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With the new years just around the corner, there’s no storage of festive celebrations to partake in. In addition to parties happening across the city and open holiday bars, New Yorkers and visitors alike will be scouting out the best locations to watch spectacular fireworks displays.
To assist in your search, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite viewing locations in New York City, from Prospect Park to the Brooklyn Bridge. Kick off your 2018 with an explosive start:
“Brooklyn’s most spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks celebration” will take place at Prospect Park’s Grand Army Plaza. Now in its 38th year, this free event will include live entertainment by Quintessential Playlist at 10:30pm before the fireworks display takes place at midnight.
Join tens of thousands of other locals and visitors for this borough-wide celebration. The best vantage points include Grand Army Plaza, the Park’s West Drive, and along Prospect Park West between Grand Army Plaza and 9th Street. RSVP here.
Burn off some of your holiday calories (and 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 wrap up with a fireworks display.
While this run is meant to be fun, it also offers sweet monetary prizes for the fastest dashers. Register for the event here.
The guides are trained by Dr. Philip E. Schoenberg, a professional speaker, historian and licensed New York City Tour Guide. Sign up here. Also make sure to join us Untapped Cities’ tour of the Brooklyn Bridge on New Year’s Eve, where we will reveal its many secrets.
The Secrets of Brooklyn Bridge Walking Tour
Coney Island’s fourth annual New Year’s Eve fireworks display and celebration (Steeplechase Plaza at Boardwalk and W. 19th Street) takes place this year from 6pm to 11:59pm. As part of the festivities, visitors can enjoy free live entertainment (begins at 9pm), watch notable side show performances and go on select rides — B&B Carousell, Deno’s Wonder Wheel, Stop the Zombies 7D, and the Thunderbolt Roller Coaster — for free.
As an added bonus, there will also be free ice skating at Abe Stark Rink from 6pm to 10pm, and the New York Aquarium will keep its doors open until 9pm. When midnight approaches, make sure to grab a good viewing spot for the fireworks display.
Of course, it’s customary to head to Times Square to watch the sparkly New Year’s Eve ball drop — a tradition that’s been in place since 1907. But before you venture out to one of New York City’s most densely populated places (during a holiday no less) make sure to come prepared: there are no public restrooms and once you stake out an outpost, stay put. Otherwise, you’ll likely be losing your spot.
Head there early to get a good vantage point for the ball drop, but also for the performances that will take place starting at 6pm. When the count down begins, look up at One Times Square to watch bursts of fireworks shoot out from the sides of the building.
If you’d rather be waterborne for the holidays, embark on a New Year’s Eve fireworks cruise. There are plenty taking place on December 31, which will grant you front seat access to the New York City skyline as it is lit up by a dazzling display of pyromantics.
A few for you to consider include the Circle Line Sightseeing cruise, Cruise on the Hudson and the City Sightseeing cruise. Get your sea legs ready and dress to impress.
Next, check out 10 Alternative NYC New Year’s Eve Events to Ring in 2018 and discover 10 Secrets of the Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball Drop.
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