Now Reading
Your Guide to Ringing in 2026: New Year’s Eve in New York City

Your Guide to Ringing in 2026: New Year’s Eve in New York City

Whether your vision involves alpine-inspired elegance, a front-row seat to the fireworks, or dancing the night away at a celebrity hotspot, our curated guide to NYE 2026 in NYC has you covered.

 

Per Se

Celbrate 2026 with an evening at Chef Thomas Keller’s three-star Michelin restaurant Per Se. The New Year’s Eve Dinner begins with a glass of champagne, followed by a 10-course luxury menu, with the option of a specially curated wine pairing. Guests will celebrate 2026 with live jazz music, and a champagne toast to ring in the New Year. The dinner seating is priced at $1,200 per person. Tickets on TOCK.

Aquavit

Ring in 2026 with a Nordic feast at this two-Michelin star restaurant. Choose from two seatings, each featuring a Tasting Menu. The first, from 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m, features five courses, including Osetra Caviar; Scallop with endive, pine nuts and citrus foam; Spanish Turbot; and Wagyu Beef Tenderloin along with the restaurant’s famous Arctic Bird’s Nest dessert of goat cheese parfait, blueberry sorbet, and honey tuile ($375 pp,$225 pp wine). The second seating, from 8:45 p.m.-10 p.m., offers the same menu with the addition of lobster and a Champagne toast ($495 pp; $375 pp wine). Aquavit’s Bar Room will offer a four-course prix fixe ($275 pp, $155 pp wine) from 6 p.m.-10:30 p.m. with choices of Duck Terrine, Sea Bass, Wagyu Beef Shortrib, and a Sea Buckthorn Tart with almond honey and yogurt sorbet for dessert. A Champagne and Caviar package for two ($375) includes a half bottle of Champagne and classic Osetra Caviar, Lojrom, and Swedish sourdough waffles. A dozen oysters can be added for $75. Book via Aquavit

Benjamin Steakhouse

Bring in the New Year at one of New York’s most classic steakhouses. Located in midtown, the beloved restaurant will be offering a course Prix fixe menu for only $139 per person. Link to reserve.

The Culinary Alpine Escape: Zuma

 In a stylish nod to the upcoming opening of Zuma Vail, the brand’s restaurants in NYC, Boston, Miami, and Las Vegas will be transformed into sleek alpine retreats. At the New York location, embrace the après-ski cocktail attire theme in a winter palette of white, silver, and blue. Guests can indulge in the à la carte menu or opt for an exquisite tasting menu across three distinct evening seatings (6:00 PM no minimum; 7:30 PM $265++; 9:15 PM $315++). For those seeking a more fluid celebration, lounge party tickets with open-bar packages are available($180 standing; $360 table), complete with a live DJ and seasonal entertainment. This is where cosmopolitan chic meets mountain lodge warmth, offering a uniquely elegant start to 2026. Book here. 

ilili

Start the new year at ilili NoMad with “New Year’s Eve 1001 Nights,” a night of culinary delights, entertainment, and celebration. Guests can choose from a first seating with à la carte menu of signature dishes (5 p.m.-7:15 PM) featuring an like Halibut with za’atar squash ribbons, Lamb Chops with old-world wine reduction, or indulgent truffle supplements, or the second seating (starting 8:30 p.m.) for a four-course prix-fixe dinner accompanied by a live DJ, belly dancers, party favors, and a midnight champagne toast ($215 per person). Starting at 9 p.m.,The Bar & Lounge offers access to the entertainment with a limited à la carte menu and two house cocktails included ($65 per person). Menu here, Book via OpenTable.

Countdown in the Clouds at Nubeluz

Start 2026 at Nubeluz at The Ritz Carlton Nomad with an evening cocktail celebration from 9pm to 1am, high above New York City’s skyline, with a premium open bar, live entertainment, and culinary delights from fifty floors up. Enjoy signature José Andrés Group bites such as caviar service, grilled cheese, bagel and lox cone, chicken croquetas, Korean fried chicken, chicken curry pani puri, and a holiday and candy cookie cart. $495 pp/ book here.

