Where To Celebrate 2017: 7 Memorable & Local New Year’s Parties
There are hundreds of New Years Eve parties this year — at almost every local bar, restaurant, and music venue scattered around the borough. But where do you go for a Brooklyn party that’s so big it can’t be contained?
We’re here to help you get crazy just blocks from your home, with this list of 7 parties with family-friendly fireworks, ritualistic ocean plunges, dance-till-you-drop venues, and more in our area.
Epic oceanfront party: Coney Island NYE Fireworks & Party
When: Saturday, December 31, family events begin at 6pm, performances start at 10pm.
Where: Coney Island’s Riegelmann Boardwalk
What: Coney Island’s famous NYE party (sponsored by Borough President Eric Adams and Coney Island Alliance) features free ice skating; free rides at Deno’s Wonder Wheel and the Thunderbolt; live music and performances; a parachute jump; the ball drop; and fireworks over the beach.
How much: Free
Party at your park: NYE Fireworks in Prospect Park: 150 Year anniversary
When: Saturday, December 31 from 11pm–12:30am
Where: Grand Army Plaza (also see fireworks at the Park’s West Drive, and on Prospect Park West between Grand Army Plaza and 9th Street).
What: Celebrate NYE in your favorite Brooklyn park, which also happens to be celebrating its 150th anniversary. This Prospect Park fireworks show comes with free hot chocolate and live DJ music, sponsored by Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams & the Prospect Park Alliance. RSVP here.
How much: Free
Freaky freakshow: How Cool Is This NYE Party
When: Saturday, December 31 from 8pm–2am
Where: Coney Island fun house, 1208 Surf Avenue
What: Check out the exclusive precursor shows at Coney Island’s boardwalk with this Funhouse Philosophers’ event, including sideshow performances, break dancing and burlesque, and laser shows before the main (free) boardwalk event sponsored by the Coney Island Alliance.
How much: $40 in advance, $50 at the door. Get your tickets here.
New Year’s catharsis: Coney Island Polar Bear Plunge
When: Sunday, January 1 at 1pm sharp (arrive early)
Where: Boardwalk at Stillwell Avenue, Coney Island.
What: Join costumed characters, oddballs, thrill-seekers, bearded hipsters, lunatics, and veteran cold-water swimmers in this 113-year-old tradition of jumping into the Atlantic ocean on New Year’s Day. Read a first-hand account of taking the plunge here. Bring warm clothes and a towel!
How much: Free to plunge, but the Polar Bear Club asks participants to make a $40 suggested donation to benefit Camp Sunshine. Comes with free MCU parking and aquarium admission.
Run-in the New Year: Brooklyn Road Runner’s Fun Run
When: Saturday, December 31 at 11:15pm (Check in and late registration begins at 8pm)
Where: Prospect Park entrance at 9th Street & Prospect Park West
What: Join the Brooklyn Road Runners for their 21st annual 3 mile (5K) run to ring in the new year, complete with a champagne toast, hot chocolate, t-shirts, glowsticks, and great views of the Prospect Park fireworks.
How much: $35, register online here.
Drop it Like It’s Hot: Awesome Aughts dance party at Union Hall
When: Saturday, December 31 at 10pm (doors at 8:30pm)
Where: Union Hall, 702 Union Street.
What: Feeling nostalgic for a simpler time (or perhaps a time who’s problems you’ve suppressed, ALA Veep?) Join DJ Steve Reynolds for a night of the best pop, rock, R&B, hip-hop, and dance music from the first half of the 2000s.
How much: $5 tickets at the door
Dance Party of the Year: The RUB NYE dance party
When: Saturday, December 31 at 10pm.
Where: The Bell House, 149 7th Street.
What: Dance your heart out with music by DJ Eleven, DJ Ayres, & special guests, and toast with free champagne at midnight.
How much: $60.00, or $20 after 1am (space permitting).
