By: Stefanie DiMartino

A new year is almost upon us. The last two have definitely been interesting to say the least. If you’re ready to say goodbye to 2021, and are looking forward to having some fun while ringing in 2022, here are the best things to do in NYC for New Year’s Eve. 

For all the best winter restaurants and bars, watch my video below:

Top 10 Best Things to Do for New Year’s Eve in NYC 2021 

PARTIES/ENTERTAINMENT/DINING

NEW YEAR’S EVE: THE GRAND HOTEL

Friday, December 31, 2021 | 9pm | $299+ | Age 21+

The McKittrick Hotel, 530 West 27th Street, New York, NY 10001

Any event at The McKittrick Hotel is sure to be a fabulous time! For an unforgettable time, guests are cordially invited to ring in the New Year at The McKittrick Hotel. Don your most decadent attire for a one-of-a-kind New Year’s Eve celebration with dancing, open bar, midnight countdown, and live performances all throughout the evening. Revelers can enhance the evening on Maximilian’s List for expedited entry at any time and access to Oz’s Boudoir bar for the evening, or reserve a Champagne Table exclusively for your party.

All guests should come dressed to dazzle in their finest, festive attire. The Grand Hotel awaits.

THE LODGE AT GALLOW GREEN

The McKittrick Hotel, 542 W 27th Street, New York, NY 10001

Before partying the night away, you are invited to dine at The McKittrick’s rooftop garden bar and restaurant, Gallow Green. It is easily one of the best rooftops in NYC. The space is transformed into Scottish Bothy and is the perfect winter rooftop hideaway.

A new winter menu is featured with seasonal highlights and a seasonal selection of hot drinks. Menu highlights include “French Onion Soup, Shaved Brussels Sprouts Caesar salad, Steak au Poivre, and the signature McKittrick Burger – made with DeBragga steak, homemade pickles, bacon marmalade, and fries. Raw Bar selections, lightly fried Calamari and Baked Mussels provide plenty of sharable options. Desserts feature a rich Sticky Toffee Pudding and piping hot Nutella Calzone. There is also classic pub fare, like Scotch Eggs, Duck Shepherd’s Pie, and Fish & Chips, inspired by the limited engagement of The Woman in Black – a ghost story in a pub playing downstairs. Fresh Pizzas are also prepared in the rooftop’s wood burning oven on Friday and Saturday nights.” – Gallow Green

CLASSIC HARBOR LINE: NEW YEAR’S EVE CHAMPAGNE PAIRING CRUISES

Friday, December 31, 2021 | $118-$148+

Chelsea Piers, Pier 62 (W. 22nd St.) New York, NY 10011

Classic Harbor Line Cruises are fantastic and one of my favorite things to do in the city. Truly, there’s nothing like being on the water and taking in the gorgeous and infamous NYC skyline.

“For New Year’s Eve, you can enjoy a Pre-dinner Champagne & Cheese Pairing Cruise for 1.5 hours, offered at 5:30 and 5:40. Or, you can enjoy a Post-Dinner Champagne & Dessert Pairing for 1.5 hours, offered at 7:45 and 7:55. On these awesome cruises, enjoy a three-glass flight and cheese pairing! Anticipate three hand-picked artisanal cheeses and champagnes on the pre-dinner tasting, OR a dessert cheese and 2 expertly paired desserts on the post-dinner tasting. These cruises will be hosted aboard a grand 1920s inspired yacht: either the Yacht Manhattan or Manhattan II.A short, Covid-safe excursion to bid farewell to 2021 in a celebratory fashion! See all major lower Manhattan sites lit up at night: One World Trade Center, Financial District, Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Brooklyn Bridge.” – Classic Harbor Line

NEW YEAR’S EVE JUBILEE WITH COMPANY XIV

Friday, December 31, 2021 | Doors at 9pm, Performance at 10pm | $100+

383 Troutman St, Brooklyn, NY 11237

“Ring in 2022 with panache and the most sensual, decadent troupe in New York City. Company XIV holds nothing back for its annual, sold-out New Year’s Eve spectacle. Enjoy an exclusive performance of Nutcracker Rouge, Company XIV’s signature baroque-burlesque confection. Start the evening with a complimentary cocktail served ice-cold upon arrival. Then, just before midnight, the beauties of XIV will serve you a glass of delicious french sparkling wine for a midnight toast. There is caviar service with Premium Caviar, black truffle potato chips, crème fraîche & chives. All tickets also grant access to an exclusive after-party allowing you to celebrate with the cast until 2 AM. Plus, other surprises!” – Company XIV

ROOFTOP PARTY AT THE PENINSULA  

Friday, December 31, 2021 | 10pm-2am | $750+

The Peninsula, 700 5th Ave, New York, NY 10019

For a truly special and memorable evening, party at The Peninsula! 

