Bundle up for a free, low-key New Year’s Eve with hot beverages and fireworks sparkling over Park Slope. Live music starts at around 11pm at Grand Army Plaza, where you can also snag a free cup of hot cocoa. At midnight fireworks will go off at Long Meadow; the best vantage points are at Grand Army Plaza, inside the park on West Drive and along Prospect Park West between Grand Army Plaza and 9th Street.
- Grand Army Plaza enter at Flatbush Ave and Prospect Park West
- Until Mon Dec 31
Time’s Up Annual New Year’s Eve Ride
- Critics choice
- Free
Ring in the New Year on wheels (bikes or skates) at this yearly event, organized by environmental organization Time’s Up. From Washington Square Park, the brigade will travel north to Belvedere Castle in Central Park, where a dance party awaits. Check the group’s website for other meeting points throughout the city. Meet at Washington Square Park Arch, Washington Sq North at Fifth Ave.
- Washington Square Park W 4th St to Waverly Pl, between MacDougal St and University Pl
- Mon Dec 31 - Tue Jan 1
Dr. Phil’s Brooklyn Bridge Walk Into the New Year
- Price band: 2/4
Guides trained by historian and tour leader Dr. Phil (not that one) organize multiple groups to take in the New Year from the iconic landmark. After tidbits about the bridge are revealed, all the tours will pause to scan the skyline for midnight fireworks. To book tickets call 888-377-4455 or visit nycwalks.com. Meet in front of McDonald's, 160 Broadway between Cortlandt and Liberty Sts. Tours depart 10:15–11:15pm.
- Location TBA
- Until Mon Dec 31
New Year's Eve fireworks in New York: Cruises
Bateaux New Year's Eve Fireworks Dinner Cruise
- Price band: 4/4
Is it a boat? Is it a floating greenhouse? Whatever it is, the glass-enclosed vessel affords an unobstructed view of fireworks and attractions that include the Brooklyn Bridge, Battery Park City, Governors Island and the Statue of Liberty. All guests receive a three-course sit-down meal, have access to a premium open bar and are treated to a live jazz band. To impress someone special, pony up for the pricier packages to secure a window table with a bottle of champagne and a dozen red roses. In other words, if you can't stomach being near a newly engaged couple: avoid.
- Chelsea Piers (Pier 61) Twelfth Ave, at 23rd St
- Mon Dec 31 - Tue Jan 1
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