Marcelo OliveiraNew Year’s Eve in New York 2027 (December 31, 2026 into January 1, 2027) gives you three ways to ring in midnight. For free, in Times Square, where the ball drops at 11:59 pm and public areas opened at 3 pm at the last edition. Also free, with fireworks in Central Park (the NYRR Midnight Run, confirmed for 2026) and, if the tradition holds, in Prospect Park, Brooklyn. Or pay for it on a Hudson River cruise: Circle Line is already selling the 2027 countdown for US$ 299 (party, 21+) and US$ 399 (dinner), prices as of 09/26/2026. The official Times Square program for 2027 hasn’t been released yet.
Hotels for New Year’s Eve in New YorkDec 30 to Jan 2 · free cancellation options onlySee hotels ›Booking.com partner (advertising): we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
| Date and location | Countdown Dec 31, 2026 → Jan 1, 2027 · Times Square (Broadway at 43rd St), Manhattan |
|---|---|
| Times Square | Free, first come, first served. At the last edition: areas opened at 3 pm, ball raised at 6 pm and dropped at 11:59 pm Previous edition |
| Fireworks | Central Park at midnight, at the start of the NYRR Midnight Run Confirmed 2027 · Prospect Park, Brooklyn Previous edition |
| Paid parties | Circle Line cruises on the Hudson: US$ 299 (21+) and US$ 399 with dinner (Sep/2026) On sale · Times Square parties: US$ 30 to US$ 2,995 on the previous edition’s list Previous edition |
| Transportation | Subway with extra service at the last countdown; 49 St and 50 St stations closed during the event Previous edition |
| Entering the US | Brazilians need a valid tourist visa (B1/B2); insurance isn’t required but is recommended |
| Where to stay | Midtown to walk · Hell’s Kitchen for the cruise · Long Island City to save — see hotels by area › |
In this article · 12 topics
Free New Year’s Eve in New York: what is Times Square like?
The Times Square street party is the classic plan for watching the ball drop without a ticket. The Times Square Alliance states that access is free, first come, first served, and that it doesn’t sell spots in the public area.
Free, no ticket Previous edition — the ball drops from the top of One Times Square (Broadway at 43rd St). The best view is on Broadway between 43rd and 50th Streets, and on Seventh Avenue up to 59th Street. At the last edition, the viewing areas opened at 3 pm, the ball was raised at 6 pm and made its 60-second descent at 11:59 pm, with confetti and pyrotechnic effects atop the building.
Entry is only via Sixth or Eighth Avenue, at the access points on 45th, 49th, 52nd and 56th Streets. Police close blocks from south to north as they fill up, starting at 43rd Street, and nobody crosses Broadway after the closures. The earlier you arrive, the closer to the ball you’ll be.
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Leave the hotel already fed and ready to wait in the cold. The official FAQ says there are no portable toilets or food vendors inside the area, and anyone who leaves their section to eat doesn’t get back to the same spot. The 2027 rules haven’t been published yet; check before you go.
Where to see fireworks in New York on New Year’s Eve?
Times Square has confetti and pyrotechnic effects atop the building, not a big fireworks show over the skyline. For real fireworks, the traditional spots are in the parks:
- Central Park Confirmed 2027 — the NYRR Midnight Run, a 4-mile (6.4 km) race, is already scheduled for Dec 31, 2026, with a countdown at 11:59 pm and fireworks at midnight at the start. Registration for non-members costs US$ 74.02 (Sep/2026); each runner gets a wristband for a guest to watch in the park. If you just want to see the fireworks, you can go to Central Park without running.
- Prospect Park, Brooklyn Previous edition — at the 2025/26 countdown, the Prospect Park Alliance put on free fireworks at midnight at Grand Army Plaza, with live music from 10 pm and online RSVP. It’s a 45-year tradition, but the 2026/27 edition hasn’t been announced yet.
- On the Hudson River On sale — New Year’s Eve cruises leave from Pier 83 in Midtown and are on the water at midnight, near the Statue of Liberty. Prices in the table below.
For a family countdown without standing for hours, the parks are usually calmer than Times Square.
