New Year’s Eve is one of the most popular nights of the year for celebration.
It’s full of endless champagne, captivating fireworks, and if you’re lucky, a midnight kiss.
New York City is synonymous with NYE parties.
Times Square is packed with thousands of people beginning in the days before the holiday. And, when it comes time to watch that ball drop, 1,000,000,000 people are glued to their screens in anticipation.
But, New Year’s Eve in NYC isn’t just exciting because of the ball dropping above Times Square. There is so much to see, so much to do, and so much to experience that takes you far away from the infamous mecca.
New Year’s Eve is full of excitement, and when you spend it in New York City, you’re bound to have a night you’ll never forget.
If you’re looking for something to do, or somewhere to go this New Year’s Eve, you should definitely add NYC to your list.
And, if you’re already a resident, but you’re not sure if this bustling city is worth it, think again.
Because New Year’s Eve in New York City is priceless.
1. You’ll Meet So Many New People And Hear Amazing Stories
New York City is bustling with people. In fact, more than 60 million tourists visit the city each year. Add those numbers to the 8,600,000 inhabitants and you’re definitely bound to meet people with crazy stories and amazing experiences.
On New Year’s Eve, that likelihood intensifies with more people hitting the streets in search of parties and clubs.
When you spend NYE in the city, you’re guaranteed to meet new people who all have a story to tell. And, you’ll definitely want to listen.
2. You’ll Drink The Best Booze
Okay, so maybe not the best booze. But you will certainly have access to some of the best wines, champagnes, and spirits when you spend the night in the big city.
You might not exactly be able to afford it. But, take my word for it — come midnight, there will be plenty of people out there ready to offer up some of the good stuff in honor of the festive holiday.
3. You’ll Party With The Coolest People
Like I’ve said, New York City is full of adventure. It’s full of people full of life, energy, and excitement.
And, on New Year’s Eve, everyone goes all out.
Even the people that don’t normally party take the time to get dressed up and head outside. It’s a right of passage. It’s a necessity.
And, when the booze starts flowing, the parties really get started.
The NYC club scene is exciting and dramatic and a little bit scary if you’re not prepared. And, New Year’s Eve is the icing on the cake.
4. You Probably Won’t Get Any Sleep — And That’s Part Of The Fun
New York City is known as the city that never sleeps.
On most Fridays and Saturdays that’s definitely true. You might even be able to have a crazy night on a Tuesday if you try hard enough.
But, on New Year’s Eve, it’s pretty much a guarantee that you’ll spend the entire night eating, drinking and dancing the moonlight away.
And, that’s all part of the experience!
5. Everyone Takes To The Streets After The Ball Drops
You’ve probably never experienced a party in the streets quite like this one before. After the ball drops, everyone starts moving.
They head to parties, to clubs and back home.
Others mingle and continue the party on the streets.
And, this giant community of people is more than willing to join in on a quick shot or a hilarious dance competition. It’s a big, fun, silly, ridiculous party on the streets. It gives you some time to get a breath of fresh air and recoup for the rest of the festivities ahead.
6. You Might Even Bump Into A Celebrity
Don’t quote me on this one, but there are plenty of celebrities in New York City on New Year’s Eve.
Some of these celebrities are in town doing performances. Others live here. And, some just want to join in on the fun.
Whatever the reason, if you’re lucky enough, you might spot them across the dance floor or hanging in the VIP section.
And, that makes for one crazy story, right?
7. Saying You Saw The Ball Drop Is A Great Story To Tell
Here’s a fun fact: the Times Square ball weighs approximately 11,875 pounds. I bet you never expected that from the views you’ve seen on your television screen.
In person, that fact becomes more believable. And, the experience itself becomes even more surreal.
8. When The Ball Drops, You Feel A Sense Of Community With Your Fellow Partiers
For a few brief moments, you feel a sense of community with your fellow party-goers. There’s a feeling in the air that connects everyone in the room and across the city.
It’s a feeling like no other.
9. The City Is Still Decked Out In Christmas Decorations
New York City takes the holidays very seriously. Stores, bars, museums — you name it, they’ve got lights and trees and more.
And, the best part? They keep them up for weeks after Christmas!
That means that you can enjoy your NYE celebrations with a side of holiday cheer.
Check out the tree at the Rockefeller and do some skating at Bryant Park.
You won’t regret it.
10. Even The Museums Get In On The Fun
It’s not just the bars and clubs that put in a show during New Year’s. But, the museums go crazy too.
Museums like The Met, The Museum Of Natural History, Brooklyn Museum and more all host special events to celebrate the holidays.
So, if drinking isn’t your thing, maybe soaking up some history will hit the spot.
11. You’re Guaranteed To Get A Midnight Kiss
Okay, this might not be a guarantee. But, it’s highly likely.
With the thousands of people flocking to New York City for New Year’s Eve, you’re bound to find someone to lock lips with and ring in the new year in style.
12. The Afterparties — Enough Said
Seriously. The afterparties are to die for. I’ll let your imagination fill in the blanks.
13. It’s A Memory You’ll Never Forget
New Year’s Eve is a beautiful, magical night. It’s full of adventure and enchantment and hope and happiness.
In New York City, those feelings are intensified.
You feel like you are a part of something bigger and more impactful. You feel like you belong. And, okay, you might forget a few things along the way, but it all ends up being worth it.