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Forget the champagne, confetti and party hats—New Year’s Eve just wouldn’t be the same without fireworks. Thankfully, there’s no shortage of pyrotechnic displays in New York City every year. You just have find the right viewing point. That’s where these eight New Year’s Eve soirées come in: each has a spectacular view of the fireworks at midnight, plus tons of other amenities. Book your tickets today to watch 2016 go out with a bang!
New York Road Runners Midnight Run
OK, this event isn’t technically a party, but there’s truthfully no better way to see the Central Park fireworks then running a race beneath them. Plus, this four-mile jaunt is sure to get your blood pumping and endorphins flowing. What better way to ring in 2017, right? Central Park; 10pm; $55 for New York Road Runner members, $60 for non-members
New Year’s Eve Fireworks Cruise
Ask any yacht owner—the view of New York from the harbor is superb. Even those of us without the necessary boat-buying funds can get the same view on a New Year’s Eve cruise. No crowds, no lines, just you, your glass of champagne and stunning views of the fireworks. Pier 78, 455 12th Ave; 10pm; $150 per person
Tavern on the Green Midnight Celebration
Skip the usual clubs and rooftop bars for a soirée in a New York institution: Tavern on the Green. You can still make reservations for dinner in the landmark restaurant, but the late-night party is really where it’s at. The price of a ticket includes a five-hour open bar, dinner buffet, party favors and dancing. Tavern on the Green, Central Park West and 67th Street; 8pm; $150 per person
New Year’s Eve Cruise With Buffet Dinner and Fireworks
Drown your sorrows about 2016 in an endless buffet of meatballs, pasta and breadsticks on this harbor cruise. Carbo-loading will undoubtedly help, as will the free champagne toast and live DJ spinning your favorite party jams. Just make sure to tear yourself away from the food long enough to peep the pyrotechnics. Location TBA; 9pm; $185 per person
New Year’s Eve Fireworks Cruise With Lobster Dinner
Even your friend who proudly tells everyone she summers on the Cape will approve of the menu on this party on a mega-yacht. They’re serving lobster, and plenty of it, in a seafood-centric buffet. It’s fitting for an event set on the water, no? 41st Street Marina, W 41st and 12th Ave; 9pm; $361 per person
Applebee’s in Times Square New Year’s Eve Celebration
Dying to see the ball drop in person? There’s an alternative to spending all day outside in Times Square: buying a ticket to the party at Applebee’s. Yes, it doesn’t sound super glamourous, but it’s as close as you can get to the action without actually being out in it. With a premium open bar and three-story dance floor, it’s also much classier than you might expect. Applebee’s, 234 W 42nd St; 8pm; $375 per person
Exclusive NYC New Year’s Eve Luxury Dinner Cruise
If you’re willing to shell out a little extra cash, spring for this luxury cruise. It’s limited to just 200 people, so you won’t have to fight off the crowds to get to the open bar. You’ll be served a seasonal three-course dinner—complete with coffee and dessert—before the revelry starts at midnight. Chelsea Piers; 9pm; $438 per person
Times Square Ball Drop Party
The truly New Year’s Eve–obsessed will want to splurge on this elegant party held in a ritzy suite overlooking Times Square. The tickets definitely aren’t cheap, but the opportunity to watch the festivities from above—and capture some once-in-a-lifetime Instagram shots—is worth it. Plus, you’ll get to sip cocktails from the premium open bar until the fireworks start popping. Convene Conference Center, 810 7th Ave; 8pm; $749 per person