The Pinoy Traveler’s Guide To Spending The New Year In New York City

The holiday season is almost here, and travel enthusiasts all over the world are booking trips to take in the cheerful sights and sounds of the festive season. Most Filipinos spend their Christmas and New Year’s Eve vacation in the country as there’s nowhere else in the world that celebrates these holidays for four whole months. However, those who want a different experience are opting to go to iconic destinations for the holidays, such as New York City. The Times Square Ball Drop has always been a top attraction in the Big Apple, and every year one to two million people from all over the world fly in to witness this event. But apart from the Ball Drop, there are other activities that you should definitely do if you’re planning to celebrate the New Year in NYC. So pack your bags, and get ready to experience the ultimate New Year’s Eve celebration in the Big Apple.

Go on a dinner cruise

Perhaps you’re traveling with your significant other, or maybe you’re planning to propose on New Year’s Eve. Instead of making your way through the crowds in Times Square, why not celebrate the New Year more privately? First, you’ll need a vehicle to get around the city in style, so rent a limo or a luxury truck or SUV such as a Hummer for a comfortable and stylish ride. After spending the afternoon driving around the city, head to the harbor and go on a romantic dinner cruise. There are a lot of companies that offer New Year’s Eve yacht cruises, and prices range from $160 (about Php 8,000) to around $650 (approximately Php 40,000), depending on the type of package that you choose. You and your partner can feast on delicious food and toast the New Year with champagne while a live band plays on board. When the clock strikes 12, you and your loved one will be treated to a gorgeous fireworks display while you’re on the water, and it makes for the perfect romantic setting if you’re planning to pop the question.

Enjoy a New Year’s Eve concert

Pinoys are known to be music lovers, and if you’re a fan of live music, you can rock out to bands or dance along to club beats at an NYC New Year’s Eve concert. This year, you can see Phish at the Madison Square Garden or break out your best moves at The Disco Biscuits concert at the PlayStation Theater. You can also go to multiple dance parties at Times Square, and if you get a Times Square All Access Pass, you can enjoy free food and drinks and even take home some party favors. (Also Read: Celebrating Holiday in Athens, Greece)

Keep on celebrating on New Year’s Day

Shake off the hangover and continue celebrating on the first day of 2020. First, have a New Year’s Day brunch at any of the hundreds of restaurants in the city. Bubby’s in Tribeca or Sons of Essex at the Lower East Side are famous for their brunch menu, so you can check out these establishments to treat yourself to some amazing food. Next, take part or watch swimmers participate in the Coney Island Polar Bear New Year’s Day swim; then go for a quiet stroll in Central Park.

Spending New Year in New York City is one of the best ways to ring in 2020. Make sure to plan ahead and book slots for these activities as early as possible. Enjoy the best that the Big Apple has to offer as you celebrate the beginning of a new year.