A Guide to New Years Eve in New York City

Looking for something different to do this New Years Eve in New York City? Something besides getting jammed into Times Square tighter than a sardine, and you are not the night club type. How about celebrating New Years in the great outdoors of New York City? These events are definitely not your usual run of the mill celebrations. You can celebrate by running a road race in Central Park, attending a party on the Brooklyn Bridge, see fireworks in Prospect Park or take a party cruise around New York City and see the fireworks from inside. Be sure to check the web site for the event you are interested in. All except for Prospect Park require reservations and the earlier you make them the better. Also these are outdoor events and things are subject to change.

So if you are looking for a different New Years Eve, one that you will remember and talk about for years to come, give one of these a shot. And don't forget to bring a camera.

New York Road Runners
http://www.nyrr.org/race/2006/r1231x00.php
The people who bring you the New York Marathon each year have something really special planed for New Years Eve. A four mile run through Central Park. If you are looking for something different to do this year , this one sure is it. If you are interested, be sure to check the site. You need to pre register and pick up your shirt and hat on specific days.

The party starts at 10 Pm with music a costume contest at 11 and right at the stroke of midnight, you will get sent off on the race with a fireworks display. There will be over $1,600 in prize money. Now, wouldn't that be a super way to start off the New Year?

Circle Line Sight Seeing Cruises
http://www.circleline42.com/index.ihtml?page=holiday
We all know the Circle Line from their regular cruses around Manhattan, and they are the ones who take us to The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, but they also have special cruises on the holidays and this New Years Eve they have a special cruise planed. For $120 you get a full open bar, hors d'oeuvres and a DJ and you get to escape the city for a few hours. Call them for reservations. They are required and these tickets sell out fast.

Brooklyn Bridge Walk
http://www.newyorktalksandwalks.com/cgi-bin/calendar/long_calendar.cgi?y=&m=12
Now this is definitely a different way to celebrate New Years. Having a party on the Brooklyn Bridge. This will be the 12th year for the event. You need to make reservations for the walks and they start at 10:30 in the City Hall area. You will tour the area and then go to the Bridge for a really big party. Be sure to check the web site. Details can change at the last minute. There will be free snacks available and prizes and free gifts also.

New Years Eve in Prospect Park
http://www.prospectpark.org/event/main.cfm?target=firework
Just across the river in Brooklyn, they know how to throw a big party and Prospect Park is just the place to hold it. There will be fireworks at Midnight, and there are many fine restaurants in the area. Come early and enjoy the park. Oh yes, it is free.