New Years Eve in New York City

By Gilmarie Brioso on December 27, 2012

There is something special about New Years Eve in New York City; an excitement roams the cold brisk air. The stress of Christmas gift giving is gone and everyone is simply awaiting the start of the new year.

Now, there are a few ways one can celebrate New Years in New York City. Choosing one is simply a matter of preference.

 

1. The Ball Drop

Many come from around the world to see the famous ball drop on 42nd street Times Square. And it is a spectacular sight. Yet, in order to get anywhere near the scene, you have to get there early. The event officially begins at 3pm, but I know people arrive well before then.

If you are one of those early birds, do not worry. There will be plenty going to keep you entertained, such as the lighting and raising of the Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball and musical performances by Train, Neon Trees, Carly Rae Jepsen, Psy, Taylor Swift, etc. You can find out more about the New Year’s Eve Schedule on the official site of Times Square.

Don’t forget to write your wish, goal or dream on the New Year’s Eve Wishing Wall located in the Times Square Museum & Visitor Center on 7th Ave between 46th and 47th Streets. Your wishes will be part of the confetti that’s thrown down Times Square on New Year’s Eve.

The Cons: It gets cold. Although a beautiful sight, temperatures are expected to reach 34 degrees. So be prepared to deal with that.

 

2. The Club Scene

NYC clubs go into promotional overdrive when it comes to New Years, with special musical guests and discounts on bottles and service. There are many benefits to celebrating New Years at a club. The first (and most important in my mind): You’ll stay warm. Additionally, in a club, you are almost always guaranteed great music that will keep you bumping and grinding until the countdown begins, after which the dance craze will surely continue.

The Cons: Even with all the promotions, clubs on New Years Eve can get pretty expensive. You have to factor in door charges and table/bottle service in addition to any other drinks you might get.

 

3. Bar Brawls

If you want a more relaxed feel, bars are the way to go. And NYC is full of them. Like clubs, many bars also offer promotional deals on New Years and they will probably be more affordable than those at a club.

The Cons: Bars can get crowded and you might get stuck within the drunken masses.

 

4. The New Years Eve House Party

House parties are great because they are super relaxed and personal. It is probably the most inexpensive option on the list. If every guest were to bring their own libations, there would be enough to keep the party going well into the new year.

Here is an awesome recipe for a great New Years Punch from 20 Something Cupcakes:

Pomegranate-Champagne Punch

What is needed…

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup sugar

2 750-ml bottles chilled brut Champagne

2 cups white rum

2 cups pomegranate juice

2 Meyer lemons, thinly sliced (or 1 large regular lemon if you can’t find Meyer lemons)

Pomegranate arils (seeds)

Fresh mint leaves

What to do…

Bring the water and sugar to boil in small saucepan, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Then simmer for 5 minutes. Cool the syrup completely.

Combine Champagne, rum and pomegranate juice in a punch bowl. Add enough syrup to sweeten to taste. Mix in lemon slices, pomegranate seed, and mint leaves.

And ta da! A simple yet delicious punch for the party.

The Cons: If you are throwing the party, you’ll have to carry all the burdens of a proper host, especially the cleaning up afterwards.

 

But no matter which you choose, New Years in New York City is a magical event. Make sure to share it with loved-ones and friends.

 

 

 

 

Images taken from New Years Eve at Times Square sitesmoothdudekimhillarsedisco1 and 20 Something Cupcakes.

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