25 Exciting Things to Do in Times Square at Night
Are you looking for something fun to do in Times Square at night? This list has ideas for tourists and locals, you just have to decide which option to do first!
I’ve always loved getting dressed up in something super fabulous and going out on the town to ring in the New Year.
It’s a night where anything feels possible, and when you’re celebrating it in NYC, that feeling that the next life changing moment is around the corner is very palpable.
Well, at least it is until you have to tackle the age old question of where to watch the ball drop.
New York has a million different spots to celebrate in, with its most iconic location being Times Square, where the sparkly Swarovski crystal ball drops every year at ten seconds to midnight.
It’s a cool event to watch on TV, but totally a touristy move—I’ve always veered toward either a fancy dinner, loft party, or an epic night out dancing with friends.
I’ll warn you now, celebrating NYE in the city isn’t for the faint of heart.
I can guarantee if you wear heels, your feet will kill you for at least a good 24 hours.
I can also guarantee go crazy trying to track down a free taxi or Uber, and you’ll go way over whatever spending budget you’ve allotted to the evening.
But you only get one day a year to celebrate and maybe only one chance to ring in the start of a brand new year in New York, so you better do it right!
Below is everything you need to know about where to go and what to do this New Year’s Eve in New York City.
Get ready to celebrate NYE 2023 in style!
Things to Do in New York for New Year‘s Eve
Watch the Times Square Ball Drop
Obviously, this is the activity all the tourists flock to the city for since it’s totally iconic.
What most people watching the event on TV don’t realize is that the crowd in Times Square has been standing there since early morning.
They will fence you in and cannot leave the enclosure once inside, including to run to the bathroom or to eat food.
So if you decide to go, expect to be stuck standing there for hours without a restroom or access to food.
Honestly, it’s so not worth it!
The other option if you want to be in Times Square but not outside is to pay some sort of crazy fee to eat at Olive Garden or one of the other basic chain restaurants in the area.
Or book a super expensive hotel room overlooking Times Square.
Either way, I don’t think it’s worth spending the money on, when there’s a million cooler things going on in the city.
Local’s Tip: If you’re really set on seeing the ball drop (it’s way smaller in person btw), head to one of the side streets like 42nd and 6th.
You can look down the street and glimpse the event without ever having to set foot in one of those metal pens.
Head to a Fancy Restaurant
After all the chaos of traveling constantly, my idea of a perfect night out has changed from wanting an epic night of clubbing to preferring a delicious and unique dining experience.
I highly suggest checking out Les Trois Chevaux.
It’s one of my favorite places in the city to eat, and this year they are ringing in 2023 by cooking up some classics from chef Angie Mar’s cult-classic restaurant The Beatrice Inn.
Chef Mar knows how to throw an epic and elegant dinner party, so you better bet this will be the chicest New Year’s Eve spot in NYC.
Honestly, if I was going to be in town, this would be the only place I’d want to be ringing in the New Year.
Don’t sleep on booking a table, this is one place that is sure to fill up early, especially this year with their Beatrice Inn themed menu.
Here are all classics that my friends and I love hitting up. All of them are offering NYE menus:
Celebrate With Company XIV
One of my favorite experiences this year was getting to finally check seeing a show at Company XIV off my NYC bucket list.
This theatrical burlesque show is the perfect sexy date night any time of year, but will be extra fun this New Year’s Eve with four performances planned for the 31st.
Both Nutcracker Rouge and Cocktail Magique will be running.
I haven’t seen Cocktail Magique yet, but I’m sure it’s just as epic as the shows I’ve seen here (Nutcracker Rouge and Seven Sins).
They’ve scheduled them so that you can see both shows back to back.
Or you can schedule a single show for either 5pm or 10pm (which ends with a toast to the New Year).
I had so much fun with them both times I went this year, so I’d highly recommend doing a double feature.
Local’s Tip: This is for people 21+ and ID is required for entry.
Company XIV
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After seeing Company XIV's amazing production of Nutcracker Rouge, I'm dying to catch their new production, Cocktail Magique. If it's as sexy as the other production, you're in for one very steamy date night.
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Catch a World Class Musical Performance
Every year, I think okay, next year I’m skipping running around to parties in favor of a chill night celebrating NYE with the New York Philharmonic.
They ring in the New Year in style with some of the best Broadway performers and other world-class singers and musicians entertaining an always sold out theater.
Editor’s Note: They haven’t announced any performances for ringing in 2023 yet, but it’s still fairly early by New York standards. Keep an eye on their schedule!
Dance at One of the Best NYE Parties in NYC
One of my favorite ways to celebrate is to go out dancing with an enormous group of friends.
You’ll pay a premium for access to whatever exclusive themed event these spots are throwing.
The good news is that almost every general admission ticket comes with access to an open bar and a champagne toast, so if you play your cards right at the bar, it could be a great deal.
Plus, you don’t have to worry about getting turned away at the door if you don’t look cool enough, or have a bad ratio of women to men.
Race Your Way Into the New Year
Okay, so running in to the New Year isn’t exactly my idea of a great time, but if you want a healthy way to celebrate, you’ve got to check out the NYRR Midnight Run.
This four-mile run starts off on the stroke of midnight in Central Park and is the perfect way to get a jump start on your resolution to get healthier in 2023.
Registration is under a hundred dollars and is open until December 31st.
Hit Up a NYE Jazz Party
This is another activity that I’d really love to do one year, ideally when I can find friends to agree to pay to go (the tickets/ prefix menus are typically are over $100 at most of these spots).
I’ve been to all the spots below on regular nights out on the town, and highly recommend you check them out any night of the year, though I have a feeling they likely throw epic NYE parties!
