Top New Year’s Eve in Times Square: Celebrate 2026 Near the Iconic Plaza
New York City’s Times Square is the world’s most famous New Year’s Eve destination, and the blocks surrounding it are packed with exceptional places to dine, drink, and dance as you ring in 2026. Here’s a curated guide to standout celebrations just steps from the Times Square Ball Drop, perfect if you want to combine chic hospitality with unbeatable proximity. If you’re looking to to watch the Ball Drop in Times Square, check out our guide to safety and road closures here!
Stylish Dinners and Celebrations to Enjoy New Year’s Eve in Times Square
53 – Elevated Asian Dining and Party Vibes
Just a short stroll north of Times Square, 53 offers a chic multi-level dining experience with contemporary Asian cuisine and art-forward design — ideal for beginning your New Year’s Eve festivities with great food and cocktails before heading out to celebrate.
BA53MENT – Speakeasy Underground Lounge
Beneath 53, the intimate BA53MENT serves inventive cocktails in a sultry speakeasy environment perfect for toasting the end of the year in style.
Madame George – 1920s-Inspired Cocktail Lounge
Minutes from Times Square, Madame George provides a glamorous lounge atmosphere with craft cocktails and live entertainment — great for a refined pre-midnight celebration before joining the crowds at the Ball Drop.
Raines Law Room at The William – Classic Cocktail Soirée
Experience cocktail culture in a swanky, casino-inspired setting at Raines Law Room at The William, located about a 10-minute walk from Times Square. Here you’ll find sophisticated drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and a lively nightclub feel.
The Bronze Owl – Midtown Lounge Party
About 15 minutes on foot, The Bronze Owl blends sultry lounge style with high-energy DJ sets and festive small bites — a slightly more expansive space if you want room to dance without straying far from the Times Square action.
Classic Times Square Dinner & Party Spots
GUI Steakhouse – Heart of Times Square Dining
Located in the heart of Times Square, GUI Steakhouse combines bold steakhouse cuisine with New Year’s Eve flair — a perfect dinner stop before partying into the night. You can then transition seamlessly into celebrations within the same building.
HWARO – Intimate Korean Fine Dining
Inside the GUI Steakhouse, HWARO offers an elevated tasting experience that pairs beautifully with a refined NYE dinner right in Times Square.
Bar92 – Times Square Countdown Celebration
Also nearby, Bar92 hosts a high-energy New Year’s Eve party with open bar, canapés, and a midnight champagne toast — all with standing room in the heart of the Times Square scene.
Rooftops and Midtown Cocktail Spots with Views
High Bar New York – Rooftop Cheers with Skyline Views
Just a short walk from Times Square, High Bar New York offers sweeping city views, signature cocktails, and a lively vibe — an ideal perch to toast midnight above the crowd before heading to the official Ball Drop area.
Bar Harta – Relaxed Midtown Celebration
At Bar Harta, located inside the Grayson Hotel near Bryant Park, you’ll find a stylish cocktail lounge atmosphere that’s perfect for a Midtown New Year’s Eve celebration close to the action.
Iconic Times Square Hotel Experiences
The Times Square EDITION: A Night at 701 West and The Garden Party
For an over-the-top NYE experience right by the Ball Drop, The Times Square EDITION offers premium packages with multi-course dining, open bar, live music, champagne toasts, and VIP views of the Times Square Ball Drop. These events combine elevated hospitality with direct access to the midnight celebration for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve in New York City.