Caviar, Steak and Lobster Indulgence at BLACKBARN Restaurant 

Spend New Year’s Eve at BLACKBARN, from the Award-Winning Chef/Owner John Doherty on Madison Square Park. The menu features favorite dishes including Pan Seared Foie Gras Terrine,Butternut Squash Ravioli and Dry Aged 14oz NY Strip. The pre-fixe priced at $185/per adult with an optional $235/pp wine pairing served family style to at least four guests.  Book here.

La Dolce Vita New Year’s Eve at Sartiano’s

Downtown gem Sartiano’s is offering two seated dinner experiences (4-7pm and 8-11pm) featuring signature dishes and festive specials from Chef Chris Lewnes’ special 5-course prix-fixe menu ($225 pp) or Sartiano’s signature dishes à la carte for the early seating, and a 5-course prix-fixe menu ($225 pp), featuring festive & seasonal dishes, live entertainment, and a champagne toast at midnight for the second seating. Book on Resy.

l’abeille

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Tribeca’s French-Japanese Michelin-starred restaurant from Chef Mitsunobu Nagae, which will offer a Pre-Gala Seating (7-course tasting menu for $325) and a more lavish Gala Seating (8-course tasting menu for $595). Guests can indulge in white truffle risotto, butter-poached lobster, and charcoal-grilled Wagyu with black truffle sauce, paired with optional prestige wines from Taittinger, Egon Müller, Yquem, and Cos d’Estournel available. Whether dining early or counting down at the late seating, l’abeille delivers one of New York’s most luxurious ways to welcome 2026.  Menus here, Book via Resy or OpenTable.

Tamarind Tribeca

Indian fine dining restaurant Tamarind Tribeca will be celebrating the New Years with specials highlighting festive regional delicacies and seasonal winter flavors. Guests will enjoy Dahi Ke Kebab, delicate yogurt and paneer kebabs, Patranu Machli, a preparation of red snapper gently steamed inside fragrant banana leaves; and Undhiyu, a beloved mixed winter vegetable medley traditionally enjoyed at this time of year, featuring lentils that are said to bring abundance and good luck in the year ahead. Tamarind will be open from 5:30 p.m. until midnight, concluding the night with a festive Champagne toast. Book via Resy and OpenTable.

Arvine

If a cool downtown vibe is your thing, there’s no better place than Arvine, the West Village hotspot whose very name means “the art of hospitality.” With 16 expertly curated bottles of sparkling wine ready to be popped at midnight, a seasonal modern American menu, inventive cocktails, and a buzzing, candlelit room, Arvine delivers all the charm and flavor of New York City, without any of the chaos. Menu here, Book via Resy

Walker Hotel Greenwich Village

Art deco Walker Hotel Greenwich Village is perfect for a cozy New Year’s Eve getaway. This year, Society Cafe from Chef Nicholas McCann, will host a festive dinner followed by a  complimentary open bar from 10pm-2am. The celebration will feature craft cocktails by Flecha Azul and Aspen Vodka, a jazz band playing until the ball drops, and a toast with complimentary bubbles as the clock strikes midnight. Those who are not dining can purchase tickets for the open bar HERE at $55/person or just stop by to enjoy the cash bar.

Upon the Palace 

Tribeca’s Upon The Palace is celebrating 2026 with a festive multi-course menu and live jazz performances in its opulent subterranean speakeasy. Filling a decades-long dearth of quality and authentic Chinese cuisine in Tribeca, Mogao Hospitality opened the 90-seat jewel box earlier in the year as an evocation of Qin Dynasty excellence. Guests can choose from three prix fixe experiences ($68 / $88 / $108), along with a full à la carte selection featuring festive, family-style dishes. After dinner, guests can continue to celebrate in Upon The Palace’s Epang Lounge with live jazz performances.

