Where To Celebrate New Year's Eve 2015 In New York City
Can you believe New Year's Eve is just around the corner? While there are always plenty of parties from which to choose in New York City, all of the options can be overwhelming. To make your planning a bit easier this year, we've compiled a list of some fun events and places to eat and drink in the New Year. Whether you're looking to stay in (or you're visiting) Manhattan or want to rock in the New Year in Brooklyn, there's something for everyone's budget and desires.
Brooklyn Winery
Brooklyn Winery is bringing the Big Easy to Williamsburg! Dressed in your best cocktail attire, toast the end of the year with a four and a half hour open bar, which includes their very own wine, top shelf liquor, premium beer, and specialty cocktails. In addition, they'll have a lavish antipasti spread and Louisiana–inspired hors d'oeuvres. Make sure you wear your dancing shoes because the DJ and Horns Brass Band will keep the music going all night long! Tickets are $175.
Bull & Bear Steakhouse
How does a little lobster Newberg or fillet mignon on New Year's Eve sound? Head to the famed Bull & Bear Steakhouse at the Waldorf Astoria for a five-course dinner. Also included is a live band until 1 a.m., a glass of champagne and party favors. $355 per adult and $180 per child.
Charlie Palmer at the Knick
With the most ideal location just 150 feet below the Waterford Crystal Ball that drops on Times Square on New Year's Eve, the hotel's rooftop bar, St. Cloud, is certainly the place to be at 12 a.m. on December 31! The very exclusive private gala, which is only available to a maximum of 400 guests, will kick off with a black tie dinner and dancing at the hotel's signature restaurant, Charlie Palmer at the Knick, followed by an extravagant reception on the rooftop. As a nod to the 1920s Great Gatsby era, chef Palmer and executive chef Cliff Denny will serve a special menu featuring classic dishes such as lobster thermidor and beef Wellington. Champagne and vintage wines will be flowing throughout. Packages start at $2,890 for a 1-night stay for two, inclusive of the following, to name a few highlights:
- Unobstructed view of the Times Square Ball drop
- Dinner, drinks, and dancing at private the Gala event
- New Year's Day brunch
IBIS
If you're looking to enjoy a great dinner as part of your New Year's celebration, consider IBIS in the Kimberly Hotel. Bring in the New Year in true vintage style with a "Roaring Twenties" themed celebration. The Roy Dunlap Trio will treat revelers to a lavish feast reminiscent of the era while taking in the smooth sounds of Il Gattopardo Restaurant live jazz. The party will kick off at 9 p.m. with a four-hour premium open bar, hors d'oeuvres, and an extensive buffet dinner complete with an oyster bar and carving station and a celebratory champagne toast at midnight. Following the live jazz, the DJ will keep the party going until 3 a.m. Other dishes for the night include risotto cakes with mushroom and truffle oil, an oyster bar, fire roasted chicken satay skewers with tzatziki sauce, filet mignon, spinach and ricotta ravioli, and crunchy baklava. VIP tickets are $250 per person.
Il Gattopardo
Long-time Executive Chef Vito Gnazzo will serve his delectable New Year's Eve specials — along with his full a la carte menu — on New Year's Eve from 5 p.m. to midnight. Some of the specials available will include pennette with winter truffle and pecorino di fossa; slow-braised veal ossobuco with soft polenta; and Traditional cotechino con lenticchie, a Neapolitan symbol of prosperity for the New Year, comprising Italian fresh sweet pork sausage slow cooked with organic lentils and herbs
The Mandarin Oriental
In the mood for something more formal? The Mandarin Oriental, overlooking Central Park and the glittering Manhattan skyline from the hotel's ballroom on the 36th floor, has a black tie affair for you. The swanky party will feature an open bar cocktail hour, a six-course gourmet dinner and live musical entertainment and performances, including the Hank Lane Orchestra and aerialist performances. Tickets don't come cheap at $1,250 to $1,500 per person.
The Plaza Hotel
Maybe you're considering a staycation or a getaway to one of New York's iconic luxury hotels. The Plaza Hotel is also offering accommodations in a room or suite and a black tie New Year's Eve gala in the Palm Court that will boast a live band. The package prices include two tickets for the event, cocktails, passed hors d'oeurves, a grand buffet, dancing, champagne toast, dessert, and breakfast the next day. Prices start at $1,925 per night.
Rooftop Lounge at the Kimberly Hotel
Another upscale rooftop lounge is at the Kimberly Hotel. The rooftop offers 360-degree views of Manhattan. From 9:00 p.m. until 1 a.m., enjoy a premium open bar, gourmet hors d'oeuvres such as truffle mac and cheese, grilled lamb lollipops, stuffed mushrooms with goat cheese, and Thai chicken satay, as well as assorted passed desserts and cocktails. The DJ plays until 4 a.m. Tickets are $195 for general admission and $295 for VIP admission, which includes one bottle of vodka and one bottle of champagne for every five guests. The private VIP room is $350 per person for up to 40 guests and includes your own private bar and dedicated staff.
The Viceroy
Rooftop parties are always fun, and the one at the Viceroy, located on Central Park South, overlooking the park, offers a spectacular view of the fireworks at midnight. It offers a party package for every budget:
- General admission: $50 includes passed appetizers from 9:30-11:00pm and the usual DJ and dancing
- $125 per person: Table package, which includes bottle of champagne and passed appetizers, DJ
- $175 per person: Dinner at Kingside and general admission to the party.
If you're looking to really splurge for a romantic weekend or party with some friends, you can stay in the luxurious Suite 57, fully stocked with Veuve Clicquot, You'll enjoy a special menu prepared by chef Marc Murphy, served in your suite along with champagne and wine pairings. Plus, you're entitled to a VIP table for the party and breakfast the next day, which serves 2 to 4 people, all for $7,000.
Additional reporting by Kate Kolenda.