New York City is the world’s epicenter for New Year’s Eve.

getty

Each year on Dec. 31 an estimated one million people flock to Times Square, New York City – the world’s New Year’s Eve epicenter – in order to see the iconic ball drop. Actually, the street-level capacity within viewing areas is closer to 100,000. The rest of the crowd disperses throughout the five boroughs in search of their own New Year’s Eve celebration, content to watch the festivities on a large screen TV in a bar or nightclub. In fact, most NYC residents don’t go near Times Square but instead have the inside scoop on where to find standout celebrations across the city.

From elevated cocktail lounges to rooftop venues with sweeping skyline views, there’s no shortage of ways to ring in 2026, Big Apple style, just like the locals. Here is a curated selection of noteworthy parties and experiences that promise to make this New Year’s Eve one for the books.

Jac’s on Bond is a NoHo favorite.

Edgar TescumJac’s on Bond (NoHo, NYC)

Welcome the New Year with timeless style at Jac’s on Bond. The NoHo favorite transforms into an elegant, champagne-filled celebration, blending classic sophistication with just the right amount of romance. Guests will enjoy a Five-Hour Premium Open Bar from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., a midnight champagne toast, elevated hors d’oeuvres throughout the evening and late-night bites at 1 a.m., plus fan-favorite cocktails from the specialty menu. With sounds by DJ Nicole GS, the night promises a chic, spirited atmosphere from start to finish.

Tickets: GA $185 per person plus tax

Dress Code: Cocktail attire required; black tie encouraged.

The night features a performance of Auld Lang Syne.

Max Flatow PhotographyRay’s (Lower East Side)

Usher in 2026 at Ray’s, where the night features a performance of Auld Lang Syne timed perfectly to the ball drop, late-night Jonny’s Pizza and photography capturing every moment. Music will keep the energy high, and guests can join the celebration with a $40 ticket or upgrade to one of four tables available for $1,000, accommodating a group of 10 for the ultimate NYE experience.

Guests can enjoy a Midnight Pizza & Champagne Party.

Weston KloefkornRay’s Brooklyn (Greenpoint, Brooklyn)

Begin the evening with a festive pre-party open to the public from 8 to 10 p.m. featuring a tarot card reader and a caviar x burrata pop-up before the celebration transitions to a ticketed event ($30; ticket) for the rest of the night. Guests can look forward to a Midnight Pizza & Champagne Party with the ball drop, multiple champagne towers and a special Fini Pizza collaboration, all set to music. Specialty Bacardi cocktails will be flowing, and those looking to elevate the night can reserve one of three premium booths for $1,000, including a bottle, bubbly and entry for up to 10 guests (with a full NYE bottle menu also in the works).

The Harbor Room features a cocktail-style reception.

credit Kyle KnodellThe Rockaway Hotel + Spa (Rockaway Beach, Queens)

Ring in the New Year by the beach in Rockaway Beach, Queens, where The Rockaway Hotel + Spa will be hosting a New Year’s Eve Gala. Welcome 2026 in style in the Harbor Room with a cocktail-style reception at 8 p.m. followed by a plated seated meal, premium open bar and live DJ & dancing all night long. Guests must be 21-plus, and general admissions tickets are $250 per person.

Guests can party high above the city.

credit IGC HospitalityRefinery Rooftop (Midtown)

Celebrate New Year’s Eve high above the city at Refinery Rooftop from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. where unbeatable Empire State Building views and all-night energy set the stage for an unforgettable night. As the year winds down, the rooftop’s annual NYE celebration returns with a 4-hour premium open bar, a midnight toast of premier bubbly, a live DJ and a live feed of the Times Square Ball Drop playing throughout the space. Ticket tiers range from General Admission ($175/person) to the Gold VIP Package ($275/person) and the Platinum VIP Package ($350/person).

Guests can enjoy a 4-hour open bar and hors d’oeuvres.

Jose PortilloVintage Green (Midtown)

Step into 2026 at Vintage Green offering spectacular Empire State Building views, lively music and a festive atmosphere from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Guests can enjoy a 4-hour open bar, passed hors d’oeuvres and a midnight champagne toast as you welcome in the New Year in style. Ticket options range from Vintage Admission ($150/person), Jade VIP Package ($250/person) and the Emerald VIP Package ($350/person).

Guests can enjoy a champagne toast at midnight.

gettyOphelia (Midtown)

This New Year’s Eve, the Art Deco-inspired cocktail lounge Ophelia will be offering an early evening sunset soiree from 5-8 p.m. featuring a premium open bar, passed hors d’oeuvres and music, followed by a late-night ball drop party starting at nine, with live DJ performances and a champagne toast at midnight. Decked out for the holidays, Ophelia is transformed by candlelight with hundreds of candles illuminating the space, cozy and warm white plush rugs and a visual Luminosity projection snowy scape projections for a glamorous holiday experience.

Guests can enjoy a chic affair with raw bar specials.

Beth KennedyThe Tusk Bar (Flatiron)

Channeling the glamour of the Roaring ‘20s and the convivial spirit of mid-century cocktail parties, The Tusk Bar, a cocktail and oyster bar inside The Evelyn Hotel, is planning a chic affair where a variety of raw bar specials kick off the night from 4-7 p.m. and drink packages beginning at $125 per person. The Tusk Bar’s allure is known to draw guests into an old New York inspired cocktail party that feels equal parts glamorous, intimate and effortlessly cool. Pro tip: opt to dine at sister venue, BRASS, located just up the stairs for jazz music.