Cruises and paid parties on New Year’s Eve in New York
A cruise, restaurant or hotel party gives you a seat and warmth, but none guarantees a view of the ball: only some Times Square buildings can see the drop (the organization cites Marriott Marquis, Renaissance, The Knickerbocker and Hyatt Centric, among others). Before you buy, check what the package includes, whether you can step outside and the cancellation policy.
| Option | Price | What’s included | Best for | Sleep nearby |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Circle Line · party (21+) On saleBoarding 9:15 pm · 10 pm to 1 amPier 83, Midtown | US$ 299 per person (09/26/2026) | DJ, standard open bar, snacks, midnight toast and fireworks views near the Statue | Party on the water without the crowd | In Hell’s Kitchen, a few blocks from Pier 83: Romer Hell’s Kitchen8.6Booking ›Courtyard by Marriott Times Square West8.6Booking › |
| Circle Line · dinner On saleBoarding 9:15 pm · 10 pm to 1 am · all agesPier 83, Midtown | US$ 399 adult · US$ 329 child (09/26/2026) | Three-course buffet, open bar, DJ and champagne; shared 10-seat tables | Family or couple who want dinner | In Hell’s Kitchen, a few blocks from Pier 83:Romer Hell’s Kitchen8.6Booking ›Courtyard by Marriott Times Square West8.6Booking › |
| Haven Rooftop Previous edition9 pm to 2 amSanctuary Hotel, Times Square | US$ 149+ in 2025/26 | Rooftop party; confirm views and drinks | Rooftop at an entry-level price | In Midtown, walking distance from Times Square:Club Quarters Hotel Times Square – Midtown8.6Booking ›Hampton Inn Times Square Central8.6Booking › |
| The View Lounge Previous edition9 pm to 1 amMarriott Marquis, Times Square | US$ 550 in 2025/26 | Dinner and party at the top of the hotel, one of the buildings with a view of the ball | Dinner with a view | In Midtown, walking distance from Times Square:Club Quarters Hotel Times Square – Midtown8.6Booking ›Hampton Inn Times Square Central8.6Booking › |
| The ’90s Ball Drop Party Previous edition8 pm to 4 amParamount Hotel, Times Square | US$ 39+ in 2025/26 | ’90s-themed party; the cheapest ticket on the list | Cheap party inside the perimeter | In Midtown, walking distance from Times Square:Club Quarters Hotel Times Square – Midtown8.6Booking ›Hampton Inn Times Square Central8.6Booking › |
Sources: Circle Line (sales system, 09/26/2026) and the Times Square Alliance party list, which on 09/26/2026 still showed the 2025/26 edition — from US$ 30 to US$ 2,995 per person.
Watch out for “all parties” or “multi-venue access” passes: the organization warns that they promise to get you through police barricades that nobody crosses that night, and that fake passes have been sold on the street.
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Where to stay in New York for New Year’s Eve 2027
Pick your neighborhood based on where you’ll spend midnight. Staying in Midtown shortens the walk back from Times Square, but it doesn’t give you access to the fenced area or a view of the ball. For the cruise, Hell’s Kitchen is just a few blocks from Pier 83. Long Island City, in Queens, costs less and is a few subway stops from Manhattan. Book with free cancellation and check taxes and the resort fee, which in New York can show up separately at checkout.
| Area | Why stay here | Hotels rated 8+ | 3 nights, couple |
|---|---|---|---|
| Times Square and Midtown | Walk back from the countdown; parties at nearby hotels | Around Times Square:Club Quarters Hotel Times Square – Midtown8.6Booking ›Hampton Inn Times Square Central8.6Booking ›Hard Rock Hotel New York8.7Booking › | R$ 6,774 to R$ 9,506 |
| Bryant Park and Grand Central | Central, with several subway lines, outside the closed-off perimeter | Between 150 m and 800 m from Bryant Park:Club Quarters Hotel Grand Central8.7Booking ›Archer Hotel New York8.9Booking ›Park Terrace Hotel8.9Booking › | R$ 6,487 to R$ 8,894 |
| Hell’s Kitchen | Near Pier 83 for the cruises and west of Times Square | West of Eighth Avenue:Romer Hell’s Kitchen8.6Booking ›Element by Marriott Times Square West8.1Booking ›Courtyard by Marriott Times Square West8.6Booking › | R$ 6,826 to R$ 8,924 |
| Central Park | For the Midnight Run and the park fireworks | Near the park:Carnegie Hotel8.8Booking ›Hotel Belleclaire Central Park8.5Booking › | R$ 8,136 to R$ 8,148 |
| Downtown Brooklyn | Closer to the Prospect Park fireworks | In Downtown Brooklyn:Ace Hotel Brooklyn8.7Booking ›Hampton Inn Brooklyn Downtown8.6Booking ›Aloft by Marriott New York Brooklyn8.1Booking › | R$ 5,562 to R$ 6,250 |
| Long Island City (Queens) | The cheapest among the well-rated options, just a few stops from Manhattan | In Long Island City:Boro Hotel8.5Booking ›TownePlace Suites Long Island City8.5Booking ›Wingate by Wyndham Long Island City8.4Booking › | R$ 4,612 to R$ 5,739 |
Hotels rated 8 or higher with more than 100 reviews. Total for 12/30 to 01/02 for 2 adults on Booking on 09/26/2026; local taxes may be added at checkout.
