There is no wrong way to celebrate New Year’s Eve, but one person’s good time can be another’s personal hell. We get it. So if you are still figuring out where you are going to be when the ball drops this Dec. 31, we have compiled a guide for every personality type, to help you find the party that is perfect for you.
For the sentimentalist
Billy Joel has not put out an album in more than a decade — no bother, you just want to hear classics such as “Tell Her About It” and “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant,” anyway. And you can safely bet money that the piano man will also play “New York State of Mind” when he comes to the Barclays Center this New Year’s Eve. Ben Folds Five will get things started — the piano-pop group did release an album last year, but we imagine it will play its classic hit “Brick” at some point, too.
Billy Joel at Barclays Center [620 Atlantic Ave. at Pacific Street in Prospect Heights, (917) 618–6100, www.barclayscenter.com], 8 pm. $64.50–$199.50.
For the raver
If your idea of a perfect night out is dancing until the sun comes up, you are in luck. BangOn!NYC is throwing a party in an East Williamsburg warehouse that looks like a one-night Burning Man. There will be two main stages of electronic music, as well as art installations, circus performers, art cars, vendors, body painting, food trucks, and more.
BangOn!NYC’s “Time and Space” (location revealed upon ticket purchase, see www.bangon-nyc.com), 9 pm–6 am. $60-$140.
For the VIP
Custom Fit’s Dumbo loft party has it all. Open bar? Check. Champagne toast? Check. Bottle service? Check. Fancy attire? Check. Throw in some hookahs, a buffet, and multiple DJs, and you have got yourself a party for those who like things classy.
Custom Fit’s “New Year’s Eve Under the Bridge” at DVA Loft (160 Water St. between Pearl and Jay streets in Dumbo, www.customfitparty.com), 10 pm. $50–$1,500.
For the Gatsby wannabe
Galapagos Art Space’s “1920s Paris New Year’s Eve Party” is “The Great Gatsby” meets “Moulin Rouge,” with can-can dancers, acrobats, aerialists, burlesque dancers, and more. The entertainment will be followed by a dance party, so you can shimmy in your flapper dress or zoot suit and make Baz Luhrmann proud.
“A 1920s Paris New Year’s Eve Party” at Galapagos Art Space [16 Main St. at Water Street in Dumbo, (718) 222–8500, www.galapagosartspace.com], 9:30 pm. $125+ (includes open bar until 1 am).
For the Times Square fan
If New Year’s Eve to you means bundling up to watch fireworks outdoors, and cheering till your voice is gone with a crowd of strangers, then head to Prospect Park for its annual concert and fireworks display. The show happens at Grand Army Plaza, but you can also catch the pyrotechnics on the West Drive and along Prospect Park West between Grand Army Plaza and Ninth Street.
New Year’s Eve at Prospect Park’s Grand Army Plaza (Union St. between Flatbush Avenue and Prospect Park West in Park Slope, www.prospectpark.org), 11 pm. Free.
For the fitness fanatic
Get a head start on that New Year’s resolution to exercise more with a midnight fun run. The Brooklyn Road Runners hosts its only nighttime race in Prospect Park on New Year’s Eve, and runners and walkers of all stripes are welcome to attend (festive wear is encouraged, too). Reward yourself with a cup of hot chocolate when you are done, and stick around for the fireworks.
“New Year’s Eve 5K Run” at Prospect Park (Prospect Park West and Ninth Street in Park Slope, www.prospectpark.org). 11:15 pm. $40, or $30 in advance.
For the cheapskate
You do not have to dip into your savings for a memorable New Year’s Eve. Union Hall is hosting a special edition of its “Karaoke Killed the Cat” karaoke dance party for the big day, and admission is no more than the price of a grande latte. You can also take advantage of drink specials, sure to get you in the singing — and dancing — mood.
“Karaoke Killed the Cat” at Union Hall [702 Union St. near Fifth Ave. in Park Slope, (718) 638–4400, www.unionhallny.com]. 10 pm. $5.
For the music snob
If the thought of spending the last few hours of 2013 listening to a crappy party band fills you with dread, then you will be in good hands at the Knitting Factory. The Williamsburg venue hosts the Fela! Band, a group comprised of members of the Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra and cast members of the Tony Award-winning musical “Fela!” The show ended its Broadway run four years ago, but the group is still partying on.
The Fela! Band at the Knitting Factory [361 Metropolitan Ave. at Havemeyer Street in Wiliamsburg, (347) 529–6696, bk.knittingfactory.com“>www.bk.knittingfactory.com]. 9 pm. $50.
For the classy couple
Dress to the nines and get a table with a fantastic view at the Ides, Andrew Tarlow’s rooftop bar at the Wythe Hotel. The bar will be serving a menu of indulgent small bites as fancy as you are, including caviar and blinis, shrimp cocktails, lobster salad sliders, and duck liver mousse. After dinner, you can grab a drink at the bar and dance to DJs, who will be spinning all night.
The Ides at the Wythe Hotel [80 Wythe Ave. between N. 11th and N. 12th streets in Williamsburg, (718) 460–8004, www.wythehotel.com]. Reservations recommended.
For the dinner-and-dancing set
See the year out with a swing in your step and a full belly at Il Fornetto. The waterfront Italian restaurant is throwing a New Year’s Eve “extravaganza” that includes a four-course dinner, full open bar, party favors, a DJ, and dancing. This party is popular and seating is limited, so make sure to RSVP in advance so you do not miss out.
“New Year’s Eve Extravaganza” at Il Fornetto [2902 Emmons Ave. at E. 29th Street in Sheepshead Bay, (718) 332–8494, www.ilfornettorestaurant.com]. $100 per person.— By Meredith Deliso
