How to Spend New Year’s Eve in New York City
Cruise the Harbor with cheap booze: I recently sang the praises of the cheapest cruise in town but the Staten Island Ferry also happens to be one of the best places in New York to watch the fireworks. Spectacular views of Liberty Island, New Jersey, Brooklyn, and Manhattan. Don’t forget to bundle up!
B.Y.O.B. and watch the fireworks without the crowds: If you want to stay on land, Astoria Park (map) in Queens will have great views of the Central Park and Brooklyn fireworks. Or, skip the crowds at Battery Park and go to Rockefeller Park (map) for views of the New Jersey and Liberty Island action.
Start your resolutions early: Instead of racking up a bar bill an ingesting empty calories, start 2008 off the right way. The New Year’s Eve Midnight Run in Manhattan takes you on a 4 mile course through Central Park. Pre-funk with a DJ and dancing at 10pm, costume parade and contest at 11pm, fireworks and race begin at midnight.
Time’s Up, New York City’s Direct Action Environmental Organization, is hosting their 10th annual New Year’s Party Ride. Grab your bike and head to Washington Square Park where fellow riders will meet under the arch at 10:30pm or meet up with the party at one of the other feeder points. The ride ends with a party and fireworks at Belvedere Castle in Central Park.
Find inner peace: Searching for a silent night? The Jivamukti Yoga Center (map) will have all practice rooms open for meditation from 9pm until midnight. The silence will be broken at midnight with vegan chai, chanting, and music from Lokah. Free
Hang with Ryan Seacrest and be one of a million in Times Square: If you absolutely must go to Times Square to watch the ball drop… be prepared! The Times Square are will be closed to auto traffic and entry and exit access points for pedestrians will be very limited. Arrive early in the afternoon to secure a spot in the viewing area. Check out the Times Square Alliance site for all of the information. Pro: You might catch a glimpse of my favorite CNN personality, Anderson Cooper! Con: There are no public restrooms.
The New York City Traveler wishes you all a very safe and happy New Year!
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