How much does it cost to spend New Year’s Eve in New York?
Without airfare, which is usually the biggest expense of the trip, three nights for a couple come to between about R$ 5,700 and R$ 11,700 with a well-rated hotel, airport transfer and, in the most expensive scenario, the New Year’s Eve cruise. Times Square is free; dollar prices were converted at the commercial exchange rate of US$ 1 = R$ 5.20 (Central Bank, 09/25/2026). On your credit card, expect IOF and higher tourist exchange rates.
2 people, 3 nights (12/30 to 01/02), excluding airfare
- Accommodation · 3 nightsBoro Hotel, Long Island CityR$ 4,612
- Round-trip transfer
Civitatis, JFK, per vehicleR$ 1,112 - New Year’s EveTimes Square, freefree
- Airfare
FlipMilhassee price ›
- Accommodation · 3 nightsClub Quarters MidtownR$ 6,774
- Round-trip transferCivitatis, JFK, per vehicleR$ 1,112
- New Year’s EveTimes Square, freefree
- AirfareFlipMilhassee price ›
- Accommodation · 3 nightsRomer Hell’s KitchenR$ 7,435
- Round-trip transferCivitatis, JFK, per vehicleR$ 1,112
- New Year’s EveCircle Line party 21+, 2 × US$ 299R$ 3,109
- AirfareFlipMilhassee price ›
Hotels: total for the dates on Booking on 09/26/2026, excluding local taxes that may be charged separately. Transfer: Civitatis, R$ 555.93 per vehicle each way between JFK and Manhattan (09/26/2026). Cruise: Circle Line, US$ 299 per person on 09/26/2026, converted at R$ 5.20. Airfare, meals and insurance not included.
Subway on New Year’s Eve: how to get to Times Square and back after midnight?
Take the subway and get off at a nearby station: the MTA usually asks people not to use the Times Square-42 St station that night. Last year, the 42nd Street entrances closed around 10 a.m. (the 41st Street one stayed open) and the 49 St (N, R, W) and 50 St (line 1) stations had no stops from noon until about 12:15 a.m. There was extra service on several lines. Check the MTA trip planner the week of the event.
To get weather, closure and traffic alerts from the city, text the word NEWYEARSEVE to 692692 (Notify NYC). After midnight, expect lines, closures and spotty cell signal: set a meeting point outside the fenced area, save the hotel address offline and walk a few blocks before entering the subway. Don’t count on a rideshare car right at the event. To understand the lines and tickets, see our New York subway guide.
What nobody tells you about New Year’s Eve in Times Square?
The experience can be harder than the photo suggests: hours of cold, standing and waiting, bag checks and no leaving your section and coming back. The organizers’ FAQ bans backpacks, large bags, umbrellas, folding chairs, blankets, coolers, drones and alcohol — drinking on the street is illegal in New York and police confiscate it.
Families with small children should weigh the wait and the lack of restrooms; the parks and the dinner cruise, which welcomes all ages, are more comfortable alternatives. For accessibility, the area reserved for people with disabilities sold out last year; the official broadcast with captions and an ASL interpreter was the alternative. Confirm the 2027 policy with the organizers.
What’s the weather like in New York on New Year’s Eve?
December is winter in New York. The 1991–2020 normals from the U.S. weather service for Central Park are 7°C average high and 1°C average low for the month; wind and rain make the wait more uncomfortable, and the night can drop below freezing.
Travel a few days before December 31 to have some margin if the weather turns and to enjoy the Christmas decorations — our Christmas and New Year’s itinerary in New York helps you plan the days. Wear layers, a windproof coat, a hat, gloves and closed-toe shoes. Snow on New Year’s Eve is not guaranteed.
How to get to New York and what to sort out beforehand
New York has three airports: John F. Kennedy (JFK), Newark Liberty (EWR), in New Jersey, and LaGuardia (LGA). Flights from Brazil usually arrive at JFK or Newark. Choose your flight by the total cost to the hotel and by arrival time: landing on the 31st leaves little margin for immigration, bags and traffic.
Stress-free arrival on New Year’s Eve
- Flight: December is high season for the U.S.; compare cash and miles fares on FlipMilhas and try to arrive by the 29th or 30th.
- Visa: Brazilians need a valid B1/B2 tourist visa. If you don’t have one yet, check deadlines and scheduling at the U.S. Embassy in Brazil before buying your ticket.
- Transfer: with luggage or arriving at night, the Civitatis private transfer costs R$ 555.93 per vehicle each way from JFK, R$ 513.17 from LaGuardia and R$ 766.99 from Newark to Manhattan (09/26/2026).
- Insurance: not required to enter the U.S., but medical care there is very expensive; compare plans on Seguros Promo.
