Start the new year off with a public display of explosions!
If you’re turning to us for New Year’s Eve fireworks tips, you probably already know not to join the huddled masses in Times Square. Here are the best places in Brooklyn for rocket-fueled delights — and best of all, they’re free!
Grand Army Plaza Fireworks: Get cozy in the cold at Brooklyn’s historic plaza around 11 pm for an explosive display sponsored by Borough President Markowitz. In addition to fireworks, enjoy the snacks, warm drinks, and live music.
For a quieter spot, you can enjoy Grand Army Plaza’s show from within Prospect Park on the West Drive, and along Prospect Park West between Grand Army Plaza and Ninth Street. Bring lots of blankets and a thermos of hot chocolate.
(Plaza Street West and Flatbush Avenue).
Statue of Liberty Fireworks: Despite continued closure of Liberty Island post-Sandy, mean-green Lady Liberty will put her best foot forward to kick off 2013 with one of the city’s largest pyrotechnic displays. Watch the celebration from any of the panoramic perches below:
The Brooklyn Promenade: Cozy up on a bench and take in the Manhattan view as you wait for the fireworks to start from this iconic pedestrian path in Brooklyn Heights.
(Columbia Heights at Middagh Street).
Brooklyn Bridge Park: Anywhere along the waterfront southwest of Brooklyn Bridge will allow a solid view the Statue of Liberty fireworks show. The park closes at 1 am.
(Water and Furman streets, in DUMBO).
Squib Park Footbridge: The new foot bridge connecting Brooklyn Heights to Brooklyn Bridge Park is slated to open by New Year’s, offering uninterrupted views of the Statue of Liberty and New York Harbor.
(Middagh Street between Columbia Heights & Furman Street).
The Brooklyn Bridge: The crest of the bridge offers a great view of the New York Harbor and since there is sure to be a crowd, it’s an excellent place to ring in the new year with friends and strangers alike.
(Entrance on Tillary Street and Boerum Place).
Erie Basin Park: This waterfront locale beside IKEA will give you a front-row seat to New Year’s Eve firework action and is perhaps the closest place to catch the Liberty Island Firework display without departing Brooklyn.
(Beard and Dwight streets., in Red Hook. Park is on the waterfront behind the IKEA store).
