Celebrate New Year's Eve in New York
Granted Times Square is the epicenter of New Years Eve activity, but the freezing temperatures, packed-in crowds and lack of bathroom facilities keep most of us as far away as possible. But don't rule New York out completely - it's one of the the most festive places to ring in the New Year. You just need to know where to go.
Here's a list of five of the best of New York's New Year's Eve 2010 parties - held inside (and one on a boat). Cheers!
- Tavern on the Green Farewell Party
The legendary Central Park restaurant will shut its doors on Dec. 31 and you can be there for the last hurrah. Don't worry, the festivities don't end at midnight. The massive restaurant's six dining rooms have different parties going on, so you have options: be low-key and dine early ($109); or get a bit more festive at the New Year's Gala with its five-course meal and dancing to a live band ($500); or go all out at the Farewell Party with dinner, DJ, open bar, breakfast and even fireworks in the park at midnight for $150 to $35,000, depending on how exclusive you'd like to be. And bonus: You'll also get an up-close look at the furnishings they'll be selling off in the auction two weeks later.
- Cipriani Wall Street New Year's Eve 2010
The Financial District outpost of the luxury mid-town restaurant (and worldwide chain of restaurants) is hosting a gala with light Italian fare, six hour open bar, a "world renowned DJ" in its elegant ballroom setting of the historic former stock exchange building. Seventy feet above the dance floor a Wedgewood dome crowns the room in dramatic fashion. ($60-$325)
- Spice Market Prix Fixe Dinner
For those looking to have a lively dinner with friends, Jean-Georges Vongerichten's gorgeous Spice Market restaurant (above) is offering 4-course family-style dinners starting at 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. ($128-$148). The restaurant's striking Asian market decor is the backdrop for a combination of interesting Eastern street foods that you'll share with the rest of the table. DJ Monk will start spinning at 9 p.m. and dinners can keep their tables for the evening.
- Soho House New Year's Eve Party
The exclusive Soho House will be holding its members only New Year's Eve festivities starting at 7 p.m. Don't know any members? There is one way around the exclusivity: Stay at the hotel. Hotel guests are also invited to the roaring '20s themed party with live band, DJ and cabaret performers. There will be dinner seatings in the dining room (below) at 7 and 9 p.m. ($65 to $95 per person) as well as bottle service in the Drawing Room all night long.
- Temptress Yacht New Year's Eve 2010
Spend New Year's Eve circling Manhattan aboard a luxury, 160-foot yacht with multiple floors and a glass-enclosed atrium ($175-$250). Enjoy stunning views of the city while circling the southern end of the island. The party includes a DJ, buffet dinner, Champagne toast, four-hour open bar and after party at Marquee nightclub.