Laughs and Luxe Eats at The Stand

For New Year’s Eve, comedy scene staple The Stand is offering a special prix fixe menu for $95 per person, starting with an amuse bouche of Caviar Russe caviar bumps and Moet & Chandon champagne toast to start followed by a three course dinner including options like Pizetta alla Truffle with white Alba truffle, Bone Marrow Pie, Roast Duck, Surf & Turf and Prime Rib Au Jus. For those seeking a full night of entertainment, add on a comedy show for an additional cost. Programming starts in the early evening, and vary in entry price based on the show with its its 6:00 PM and 6:30 PM shows starting at $35, $50 for its 8:00 PM and 8:30 PM shows, and $75 for its late 10:00 PM and 10:30 PM shows available to book here.

New Year’s Eve on the Water: NYE Fireworks Cruises

For a celebration that pairs luxury with iconic views, set sail on a New Year’s Eve cruise. Two premier vessels offer a front-row seat to the city’s legendary fireworks display.

  • Star of the Northeast: Enjoy a 3-hour premium open bar, buffet dinner, and live DJ entertainment aboard this family-friendly vessel. With multiple decks, you’ll have the perfect vantage point of the skyline and the Statue of Liberty fireworks.

  • Nautical Empress: Step into luxury aboard the Nautical Empress for a 4-hour cruise featuring a premium open bar, a delicious buffet, and non-stop music. This is the perfect way to combine the comfort of a luxury yacht with the views of the New York Harbor.

Both cruises offer an all-ages celebration, making them an excellent option for families or anyone looking to experience the midnight fireworks from the most majestic vantage point.

The Nightlife Elite: High-Energy Celebrations

When only the most exclusive scene will suffice, these hotspots deliver an evening of decadence and dance.

Upstairs at The Kimberly Hotel  

Upstairs is celebrating with a four-hour premium open bar from 9pm to 1am, gourmet hors d’oeuvres from 9pm to 11pm, desserts from 11pm to 11:45pm, a midnight champagne toast, and a live DJ with TVs to watch the ball drop. VIP ticket holders receive a private table, one bottle of champagne, and one bottle of vodka per five guests. The rooftop’s enclosed, heated setting provides unobstructed views of Midtown Manhattan and the Chrysler Building while keeping guests warm throughout the night.$195 pp for General Admission; $295 pp for Seated VIP (plus tax and gratuity). Book here. 

The Book of the Forbidden at Somewhere Nowhere 

Somewhere Nowhere hosts THE BOOK OF THE FÖRBIDDEN, an enchanted experience on New Year’s Eve with live theatrical acts, a 4.5 Hour Premium Open Bar (from 8-12:30pm), renowned international DJ acts, special 2026 NYE countdown with panoramic views of the New York skyline and fireworks, and complimentary champagne toast at midnight. Tickets are available with entrance starting at $240, including fees. Book here.

Maison Nur & The Studio

Ring in 2026 with the city’s downtown elite at this bi-level nightlife destination. A 4-hour premium open bar and hors d’oeuvres by Michelin-starred chef Richard Farnabe set the stage for the decadent evening. With live DJs, a midnight champagne toast, and a Paris-by-night ambiance, this is a celebrity and fashionista hotspot for a reason. 

 A Monte Carlo-Inspired NYE at Sloane’s

Ring in 2026 inside SoHo’s jewel-toned, velvet-lined cocktail hideaway atop The Manner. From 9 PM – 2 AM, the lounge will transform into a glamorous Monte Carlo-style celebration with a blackjack table with prizes for those who hit 21, ranging from drink tickets and F&B vouchers to a grand-prize hotel stay, DJ Tiana Verhagen, a Midnight Champagne toast to welcome 2026 and bottle service and Champagne menus available all evening. Dress to impress, and standing room is available with no cover (reservations on Resy), and table reservations with F&B minimums can be secured by emailing sloanes@soho.themanner.com.

Two Fifteen at PUBLIC Hotel

 Where music, style, and NYC’s trendsetters meet. Indulge in a 4.5-hour open bar and lite bites while the city’s hottest DJs provide the soundtrack. The energy is infectious, culminating in a celebratory champagne toast at midnight.

THE ROOF at PUBLIC Hotel 

With stunning panoramic views of New York’s skyline, front row seats to fireworks, and a four hour open bar, THE ROOF is the place to be on New Year’s Eve. Enjoy passed hors d’oeuvres, four hour premium open bar from 8:30pm-12:30am and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight all while world-class DJs Gabriel Liberty and Prince Terrence spin 2026’s hottest soundtrack. Doors open at 8:30pm, tickets HERE.

