New Year's Eve Activities in New York City

If you're planning to spend New Year's Eve in New York City, there are a lot more options than you might think. Feel like a quick run, or maybe just some meditation to ring in the New Year? Then read on, and learn about all the activities New York has to offer:

1. Times Square New Year's Eve Party
The first thing everyone thinks of when they hear the phrase "New Year's in New York", you can join hundreds of thousands of people in Times Square to watch the ball drop. If you plan on enjoying New Year's this way, be prepared to line up early-as in 4 or 5 AM on December 31st if not earlier-to get a good spot. And don't plan on dropping by any nearby restaurants or other locales to get a "better view", since most everything has been booked long before your arrival (sometimes even years beforehand.) Since the weather is usually pretty cold, make sure you bring a jacket. Remember, everything in moderation: be careful how much you drink, or you may learn more about the Times Square police than you care to.

2. Costume Parade and Midnight Run in Central Park
Emerald Nuts is sponsoring a costume party and mini-marathon in Central Park. Starting at 10:45, participants can show off their costumes in a parade at the Central Park Bandshell, where prizes will be given out to the top three costumes. Then get ready for a 4-mile run at midnight through Central Park, ending at the 72nd Street Transverse. It's a great way to stay warm and get a head start on your New Year's resolution. You must be a race contestant to participate in the costume contest. Tickets are $25.00 for non-New York Road Runner members ($20.00 for members) before December 16th, and $35.00 ($30.00 for members) after that.

3. Brooklyn Bridge Walk
If you prefer a walk to a run, follow some of the city's best tour guides to learn the history of City Hall and the Brooklyn Bridge. Enjoy the refreshments and atmosphere as you party on the Bridge and watch the light show from the Empire State Building. In the past, participants have also been able to view the fireworks from Staten Island, Central Park, Brooklyn and even New Jersey. The meet-up is at Blimpie's Restaurant at 38 Park Row, between Spruce and Beekman Streets (across from City Hall.) Tickets are $25 in advance, or $30 at the door.

4. New Year's Eve Party at Brooklyn's Grand Army Plaza
Want to party hearty, but don't fancy the crowds in Times Square? Then join the 25th Annual Fireworks Show at the Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn. The event is free, and the crowds aren't quite as bad as they are in the center of Times Square. The festivities begin at midnight, but you'll want to arrive early to ensure a prime viewing area. You can get to Grand Army Plaza at the intersection of Flatbush Avenue, Eastern Parkway and Prospect Park West.

New York City on New Year's Eve can be a magical place, and you don't have to spend it in Times Square to feel the energy (though you most certainly can if you like.) Just remember to keep your wits about you when toasting the New Year; like the old adage says, "everything in moderation".