- Internet: an eSIM for the United States is installed on your phone before boarding; compare plans on Yesim.
- Car: don’t rent one to stay in New York — the subway and walking cover it, and Midtown is closed off on New Year’s Eve.
Tours for the other days in New York
On the 1st, sleep in and keep the schedule flexible: many places open later or close. The 30th and the 2nd are better for observation decks, museums and Broadway. If you want to get your bearings right after arriving, the free tour of New York (rated 9.5) covers lower Manhattan with a tip for the guide at the end.
Partner · Civitatissee all tours in New York ›SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Ticket
The highest-rated Civitatis observation deck in New York, next to Grand Central: great for the 30th or the 2nd, while the city is still decorated.
- Empire State Building TicketClassic Midtown observation deckfromR$ 264.36per personSee ›
- Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island TourGuided tourfromR$ 270.38per personSee ›
- Aladdin TicketsMusical for the night of 12/30 or 01/01fromR$ 675.23per personSee ›
Prices as of 09/26/2026. Check whether the tour operates on 01/01 before booking; an observation deck ticket does not grant access to the Times Square party. Want to compare? New York tours on GetYourGuide ›
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- Embassy ›Check your US visaNowWithout a valid B1/B2 visa there’s no trip; scheduling can take a while.
- See hotels ›Book the hotel with free cancellationBy OctoberMidtown to walk everywhere; Long Island City to save.
- See flights ›Buy the plane ticketBy OctoberArrive by the 29th or 30th.
- Compare ›Decide: Times Square, park or cruiseBy November2027 cruises are already on sale; Times Square parties roll out through the fall.
Compare ›Get travel insuranceBefore you flyNot required, but healthcare in the US is expensive.- See transfer ›Book the airport transfer optionalOne week beforeR$ 555.93 per vehicle from JFK.
Check off what you’ve already sorted; it’s saved in this browser. Prices with a check date; confirm with the partner before paying.
Frequently asked questions about New Year’s Eve in New York
Do you need a ticket to see the ball drop in Times Square?
No. The public area of Times Square is free and filled on a first-come, first-served basis; the organizers don’t sell spots. At the last edition, viewing areas opened at 3 pm. Tickets are only needed for parties at hotels and restaurants, which don’t guarantee a view of the ball.
Where to see fireworks in New York on New Year’s?
In Central Park, at midnight, at the start of the NYRR Midnight Run, already scheduled for 12/31/2026. In Prospect Park, in Brooklyn, there were free fireworks at Grand Army Plaza for the 2025/26 celebration; the 2026/27 edition hasn’t been announced yet. Cruises on the Hudson River also pass midnight with a view of the fireworks.
How much does a New Year’s Eve cruise in New York cost?
Circle Line sells the 2026/27 celebration on the Hudson River for US$ 299 per person at the party (21 and over only) and US$ 399 per adult on the dinner cruise (US$ 329 per child), prices as of 09/26/2026. Both depart from Pier 83 in Midtown at 10 pm and return around 1 am.
What happened in New York on New Year’s 2026?
For the 2026 celebration, Times Square had the ball rise at 6 pm, performances by artists such as Ciara, Robyn and Diana Ross, countdowns every hour and the ball drop at 11:59 pm, with confetti and pyrotechnic effects. The 2027 lineup hasn’t been announced yet.
Do Brazilians need a visa to spend New Year’s Eve in New York?
Yes. You need a valid B1/B2 tourist visa issued by the US consulates in Brazil. Travel insurance isn’t required to enter, but it’s recommended because medical care in the US is expensive.
How much does dinner at Le Bernardin, New York cost?
Le Bernardin publishes current menus and prices on its official website. Don’t use the price of a regular dinner as a quote for December 31: the special menu, availability and date rules must be confirmed with the restaurant.
Is it worth visiting New York at Christmas?
It’s worth it for anyone who wants decorations, shows and the Christmas–New Year combo, as long as you accept the cold, pricey hotels and crowded attractions. Arriving before December 31 gives you room to reshuffle plans if the weather changes.
Is it worth spending New Year’s Eve in New York?
It’s worth it if you want the most famous New Year’s celebration in the world and accept the price of it: cold, hours of waiting or an expensive ticket. First decide the format — free Times Square, park fireworks or a Hudson cruise — and book the hotel in the right neighborhood with free cancellation, because that’s what gets expensive first. 2027 cruises are already on sale; the Times Square lineup usually comes out closer to December. To compare other New Year’s celebrations in the US, see New Year’s Eve in Miami, New Year’s Eve in Orlando and New Year’s Eve in Las Vegas, or our New Year’s Eve guide.
If your winter trip is still up in the air, compare New York with other cities in the New Year’s Eve in the snow and cold guide, with tips on layering your clothes.