By Jordan Budney and Lauren Stone By Jordan Budney and Lauren Stone | December 3, 2024 | Lifestyle, Feature, Guides,
As January slowly creeps around the corner, it's time to celebrate another year gone by. Starting a new year calls for new beginnings, so take these last hours and live it up in the city that never sleeps. From festive fetes to soirees capped with midnight Champagne toasts, here are the best events to ring in 2025 in New York City.
112 W. 25th St. / Website
Begin the New Year in decadence with an immersive experience blending nightlife and a world of fantasy at Somewhere Nowhere for a glamorous New Year’s Eve event. This magical immersive experience includes live theater and a panoramic view of New York's skyline and fireworks. For ages 21 and above, doors open at 7:30 p.m. with over four hours of premium open bar and all the party favors imaginable to start the year with glitz and glamour.
1535 Broadway / Website
Just steps away from the iconic Times Square celebration, Marriott Marquis hosts its extravagant soiree filled with amazing views from 8 p.m. through 1 a.m. Feast on diverse dinner offerings like a sushi bar, a slider station and plenty of other small plates and dessert bar goodies that satisfy every craving. With a live DJ just being one of the diversions provided, all tickets include 5 hours of premium open bar to wet your whistle before the complimentary midnight toast arrives in your hand, as if on cue.
1412 Broadway / Website
If you look twenty-five stories up, Elsie Rooftop's penthouse is one of the most glamorous places to be for New Year's Eve. Inspired by the actress and creator of the first penthouse in the 1920s Elsie De Wolf, this location was designed for people who love a perfectly planned party. This lavish event includes VIP tables, special couples tables for the hopeless romantics, and bottle service with platters of sumptuous snacks. Plus, a complimentary glass of Champagne is provided for everyone at midnight.
4 Pennsylvania Plaza / Website
Phish returns to The Garden for a four-night run from Dec. 28 through 31, welcoming the new year with their breathtaking performance filled with energy and dazzling lights. These four special performances will add to Phish’s notable repertoire, making it 87 shows held at Madison Square Garden. It also marks 30 years and 17 New Year’s stands since its first show at The Garden in 1994.
135 W. 45th St. / Website
Adding to the list of rooftop lounges with extraordinary views, Bar 54 holds the proud title of being the tallest in New York City, with one-of-a-kind views of the ball drop. From 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., indulge in libations from the open bar and sink your teeth in bites like mini ratatouille tarts, chicken and fire-roasted vegetable empanadas. Black tie attire is optional but encouraged at this sophisticated gala with an exclusive and intimate fair to bring in a fortunate new year.
18 Ninth Ave. / Website
Enjoy NYE with a view of the Manhattan skyline from this iconic hotel rooftop in the Meatpacking District. Explore the party with new and old friends as you dance the night away with live DJs and choices of commendable cocktails and champagnes at the open bar. For those who like to plan, book a night at the Gansevoort Hotel so once the party is over, there are no worries about getting home.
44 W. 63rd St. / Website
This New Year’s Eve celebration will be one for the books. Spend the night with a cocktail in hand while enjoying live performances by Steven Maglio and The Stan Rubin Orchestra before a magical Champagne toast at midnight. With endless party favors for those end-of-the-year photoshoots and selfies, along with hors d’oeuvres and desserts, will have all of your followers jealous, wishing they were on the rooftop partying with you too.
Times Square / Website
Of course, the most iconic and largest celebration of the year happens to take place in Times Square. Dropping since 1907, the Times Square Ball is the iconic symbol that lives atop One Times Square. If you can tough out the crowd and the cold weather, join the party in one of the busiest sections of the city and watch live performers put on one last show before the new year begins. The Times Square family pass is ideal for the little ones, and it includes free food, water and soda, as well as an open bar for adults.
355 W 16th St. / Website
This boutique hotel, also located in the Meatpacking District, specializes in excellent service and after-dark possibilities, making it the ideal situation for New Year’s Eve. The PH-D Rooftop Lounge will be decked out in decor and offer uninterrupted views of the Hudson River and the Empire State Building. Swing, sway and swerve with locals to the on-point beats of guest DJs with a four-hour complimentary bar ending with an unforgettable champagne toast at midnight.
With tons of options, including live music, open bars and even family-friendly events, make the most of the last few hours of the year at one of these memorable parties. A new year means a fresh start, so start on the right foot and celebrate all that you have accomplished this year as you welcome a new world of endless possibilities.
Photography by: Cottonbro/pexels