We’re getting ready to wrap up our year here soon at Secret NYC, and whether you’re looking to party your way into 2025, or enjoy the night with friends and family, it’s definitely a celebration! Like other holidays in NYC, this New Year’s will see a fair share of firework displays across the city.
However, following an unseasonably warm fall, a subsequent drought, and multiple wildfires, plans look a little different this year. But don’t worry, there’s still plenty to look forward to as we welcome 2025. Here’s where to venture for a fun display:
1. Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn
Normally, Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn hosts an extravagant NYE fireworks show, however this year it’s been postponed by the ongoing drought.
Instead, the plaza’s celebration at 10 pm on December 31st will feature an illuminating drone show to celebrate 2025. Expect glistening spectacles that look like the city’s beloved attractions.
2. Times Square
The most iconic NYE celebration features a fireworks display, as well as the iconic ball drop, over a ton of confetti, and of course musical acts! If you’re brave enough to withstand the frigid temperatures and large crowds, this is arguably one of the best, if not the best, place to catch fireworks once the clock strikes midnight!
Here’s everything you need to know about New Year’s Eve in Times Square!Despite the bans across NYC parks, the fireworks in Times Square will continue as planned.
3. Central Park
Looking to quite literally run into 2024? Central Park’s firework show is in conjunction with the New York Road Runners’ annual four-mile Midnight Run. Typically, you can watch a 15-minute-long New Year’s Eve fireworks show on your trek as the clock strikes midnight, but the 2024 plans will be suspended after the drought. A drone show was considered, but also nixed. However, reps from New York Road Runners insist there will be surprises along the track to help people ring in the new year.
Learn more here.
4. On A NYC Cruiseboat
Hop aboard the luxurious Paddle Wheel Queen, a premiere cruise ship, for an epic New Year’s Eve on the river! You can enjoy hours on a boat that includes music in a high-energy atmosphere, breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline, delicious food and drink, and of course a firework show! It sets sail on December 31 at 10 pm and you can buy your tickets here!
The Hudson River will see fireworks this year, despite the parks’ closures.
5. Near Statue of Liberty
NYC shoots off fireworks every New Year’s Eve and this year will be no different. Particularly near the Statue of Liberty, there are a bunch of ways to view them up close and personal, including food and champagne packages through tour guides like New York Harbor Tours, Liberty Cruise, and Circle Line.
6-15. NYC Rooftop Bars
Since the main 3 firework “shows” are listed above, we’ve found some of the best rooftop bars in NYC to watch them at! Sip on delicious cocktails and enjoy the sweeping skyline views as you toast to 2024 and watch colorful fireworks. Check out some of our highlights below:
- Bar 54 (Times Square fireworks)
- Beast and Butterflies (Times Square fireworks)
- Elsie Rooftop (Times Square fireworks)
- Somewhere Nowhere (Times Square fireworks)
- St. Cloud Rooftop Bar at The Knickerbocker Hotel (Times Square fireworks)
- Park Lane Hotel (Central Park fireworks)
- Darling (Central Park fireworks)
- The Greens at Pier 17 + Watermark Bar (Waterfront fireworks)
- Mr. Purple (Waterfront fireworks)
- The ROOF at PUBLIC Hotel (Waterfront fireworks)