By
Jerry Del Priore
 |
| Fireworks are a fun, free way to celebrate New Year's Eve in NYC--by wseltzer via Flickr |
So we survived the Mayans’ Armageddon prediction last week, and we've made it through the Christmas crowds, but now it’s time for New Yorkers to gear up and ring in the New Year in typical Gotham party-rocking style. Believe it or not, celebrating New Year's in NYC doesn’t have to cause your wallet to hemorrhage green either --- you can do it right in the Big Apple on a budget. We've got a few low cost and free options to help you live it up, no matter what an ancient, buzz-killing civilization has prophesized.
Staten Island Ferry
If
you like the grand spectacle of pyrotechnics, in addition to the ones in Manhattan and Brooklyn, hop on the Staten Island Ferry to
view the colorful displays going off adjacent to Liberty Island. Most firework extravaganzas
begin at 12am, so make sure to check the schedule for departure and arrival times. Free.
Grand Army Plaza fireworks
The
festivities begin at 11pm at Grand Army Plaza outside the main entrance of
Prospect Park in Brooklyn, with free amenities such hot cocoa and music. But
you’ll be wise to get there early for a prime viewing spot, and dress warm—you’ll
thank me. Fireworks kickoff at midnight.
Emerald Nuts
Midnight Four-Mile Run in Central Park
If
you feel the need to start your New Year on a good foot, why not enter the Emerald Nuts Midnight Four-Mile Run in Central Park? The four-mile run is perfect for the garden variety racing nut—who relishes arctic conditions—complete
with DJs pumping tunes at 10pm and a costume parade and
contest starting at 11pm at the Central Park Bandshell, just south of the
72nd Street transverse.
The run gets underway at midnight, and includes an impressive fireworks display. But make sure to register today (12/26), or you’ll be left out in the cold (fees apply). And if you're not a runner or you procrastinated, join in the music and parade festivities while you cheer on the winner.
Times Up! New Year's Eve Ride and Outdoor After Party
 |
| Run four miles on New Year's Eve!--credit |
The run gets underway at midnight, and includes an impressive fireworks display. But make sure to register today (12/26), or you’ll be left out in the cold (fees apply). And if you're not a runner or you procrastinated, join in the music and parade festivities while you cheer on the winner.
 |
| The Emerald Nuts Four-Mile Run photo via My Upper West |
Times Up! New Year's Eve Ride and Outdoor After Party
Rather bike than run? Times Up!, a New York
City-based not-for-profit, direct-action environmental group that uses events
and educational programs to promote a more sustainable, less toxic city, is
holding a New
Year's Eve ride and outdoor after-party. The ride begins at 10pm and meets
at Washington Square Park under the arch.
The jaunt ends with a massive party and fireworks exhibit at
Belvedere Castle in Central Park (at 79th St.).
New Year’s Eve Concert for Peace
 |
| Ride from Washington Square Park to Belvedere Castle in Central Park--credit |
New Year’s Eve Concert for Peace
The
Cathedral Church of St John the Divine, located at 1047 Amsterdam Avenue, commemorates the evening with its annual New
Year’s Eve Concert for Peace --- a celebration of music, dance, prayer and
inspirational words, ending with the lighting of thousands of candles held by all parishioners
in attendance.
It’s also another free NYE event, which starts at 7pm, but it’s first-come, first-serve seating. Otherwise, you’ll need to dole out $60.00 for a reserved ticket.
It’s also another free NYE event, which starts at 7pm, but it’s first-come, first-serve seating. Otherwise, you’ll need to dole out $60.00 for a reserved ticket.
 |
| The Concert for Peace at the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine is a peaceful event every NYE--via Pinterest |
If
you have your heart set on dining, dancing and drinking, Pete’s Tavern’s has a
good deal at $95.00 per person. The five-hour party includes an open bar, passed hors d'oeuvres, an appetizer, salad, a
choice of entrée, and dessert and coffee or tea. Plus, groove the night away with two DJs and a champagne toast
at midnight. Afterward, recover with a full breakfast at 1:45am, according to their website.
Whatever you do on December 31, you're in "the city that never sleeps" and it's sure to be a blast. Make it a New Year's to remember. Happy New Year!
Whatever you do on December 31, you're in "the city that never sleeps" and it's sure to be a blast. Make it a New Year's to remember. Happy New Year!
 |
| Pete's Tavern is the oldest continuously operating tavern in New York City--via Pinterest |
1 comment:
thanks for all the NYE info! I'll be checking out these ideas!
Post a Comment