Hang at a Local Bar
Another one of my favorite ways to celebrate is by heading to a local bars below.
I can guarantee that you’ll have a fantastic time at any of these well-known bars:
Laugh at a Comedy Show
After the last two years dealing with all the craziness of COVID, who wouldn’t want to start off 2023 with a few laughs?
Caroline’s on Broadway and The Stand will be offering special NYE performances like they did last year.
In fact, Caroline’s on Broadway will have its final show on NYE before having to close to due to rent hikes. So if you haven’t been before, go before it’s too late!
Either way, I’d recommend booking your tables early, as I’m sure these places will sell out before the end of the month.
Watch the Ball Drop at The Roxy Hotel
Skip watching the Times Square ball drop, and head to The Roxy Hotel to party and watch their own unique ball drop at midnight.
This year, their party is inspired by the grit and glam of NYC in the 70s, complete with a performance by legendary NYC filmmaker Abel Ferrara.
You’ll also be treated to a gallery of the iconic photographs of Chris Stein, featuring the early new-wave punk scene of New York City.
Drink at a Cocktail Lounge
Feel like dressing up and being fancy without the stress of someone from the club spilling a cheap cocktail all over your outfit?
Just head to one of these delicious and chic lounges.
You’ll be drinking quality cocktails and snacking on canapes in a setting that will make all of your IG photos from the night look amazing.
Attend The Midnight Ball at The McKittrick Hotel
Head to The McKittrick Hotel to ring in 2023 with an epic party and perhaps even an incredible immersive theatrical experience.
I’ve heard marvelous things about their past NYE parties from friends, and know this year’s will be just as epic.
Standard tickets include open bar and entry to the hotels Alpine rooftop bar and restaurant, The Hideout at Gallow Green.
I highly suggest adding on the option to attend either Sleep No More. I was lucky enough to go on a date to the show once, and it was so much fun, not to mention a really sexy date night.
You can also add on dinner at The Illusionist’s Table. I haven’t been yet, but knowing this venue, I’m sure it’s going to be spectacular and over the top.
Local’s Tip: Ladies, this mainly applies to you. If you’re going to do Sleep No More, wear shoes you can safely run in—trust me, nobody wants a twisted ankle
Ring in the New Year in a Snow Globe
What could be better than watching a live stream of the ball drop from an igloo with a view of the iconic Manhattan skyline?
Spending NYE at Watermark’s Winter Wonderland is easily one of the most unique ways to celebrate in the city.
Booking a table will get you that iconic view, the live stream of the Times Square, plus a chef’s tasting menu, an open bar, and a bit of Moet at your table!
Book quickly though, the igloos are booking up quickly!
Party on the Rooftop at Eataly
For one night only, Eataly is transforming their rooftop restaurant, SERRA by Birreria, into an epic open floor style NYE celebration.
Included in the price of admission is a decadent menu inspired by the Italian countryside, plus a selection of beer, wine, and specialty cocktails.
This is one party that’s sure to be both delicious and fun, so get your tickets today!
Go On a Dinner Cruise
Okay, so honestly, this option is pretty touristy, but it’s a cool way to see the city’s skyline and all the fireworks at midnight.
The downside is if your NYE date goes south, you’re stuck on the boat all night with them.
The good news is you’ll likely have an open bar, amazing food, and great music, plus some of the best views around!
Just book your cruise tickets early as they sell out fast.
Local’s Tip: Leave plenty of time to commute to the docks for your cruise. The depart on time and won’t come back to collect you if you’re late.
Book your tickets early for the most popular cruise option running for NYE!
Party at Coney Island
Okay, so fair warning for those visiting the city. Coney Island is fairly far away from Manhattan.
That said, their NYE party is a ton of fun!
This year they’ve got a digital art installation, a laser show, a circus sideshow, fireworks, a magic show, and even a bit of burlesque!
Also, they have half-off beer and wine available until midnight.
This event hasn’t been announced yet for 2023 but hopefully will hopefully be confirmed soon!
See Phish at MSG
If you poach the ticket resell website, you may get lucky and find an affordable ticket to Phish’s NYE performance at Madison Square Garden to ring in 2023.
It’s become a bit of an annual concert, and apparently a really fantastic time if you can score a ticket.
You will need a negative COVID test at within 48 hours of the concert in order to enter this year.
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Sparkle at a Masquerade Ball
Head to the SoHo Grand’s 14th Annual Black & White Masquerade Ball for a chic evening of dancing.
The party is an ode to Truman Capote’s infamous black and white Grand Masked Ball.
This year, the event is being hosted by the fabulous designer, Christian Siriano, so wear your most fashionable black or white attire!
Celebrate Early With the Whole Family at The Sloomoo Institute
I realize most of the events on this list are geared toward the 21+ age range, so here’s something cool to do with kids over New Year.
The Sloomoo Institute has tons of fun activities planned over the holidays, including a “Noon Years” party on both December 31st and January 1st.
At noon both days, you can head over to Lake Sloomoo to see the slime drop.
Then afterwards, hang around and embrace all the slime and fun that Sloomoo offers year-round.
Your kids are gonna love it!
Final Thoughts
Just remember NYE, especially in New York, gets hyped up really fast.
My best advice is not to get too stressed over where you’re celebrating and focus more on surrounding yourself with people that you’ll have a fantastic time with.
Also, I’ll say this one more time,because it is that important, cabs and Ubers are scarce, do yourself a favor and wear shoes you can walk in. Trust me, you’ll thank me later!
Let me know below if you’ve seen any cool events that you think I should add to the list. I’ll be updating it as events and parties for NYE in NYC get announced over the coming weeks.
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