December has come and gone, and the New Year is upon us once again. Instead of pushing your way through a crowded sports bar, or waiting in the cold for the Times Square ball to drop, check out one of these alternative events.
10. Second Annual Surrealist Ball at the Roxy Hotel
The 1970’s “Rothschild-inspired” Second Annual Surrealist Ball takes place at the Roxy Hotel, featuring live music, an open bar, “Surrealist-inspired food” and performances by Muffinhead and David Johansen from the New York Dolls. Channel your inner Dali (or Lady Gaga) and dress to impress as you party with special guests from New York City’s art and fashion worlds. Purchase tickets here.
9. New Year’s Eve Meditation
While the Kadampa Meditation Center provides meditation classes year-round, it’s hosting a special non-alcoholic NYE meditation event on December 31st. From 9pm to 10:45pm, mingle with other participants as you enjoy vegetarian hors d’oeuvres. A guided meditation will then take place afterwards, headed by Kadam Morten Clausen, the Eastern US National Spiritual Director of the center.
8. NYRR Midnight Run
Inspired to get fit this year? Get a kick start on your New Year’s resolutions by joining the New York Road Runners for a midnight run. Taking place in Central Park, the 4-mile dash will kick off with a pre-run festival that will include music and lots spontaneous dancing. The night will also involve fireworks!
7. New Year’s Eve Ride
Meet at the Brooklyn side of Williamsburg Bridge on New Year’s Eve for a bike (or skates) ride, which will take you to Belvedere Castle in Central Park. There, you’ll find yourself in the middle of an outdoor dance party. You can take on the entire distance, or join in under the arch of Washington Square Park at 10pm, and Madison Square Park (23rd & Broadway, Flatiron side) at 10:20pm.
6. Fireworks at Prospect Park
Join the Prospect Park Alliance for its 37th annual fireworks display. This year, the park also happens to celebrate its 150th anniversary, so drop by for free hot chocolate and live entertainment starting at 11 pm. You can see the fireworks from Grand Army Plaza, the Park’s West Drive, and along Prospect Park West between Grand Army Plaza and 9th Street.
5. Tour of the Abandoned Hospitals on Ellis Island
We’re hosting a behind-the-scenes tour of the abandoned Ellis Island Hospital Complex on December 30th. Gain exclusive access to locations not offered to the general public.
Behind-the-Scenes Hard Hat Tour of the Abandoned Ellis Island Hospital
4. Kwanzaa Celebration: Regeneration Night
The last night of Kwanzaa also happens to fall on December 31st. In celebration of the holiday, head to the Apollo Theater for Kwanzaa Celebration: Regeneration Night, a musical celebration, featuring New York-based dance company Abdel Salaam’s Forces of Nature Dance Theatre.
3. Bar Car Nights at the Holiday Train Show
Bar Car Nights is taking place on select days through to mid-January. Join this “Adult’s Only” viewing of the New York Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train Show, where you can enjoy a spiked, hot beverage. Also make sure to check out the ice carving demonstrations and live musical performances taking place throughout the night as you watch miniature trains zip through a model of New York City.
2. New Year’s Eve Peace Concert
The New Year’s Eve Concert for Peace will take place from 7pm to 9 pm at The Cathedral of St. John the Divine in NYC. If you’re seeking a calm way to ring in 2017, head to this signature Cathedral event for choir and orchestra music. Alongside the performances, the event will also welcome a “seasonal reflection” from Emmy award winning journalist and news anchor, Harry Smith.
1. New Year’s Eve Paris Ball
Taking place at the Grand Prospect Hall in Brooklyn, Parisian Follies, presented by Dances of Vice, is a “Grande Spectacle” inspired by Paris’ Golden Age. Get a taste of Parisian nightlife through this event, which also offers an optional French dinner (see menu here).
Next, check out The Top 10 Secrets of the Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball Drop in NYC and The Evolution of the New Year’s Eve Times Square Ball in NYC From 1907 to Present.
