Where To Watch Fireworks On New Year’s Eve

Where To Watch Fireworks On New Year’s Eve
Photo courtesy of Barney Bishop.

Photo courtesy of Barney Bishop.

With less than three days left until the new year begins, now is the time to decide where you want to go to enjoy fireworks. There’s no need to crowd into Times Square to watch the ball drop: go Brooklyn this New Year’s Eve and make your way to Prospect Park or Coney Island for the annual fireworks display!

In Prospect Park, starting at 11pm, there will be hot chocolate and music at Grand Army Plaza, and then it’s on to the big show at midnight, all presented by the Prospect Park Alliance and Borough President Eric Adams.

If you plan on arriving right before the midnight show (which is what we’ve done the past several years), Prospect Park suggests watching from anywhere in Grand Army Plaza, inside the park on the West Drive, and along Prospect Park West between Grand Army Plaza and 9th Street.

Or if you’ve got access to a nearby rooftop, be sure you’re up there at the stroke of midnight, because chances are pretty good you’ll get a view!

Image via Pisanofrank.

Image via Pisanofrank.

If the iconic Coney Island is more your style, head over to the Riegelmann Boardwalk by 9pm for the second annual ball drop at the Coney Island Parachute Jump (West 16th Street and the Boardwalk).

This year’s party will offer free admission to the B&B Carousell and the Abe Stark Skating Rink. Visitors will also be able to ride the Thunderbolt, Wonder Wheel, and enjoy live music, fireworks and food while awaiting the countdown to a digital ball drop on the amusement park’s iconic Parachute Jump.

The drop — of a simulated ball made up of 8,000 LED lights, which is probably as bright and more efficient than the Times Square one — will be followed by a live music, sideshow performers and, finally, a fireworks display at midnight.

According to the weather forecast, it’s finally going to start feeling like December around these parts, so if you do bring the kids out, be sure to dress in layers. Also note that the park can get pretty crowded, and depending on where you’re watching from, the pyrotechnics can be loud, so if your little ones are sensitive to lots of people and noise, maybe bring headphones or a special cuddle toy.