New Year’s Eve can be a stressful event to navigate in New York. There’s so much going on, often at outrageous prices, that it’s difficult to pick the best option – causing many New Yorkers to just call it a night and stay home. Here’s a list of alternative New York events to get you excited for 2016:
10. Hudson Bar Celebrates Frank Sinatra’s 100th Birthday
Hudson Bar is not only celebrating the New Year but also Frank Sinatra’s 100th birthday! DJ Sinatra and DJ Zen Freeman will be paying tribute to the Blue Eyed legend all night. General admission $149.
9. The Roxy Hotel’s Surrealist Art Ball
The Roxy Hotel’s Surrealist Art Ball is a great way to ring in 2016 if you’re New Year’s Resolution is to tap into your more creative side. The invitation recommends looking at Salvador Dali, Lady Gaga, Alexander McQueen and Philip Tracey (among others) for inspiration for your costume. General admission $149, use code ROXYGUEST99 for $99 tickets.
8. Coney Island’s Wonder Wheel
Coney Island‘s iconic Wonder Wheel will be open on both New Year’s Eve and Day for the first time in 95 years. From 9pm – 11pm, the Wheel will be running for free and on New Years Day, rides will cost $5 (50% of proceeds will be going to Coney Island Polar Bear charity partner Camp Sunshine.)
7. Bike Ride Through Central Park
Take bike ride through the city leading to a dance party at the Belvedere Castle in the middle of Central Park. You can either meet at 9:45pm at the Brooklyn-side entrance to the Williamsburg Bridge or 10pm at Washington Square Park Arch, Manhattan. The event is free and they encourage people to bring their own food and drinks to share. Plus, there will be fireworks!
6. Porchlight Bar’s New Orleans-Style New Year’s
No one knows how to party quite like the Big Easy. Thus, Porchlight Bar is bringing New Orleans to New York for their 1920s themed New Year’s party. The event will include New Orleans-inspired food and music by Nick Russo & Hot Jazz Jumpers. General admission $175.
5. BangOn! NYC New Year’s Eve: Time and Space
BangOn! NYC New Year’s Eve: Time and Space will be in a “never before seen” 30,000 square foot Brooklyn warehouse (secret location to be revealed). The headlining DJs are Justin Martin and Kill Frenzy. According to the site, there will be plenty of art installations and events at the party, including “immersive 3D projection mapping, elevated viewing platforms, art cars, a Midnight Rocket Launch and much more.” General admission $64.
4. The Celestial Ball
The Celestial Ball at the historic Down Town Association (DTA) on 60 Pine Street promises to be out of this world. Tap into your inner god or goddess as you dance “amidst a constellation of interplanetary puppets, moonlit magicians, and diamantine performers who will sparkle with the same intensity as the bubbly in your glass.” General admission $75.
3. Free Ice Cream at the Museum of the City of New York
The Museum of the City of New York is offering a free cup of Blue Marble Ice Cream on New Year’s Eve (from December 26 to January 3rd, in fact). Check out some great exhibits like Jacob Riis: Revealing New York’s Other Half, The City if My Muse on Street Artist Chris Daze, and Affordable Housing: A New York Legacy.
2. Fireworks in Prospect Park
Fireworks in Prospect Park with live entertainment and hot chocolate at Grand Army Plaza. Free for all.
1. Bohemian Hall in Queens
Bohemian Hall, New York’s oldest, and perhaps biggest, beer hall will be holding their annual New Year’s celebration. The event will include an open bar and buffet. General admission $80.
New Year’s Day Bonus: Coney Island Polar Bear Plunge
The Coney Island Polar Bear Club (which even has its own street) will host its annual Polar Bear Club swim on New Year’s Day. What better way to wash off that hangover. Read more about this spectacular event here.