For one night only, the AMC Empire 25 movie theater on 42nd Street turns into a veritable bacchanal. While movies and popcorn will be on the menu, the party turns things way up with dinner, an open bar, live entertainment, and a Champagne toast. Every ticket even includes access to the sixth-floor “Platinum View Terrace,” with guaranteed views of the live ball drop.
Get bowled over
When: December 31, 7:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.
Where: Frames Bowling Lounge, 550 9th Ave.
Price: Starting at $99
How to book: Tickets available online
For those looking for a more family-friendly event, Frames Bowling Lounge—about a 10-minute walk from Times Square—is throwing a massive New Year’s Eve party this year starting at 7:00 p.m. Aside from airing the ball drop on its wall-to-wall TVs and welcoming in the new year with a Champagne toast, the venue will offer an open bar, live DJ, buffet stations with kid-approved food (i.e. chicken tenders), and, of course, bowling galore. Upgrade your ticket for table service, private lanes, and other perks.
A magical rooftop bar
When: December 31, 8:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m.
Where: Moxy NYC Times Square, 485 7th Ave.
Price: Starting at $225
How to book: Tickets available online
Ditch the tuxedo and head to one of Midtown’s hippest hotels, Moxy NYC Times Square. The hotel’s rooftop bar, Magic Hour, is throwing an all-night New Year’s Eve party this year—and though details are sparse, guests can expect an “urban amusement park concept” and “State Fair-inspired light bites,” plus an open bar and a Champagne toast at midnight. Bonus: The hotel is just a few blocks away from Times Square.
Renaissance fare
When: December 31, check-in begins at 4:00 p.m.
Where: Renaissance New York Times Square Hotel, 7th Ave. and W 48th St.
Price: Terrace rooms start at $4,500/night
How to book: Reservations available via email (info here)
The hotel with perhaps the most unobstructed view of the entirety of Times Square is the Renaissance New York Times Square Hotel. They have a limited number of terrace rooms available, meaning you can enjoy the brouhaha and falling confetti from the privacy of your own private terrace. But brace yourself, because getting a front-row seat to the action doesn’t come cheap—rooms with the best views start at about $4,500 a night.
A penthouse of one’s own
When: December 31, dinner begins at 5:00 p.m.
Where: The Chatwal, 7th Ave. and W 48th St.
Price: Dinner, $175 per person; Producer Suite, $6,000/night
How to book: Reservations available online
