New Year’s Eve is a defining moment in New York City, serving as a beacon for the world as locals and visitors collectively reflect on the previous year and welcome the next. As more than one million visitors prepare to celebrate across the five boroughs, the City’s hotels and attractions are ready to welcome the next decade in only-in-NYC fashion. Below is a roundup of Times Square activities, hotel parties and New Year’s Eve events throughout NYC that will emphasize the City’s reputation as the most memorable destination to ring in the new year.

While the iconic Ball Drop is certainly the center of the festivities, visitors can celebrate the holiday days in advance of the event viewed around the world. Seven-foot tall numbers “2” and “0” will be displayed in mid-December and available for a pre-NYE photoshoot in various Times Square Plazas until they are hoisted atop One Times Square as celebratory décor, the week leading up to the big event.

On December 28, from 12-1 pm, locals and travelers are invited to enjoy Good Riddance Day at the Broadway Plaza in Times Square where bad memories are eliminated via a giant shredder.

Wishing Wall

From December 1-29, visit the Wishing Wall in Times Square Plaza to share your hopes and dreams for 2020, which will be dropped as confetti when the clock strikes midnight. Electronic wishes can be submitted here or on social media using #ConfettiWish.

The nearly 6-ton ball, covered with 2,688 Waterford Crystal triangles, is capable of lighting up the night from One Times Square, with more than 16 million different colors.

Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rocking Eve will broadcast the Times Square festivities globally with the help of performances by superstar performers (to be announced) and host Ryan Seacrest.  Global viewers can also visit, NewYearsEve.nyc and TimesSquareBall.net to watch the annual event.

New York Marriott Marquis

Can’t-Miss Hotel Bashes 

The New York Marriott Marquis will celebrate by hosting a party with 360-degree views of the ball drop that includes a red-carpet entry, luxury dinner buffet & dessert bar, specialty cocktails, open bar, and VIP access to the patio overlooking Times Square.

The Times Square Edition is celebrating its first New Year’s Eve in five-star fashion with a three-party extravaganza including ticketed events at 701 West, The Paradise Club, and The Terrace Outdoor Rooftop and Gardens. Each celebration includes dinner, open bar, and a world-class DJ/live music. At 701 West and The Terrace, guests will have access to the hotel’s outdoor porch with views of the Time Square ball drop.

The Moxy Times Square is ringing in the modern-day roaring 20’s with a unique brand of fun with an event at the Magic Hour Rooftop. The “urban amusement park” is the largest indoor/outdoor all-season hotel rooftop bar in NYC and features five distinct areas including a lounge, outdoor garden, gallery entrance and outdoor putt-putt course with an adult carnival vibe.

The Peninsula

The Peninsula New York’s Salon de Ning will be transformed into a chic, dome-covered, penthouse where guests will enjoy a cocktail party with open bar, live music and plenty of dancing, as well as temporary popup Chalet de Ning. 

The Pierre

The Pierre, A Taj Hotel, is ringing in 2020 with dual celebrations including two dinner parties featuring prix-fixe menus, live jazz music and midnight champagne toast at its signature restaurant, Perrine and a more casual celebration featuring dancing, open bar, raw bar, DJ and more at the Two E Lounge.

At Party on Park Avenue at the Loews Regency Hotel, guests will enjoy a night of glitz and glamor in a stylish suite on Manhattan’s Upper East Side complete with a 3-hour open-bar cocktail reception, hors d’oeuvres and champagne toast at midnight. 

The Hilton Garden Inn Staten Island , situated in the heart of protected woodlands, is hosting its annual New Year’s Eve Gala with a “Roarin’ 20’s” theme this year in the picturesque Nicotra’s Ballroom, complete with 10-piece band. 

Festive Events

The only casino in New York City’s five boroughs, Resorts World Casino, will celebrate at Bar360 with a night of concerts that includes a performance by Bronx native Judy Torres and a Black and White Ball hosted by Chef Garfield and Deejay Roy. Guests are also encouraged to explore the casinos 4,200 slot machines and 1,300 electronic table games.

Visitors are invited to ring in the New Year with Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams at the 40th edition of The New Year’s Eve Fireworks Celebration at the historic Grand Army Plaza in Prospect Park. The family-friendly event is a free, authentic way to celebrate with locals and travelers.

For a beautiful, unobstructed view of the NYC Skyline coupled with an extravagant fireworks display over the Hudson River, take a ride on Circle Lines New Year’s Eve Cruise along the New York Harbor from 9 pm to 1 am. A DJ and midnight toast complete the event that is 21+ to drink, 18+ to enter. 

2020 TCS NYC Marathon hopefuls and running enthusiasts are invited to participate in the most festive qualifying race of the year at the NYRR Midnight Run. Registered runners and plus ones will gather at Bethesda Terrace in Central Park for a four-mile race that starts at the stroke of midnight with a beautiful fireworks display.

In The Bronx, families can enjoy a visit to the Bronx zoo, where the Holiday Lights festivities will take place from 5-9 pm, or explore the Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden, where model trains zip through a display of more than 175 NYC landmarks made out of plant parts, including One World Trade Center, Empire State Building and Statue of Liberty.

The Coney Island Polar Bear Club New Year’s Day Plunge is free with prior-registration and kicks off at 1 pm at the Stillwell Avenue boardwalk entrance.  Participants are invited to enter the New York Aquarium complimentary after the plunge to warm up.