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New
Year's Eve In New York City
The
world celebrates New Years Eve with New
York City as millions of people worldwide watch the countdown
and famous ball drop in Times Square. But the Times Square festivities
are just the beginning of whats happening in the Big Apple
this New Years Eve. From dramatic fireworks displays to special
concerts, there is no place like New York to ring in the New Year.
Celebrate
at the Cross Roads of the World
More
than 750,000 people pack into the blocks surrounding Times Square
on December 31 for the famed New Years Eve celebration. For
over 100 years, this celebration has been an annual tradition and
the epitome of New Years celebrations.
Revelers will
be covered with 2,000 pounds of confetti as they watch the Waterford
Crystal Ball descend atop One Times Square as the clock strikes
midnight. Visitors wanting to be a part of the action should plan
to arrive no later than 3 PM to stake out a spot.
The best
places to view the Times Square ball drop: along Broadway from
43rd to 50th Streets and on 7th Avenue from 43rd to 59th Streets.
Hotel
Happenings Celebrate
the new year in style with a party at one of New York Citys top hotels.
- The
Mandarin Oriental, New York (80 Columbus Circle at 60th Street,
212-805-8800) will host a party at the 35th floor lobby lounge
overlooking Columbus Circle and Central Park. Guests can enjoy
spectacular city views dance to live music as they celebrate 2006.
The hotels restaurant Asiate will have a special New Years
menu with seatings at 5:30 PM (3-course prix-fixe, $75) and 9
PM (7-course prix-fixe $255). Admission to the lobby lounge party
will be free to guests of the hotel and Asiate; non-guests will
pay a $125 cover charge.
- Enjoy the
Times Square celebration from high above the crowd at the Marriott
Marquis (1535 Broadway, 212-398-1900) Broadway Party featuring
champagne reception, four-course dinner, open bar, live DJ and
special entertainment. Located on Broadway, just north of Times
Square, the Marriott Marquis offers a prime viewing location to
watch the New Years festivities. Tickets for the Broadway
party are $899 per couple, and $999 or $1400 per couple for premium
seating.
- Eschew the
traditional raucous New Years Eve partying and start the
new year off with a relaxing spa getaway at the Westin
New York Times Square (270 West 43rd Street, 212-201-2700).
The hotels Spa Inspired Guestrooms feature electronic Shiatsu
massage chairs, aromatherapy bath amenities, bottles of water,
fruit and a mini bar with healthy snacks.
- Feinsteins
at the Regency (540 Park Avenue, 212-759-4100) usually hosts
a special New Years celebration featuring an exclusive performance
from legendary singer Michael Feinstein. Guests can enjoy a three-course
dinner and open bar and a champagne toast at midnight.
Theres
no place like New York City for parties on New Years Eve.
Take to the
water on December 31 with an electrifying 3-hour cruise with Circle
Line Sightseeing (Pier 83 West 42nd Street, 212-563-3200). Enjoy
dazzling skyline views, live DJ and dancing, an open bar, hors doeuvres,
party favors, and a midnight champagne toast.
Or
go upscale with a luxurious World
Yacht (Pier 81 West 41st Street, 212-630-8100) cruise, including a five-course
dinner, open bar and live band. Both vessels will offer the perfect vantage point
of New York Harbor to view the midnight fireworks by the Grucci family.
For
the ultimate guide to New Years Eve parties check out www.newyears.com
(212-843-2400) where partygoers can search for a variety of parties hosted at
restaurants, clubs, bars and lounges throughout the city and purchase advance
tickets. The site provides details about the party including pricing, venue information
and photographs. Another top party resource is www.joonbug.com
(212-255-4223) offering information and tickets to the citys hottest places
to ring in the new year. Fantastic
Fireworks What
better way to celebrate the New Year than a spectacular display of fireworks above
the city skyline? Brooklyns
Grand Army Plaza at Prospect
Park (718-965-8999) will be alight with colorful fireworks at midnight to
welcome 2006. The best locations for viewing the fireworks are at Grand Army Plaza,
on the Prospect Park's West Drive, and along Prospect Park West between Grand
Army Plaza and 9th Street. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to secure a prime
viewing location. Fireworks from the famous Grucci family will light up the sky
above the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island at the stroke of midnight. The best
viewing locations include Battery Park and Wagner Park.
Central
Park (212-794-6564) will also host a midnight fireworks display.
Tavern on the Green and Sheeps Meadow, as well as high rises
surrounding the park are among the best spots to watch the fireworks.
Other
events in Central Park include a costume contest and dancing at
the Central Park Bandshell plaza.
Start the
new year off with a laugh at one of New York Citys comedy
clubs:
- The Comic
Strip Live (1568 Second Avenue, 212-861-9386) offers a 10:30
PM show including an all-star line up of comedians, a three hour
open bar, munchies, party favors, champagne toast and live broadcast
of the celebration in Times Square.
- Located on
Broadway just north of Times Square, Carolines
on Broadway (1626 Broadway, 212-956-0101) is a popular destination
for New Years Eve revelers. The 10:30 PM show will feature
acts from top stand-up comedians, a live broadcast of the ball
drop in Times Square and DJ and dancing after midnight.
Family
Friendly Celebrations
Raise
your non-alcoholic sparking cider and toast these family friendly
New Years Eve options. The
Big Apple Circus (212-268-2500) will offer a New Years
Eve performance starting at 9:30 PM and ending just in time for
a midnight countdown. Celebrate
with dancing, live music, and special goody bags with hats streamers
and noisemakers.
The
Bronx Zoo (2300 Southern Blvd., 718-367-1010) will be shining
bright this holiday season with the Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights, presented
by Hess. December 31 is the last night to enjoy this festive celebration
of more than half a million mini-lights and more than 150 lighted
sculptures.
About the Author...
NYC &
Company, the citys official tourism marketing organization, is a private,
membership-based non-profit dedicated to building New York Citys economy
and positive image through tourism and convention development, major events and
the marketing of the city on a worldwide basis.
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