“High above the lights of Fifth Avenue, toast to 2022 at our New Year’s Eve Rooftop Party. The glamorous event will see Salon de Ning and Chalet de Ning transformed into a Studio 54-inspired disco party on our heated rooftop terrace. The evening of ‘70s-themed music featuring a live DJ will include a raw bar, passed hors d’oeuvres and a premium open bar. Grab a glass of Champagne and dance the night away 23 stories above the city with a midnight countdown.” – The Peninsula 

THE GREENS AT PIER 17

Friday, December 31, 2021 | $75-$2,500+

The Greens on The Rooftop at Pier 17, 89 South Street, New York, NY 10038 

They say variety is the spice of life, and if you’re looking for all different ways to bring in the New Year, then The Greens at Pier 17 has got you covered! They are offering all different types of celebrations with different budgets in mind. Toast to 2022 and celebrate how you want! 

Brunch

If you want to celebrate early, then you can enjoy Brunch ($75) offered 11am-2:30pm. There is an 11am seating and a 12:45pm seating. Each 90-minute reservation includes a private dining cabin for up to 8 guests, a bottle of Prosecco to toast to the New Year, and an entry to win a pair of Ikon Passes. 

Note: Food and beverage is available à la carte through ordering onsite for a separate cost.

Early Evening

Looking for an Early Evening celebration ($250-$750)? Enjoy early seating, offered 3pm-5pm. Each 2-hour reservation includes a private dining cabin for up to 8 guests, two 8oz Signature Crafted Cocktails (approx. 2.5 servings per bottle), one Heineken Beer Bucket (4 beers), a bottle of Prosecco, non-alcoholic beverages, and an entry to win a pair of Ikon Passes. 

Note: Upgrade your experience with family style plates, extra alcoholic beverages, and champagne.

Evening

Evening seating ($500-$1,000) is offered 6pm-8pm. Each 2-hour reservation includes a private dining cabin for up to 8 guests, family style plates, one 750 ml Signature Crafted Cocktail (approx. 8 servings), one Heineken Beer Bucket (4 beers), a bottle of Prosecco, non-alcoholic beverages, and an entry to win a pair of Ikon Passes.

Note: Upgrade your experience with extra alcoholic beverages and champagne.

Late Night

For all you Late Night partiers, this is the perfect option for you. Late Night is offered 9pm-1am ($500-$2,500). Each 4-hour reservation includes a private dining cabin for up to 8 guests, family style plates, one 750 ml Signature Crafted Cocktail (approx. 8 servings), one Heineken Beer Bucket (4 beers), a bottle of Prosecco, non-alcoholic beverages, and an entry to win a pair of Ikon Passes.

Note: Upgrade your experience with extra alcoholic beverages, champagne, or unlimited drinks.

SUMMIT ONE VANDERBILT NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY

Friday, December 31, 2021 | 9pm | $250+

45 East 42nd Street, New York, NY 10017

This is going to be a good one! Be sure to not miss out! 

“New York City’s newest & most transformational New Year’s Eve Party is at SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, featuring a special performance by cast members of Hamilton! Every ticket also includes unlimited access all 3 floors of SUMMIT until 2AM, a Midnight Champagne Toast,  2 SUMMIT Signature Cocktails and more! Don’t miss out on a brand new AIR at Night Countdown Light show, where dramatic waves of color turn SUMMIT into the most immersive NYE Countdown experience.” – SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

MIDNIGHT MAGIC NEW YEAR’S EVE

Friday, December 31, 2021 | 8pm-4am | $295-$2,500+

Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge at Moxy Times Square, 485 7th Ave, New York, NY 10018

Celebrate the New Year at The Moxy’s Magic Hour’s Pink Winter Lodge! It’s back with a sparkly twist. For a limited time only, experience a glistening carousel with over 25,000 crystals, plus plenty of Instagram photo worthy moments. The party starts at 8pm and lasts until 4am. There’s an open bar and a champagne toast at midnight! 

FOTOGRAFISKA

281 Park Ave South, New York, NY 10010

Fotografiska has 2 special New Year’s Eve celebrations happening. Bounce from live music and canapés in Verōnika to a DJ dance party in The Loft.

A NIGHT AT THE GRAND CAFÉ

Friday, December 31, 2021 | 9pm-12:30am | $350+

“Ring in the new year with old-world glamour at Verōnika, Fotografiska’s Eastern European-inspired jewel. Re-opening for one night only in celebration of the New Year, Verōnika is your portal to European café culture. Soaring ceilings, gold-toned lighting, a lively atmosphere, and of course, world-class art, combined with live music by the Grammy-nominated JC Hopkins and his 10-piece band, passed canapés, and a champagne toast at midnight.” – Fotografiska

Festive cocktail attire is requested.

NYE AFTER HOURS IN THE LOFT WITH DJ JENNIFLY 

Friday, December 31, 2021 | 11pm-2:00am | General Admission $50+

“Dance into the New Year with the sounds of London-born DJ Jennifly. Her signature mix of deep soulful house, disco, electronic, RnB, hip-hop and future grooves will allow you to flow into after hours. Cash bar.” – Fotografiska 

BROOKLYN DINER

Brooklyn Diner, 155 W 43rd Street, New York, NY 10036

Ring in the New Year at Brooklyn Diner Times Square! Enjoy a 5-course feast with live entertainment, along with a view of the Times Square pandemonium. 

Price is $425 per person (plus tax and gratuity). 

Call for reservations: 212-265-5400

In conclusion, these are Top 10 Best Things to Do for New Year’s Eve in NYC 2021. I hope everyone has a safe and Happy New Year! Cheers to 2022, bring it on!