Mr. Purple Rooftop & The Club

Experience one of NYC’s most iconic rooftops on the Lower East Side. This multi-level party grants access to both the stunning rooftop lounge and The Club, complete with a 5-hour premium open bar and live DJs against a backdrop of sweeping skyline views.

Pinky Swear

If you are looking for a downtown, art inspired evening, head to Pinky Swear on the Lower East Side for their first New Year’s Eve Soiree. Guests will be treated to a 4-hour open bar, passed canapes and a lineup of DJ’s to dance the night away.  Reservations@pinkyswearnyc.com.

Ayah

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at authentic Moroccan restaurant Ayah in Soho with a night of dinner, music, and nonstop celebration with a  Midnight in Marrakech. Led by chefs Geoffrey Lechantoux and Aïcha Sbaih, the menu features authentic dishes like Chhiwates, Ayah Pastilla, and slow-cooked Tajines, plus cocktails by mixologist Adrien Lefort. To book: info@ayahrestaurant.com.

Ray’s LES

Ray’s Lower East Side location will be welcoming the new year with Dick Clark’s New Year’s Eve Spectacular on the big screen, a live Auld Lang Syne performance at midnight, late-night Jonny’s Pizza, Photography by @ESPcamera & Music by @mariaacamiii. Tickets: $40 per person | Premium tables: $1,000 for up to 10 guests

Sky-High Views & Times Square Access

For those who want to be above it all or in the heart of the action, these venues offer prime locations.

A Night at 701 West

A Night at 701 West combines exceptional dining, live entertainment, and a front-row seat to the world’s most iconic celebration from 7pm-1am. Michelin-starred Chef John Fraser and acclaimed Beverage Director Amy Racine present a thoughtfully curated tasting menu and beverage pairings, set against the energy and spectacle of Times Square at midnight. Included in the package are:

  • Welcome Drinks and Canapés
  • Multi-course tasting menu curated by Michelin-starred Chef John Fraser
  • Premium wine pairings curated by Beverage Director Amy Racine
  • Five-hour open bar with a curated wine and cocktail list
  • Live entertainment throughout the night
  • Champagne toast at midnight
  • VIP access to live unobstructed viewing of the Ball Drop in Times Square with security escort
  • After party experience, including 2-hour Open Bar (12am-2am)

Those looking to take their New Year’s Eve to the next level can enhance their evening with a 2-night stay in a premium room featuring a private terrace with a bird’s eye view of Times Square and two tickets to “A Night at 701 West”. Tickets here ($3,500.00++ per person). Book your overnight package here ($1,800++ per room)

Bar Harta

 For the best-priced event in the heart of Times Square, look no further than Bar Harta. This stylish cocktail bar offers a lively crowd, passed hors d’oeuvres, and a live stream of the legendary Ball Drop, all without breaking the bank—a rare find for such a prime location.

 The Knickerbocker’s Toast to 120 Years 

The Kickerbocker is going all in with Nordstrom NYC Flagship in celebration of The Knickerbocker’s 120th anniversary. A bespoke $120,000 experience offers guests a front-row, ultra-luxury entry in 2026.

The full offering includes:

  • Three-night stay in one of the hotel’s Tribute Suites
  • Pre-Event Glam at Nordstrom NYC, including a Drybar blowout, manicure and pedicure at Beauty Haven, a personalized Styling Lounge session with hair, makeup, and wardrobe curation, and a $25,000 clothing and accessories credit
  • Multi-course NYE dinner at Charlie Palmer Steak IV
  • Private St. Cloud Rooftop pod for the Times Square Ball Drop with bottle service + champagne sabering
  • Curated lunch at Wolf (Nordstrom NYC’s flagship restaurant) + evening dining at Akoya at The Knickerbocker
  • Luxury car service between The Knickerbocker and Nordstrom NYC
  • Personal content capture concierge
  • Signature gifts from both brands, including a Times Square Ball crystal

bookings: marketing@theknickerbocker.com.