What to do in New York on New Year's Eve

[UKDEB]

Any ideas, other than watch the ball drop in Times Square? And if we do decide to do that, should we just hang out, or are there vantage points? Both Marriotts are holding champagne receptions, but I'm not really sure what to expect.

 

[WDWfan uk]

Hi Debbie I took the liberty (pun intended) of posting a link to your question on the other CB for some expert advice from New Yorkers!

Hopefully someone will stop by

 

[CEDmom]

I live in the NY metro area and worked in Manhattan for many years but am not actually a New Yorker. However, I do know that Time Square is a zoo on NYE. Also you need to be in the area by the late afternoon and cannot bring anything in with you (i.e. backpack, bag etc). Once there you cannot leave and come back. If I were going to celebrate NYE in NYC I'd opt for the Rainbow Room (great view and very romantic). Most of the big hotels do a special celebration just like in other cities.

 

[TiggerPiglet]

I was born and raised in the Bronx and have never been to see the ball drop in Times Square mainly because it's a pick pocketer's dream and like CEDmom said, it's a zoo. Also, more often than not, it's freezing. I would definitely do something indoors. If you can get tickets for either of the Marriott receptions, it will probably be your best bet. Being that the Marriott has a good reputation, I'm sure they'll throw a good party. Sorry, I couldn't be of more help.

 

[adamak]

Time Square is extremely packed that night. Which means, you'll have to head there and wait at least by 6pm. To me, it's a waste of time.

There are plenty of receptions / partys all over town, and they're normally not as booked as people thought. And if you do the earlier party (from 7 till 10pm), it's actually not as overpriced. It really depends on how much you want to spend and what kind of stuff you want to do.

Check out NewYork.citysearch.com in early Dec to get the exact lists of parties.

 

[jel0511]

Another person from NYC (well I used to live there) to STAY AWAY from Times Square and watch the ball drop. To get a view of the ball dropping, you have to line up at a minimum by 12:00 PM on NYE, which means standing in the same place for 12 hours. Otherwise, you'll end up down the street, and won't be able to see anything, and as previously posted, it's a MOB SCENE. It's actually very interesting about the ball drop in NYC. Most New Yorkers have never been, and never plan on going, it's mostly tourists that attend it, which leads it to be the pickpockets dream. Almost everyone I know who lives or lived in NYC has never been!! I'd stay away and go to a party located in NYC, there are plenty and you'll have a ball there!!

 

[charlie,nj]

Hi,

Here is a great site on NYC:

www.nyctourist.com

 

[UKDEB]

Thanks for linking this, Shirley, and thanks to everyone who has replied. I think we feel somehow obliged to see the ball drop, but, as I keep pointing out to the other members of my party, we wouldn't choose to see in the New Year at Trafalgar Square if we happened to be in London. I'll keep checking the links suggested for alternatives.