10 Best New Year’s Eve Events for Families in New York By
Lauren I.
New Year’s Eve isn’t always about drinking alcohol and painting the town red. There are plenty of exciting New Year’s Eve events happening around the state, with a selection of excellent celebrations for your little ones! Here are 10 great NYE events for families in New York.
1. New Year’s Eve in Coney Island, Brooklyn, NY
Meet at Steeplechase Pavilion for a night of joyful celebration. From ice skating to Luna Park rides and sideshow performances, your family will have plenty of things to do before the clock strikes 12.
2. Holiday Lights in the Park, Albany, NY
For a quiet but fun New Year’s Eve in the capital, wander among the 125 holiday light displays in Washington Park. The park closes before midnight, which means you’ll have to get in your PJs in time for the new year.
3. New Year’s Eve Celebration at Children’s Museum of the Arts, New York, NY
Head to the Children’s Museum of the Arts to celebrate the beginning of 2018. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. you and children can participate in fun workshops and activities on Sunday, Dec. 31. There will be a countdown to “midnight” at noon in the gallery.
4. First Night Saratoga, Saratoga, NY
Each year, thousands of revelers fill downtown Saratoga for a night of performances and family-friendly cheer. This year, expect comedy, magic, dancing, and music as you welcome 2018.
5. New Year’s Eve Family Cruise, New York, NY
Grab the family and board the New York City Water Taxi at Pier 81. At midnight, watch the New York Harbor come alive with fireworks and lights. Beer, wine, juice, and hors d’oeuvres are included.
6. New Year’s Eve Torchlight Celebration at Holiday Valley Mountain Resort, Ellicottville, NY
Strap on your skis for the mountain’s torchlight parade (intermediate skiers or better are invited) at 11:30 p.m. and enjoy fireworks at 11:45 p.m. In between, warm up at the family-friendly party in the Holiday Valley Lodge.
7. Ball Drop in Times Square, New York, NY
One of the most famous and celebrated NYE events on earth, watching the ball drop in Times Square is on a lot of people’s bucket lists. Around a million party people fill the square each year for celebrity performances, non-stop excitement, and the chance to see the iconic sparkly ball drop into the new year.
8. Fireworks in Prospect Park, Brooklyn, NY
Prospect Park has its own low-key New Year’s Eve celebration, with love music and fireworks over Grand Army Plaza. The event starts at 11 p.m. and it’s free!
9. First Night Buffalo, Buffalo, NY
Families looking for good, clean fun on New Year’s Eve will find just that at First Night Buffalo—a drug and alcohol-free celebration inside the Buffalo Convention Center. Expect a night of acrobats, bouncy castles, carnival rides, and colorful entertainment of all kinds.
10. New Year’s Eve Extravaganza at Children’s Museum of Manhattan, New York, NY
The Children’s Museum of Manhattan is the perfect place to celebrate the start of 2018 surrounded by those you love! Dec. 30 and 31 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. there will be multiple events and activities. Space is limited so sign up in the lobby up to one hour before the event.
