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THE THEATRE DISTRICT
The King and I at Lincoln Center Theater
Catch Broadway's only available performance without ever stepping foot in Times Square: the Lincoln Center Theater production of The King and I plays a special 7 PM show. See the Tony-winning Rodgers and Hammerstein revival with a complimentary glass of champagne, courtesy of LTC in celebration of the holiday. (LCT is located at 150 W. 65th St., Manhattan. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.)
Annaleigh Ashford at Feinstein's/54 Below
Tony winner Annaleigh Ashford rings in the new year with a special concert at nightlife hotspot Feinstein's/54 Below. If her acclaimed Lost in the Stars show is anything to go by, it's sure to be a stellar evening of performances, laughter and magic. Packages start at $330 including a two-course dinner, dessert buffet and open bar. (54 Below, 254 West 54th St, Cellar, New York. For more information and to buy tickets, click here.)
The McKittrick Hotel
The McKittrick Hotel celebrates Dec. 31st with the return of The King’s Winter Masquerade. The masked soiree begins at 10 PM, immediately following that evening's performance of the ever-popular Sleep No More. The party features special theatrical and music performances, along with an open bar and countless surprises. Packages including a decadent sit down dinner at The Heath are also available; see footage from last year's celebrations here. Tickets from $100. (The McKittrick Hotel, 542 W. 27th St. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.)
Queen of the Night New Year's Eve
This year Queen of the Night celebrates the new year with a classy Bond-inspired black tie extravaganza. The evening features the usual live performances along with a midnight champagne toast and international DJs to keep you dancing long into the night. Special dinner, show and after-party packages are available from $450. (The Diamond Horseshoe Supper Club at the Paramount Hotel, 235 W. 46th St. For tickets and more information, click here.)
If you're after something a little more low-key but that is still packed with flare and fun, several venues in the theatre district offer lively dinner and performance packages. Check out some of the offerings at Don't Tell Mama, Metropolitan Room, Chez Josephine and Victor's Cafe, to name a few.
Something for free...
Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball Drop
Join the millions of tourists from around the world who pack into Times Square to watch the Waterford Crystal Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball drop. Be prepared to arrive as early as 3 PM that day to secure a spot. The New York Police Department begin closing down access to Times Square starting at 43rd Street and Broadway, and moving north as revelers arrive. Click here for more information.
Central Park Fireworks
If Times Square is proving too chaotic, why not wonder up to Central Park and catch the New Year’s Eve Fireworks. Launched at midnight, they can be seen from virtually any spot in Central Park. Sit back, relax and enjoy the free show.
DOWNTOWN
Joe's Pub
Celebrate the New Year by soaking up the wondrous talents of Sandra Bernhard at Joe’s Pub. The brand new live show, Feel the Bernhard, offers her unique and hilarious blend of stand-up comedy mixed with rock-n-roll, cabaret and a little burlesque. As per usual, Bernhard’s NYE concert delivers plenty of laughs and fun for you to kick off 2016. Tickets start at $65. (Joe’s Pub, 425 Lafayette Street, Astor Place. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.)
The Celestial Ball
Join nightlife regular Dances of Vice for a dazzling evening of puppetry, fire dancers, live music and performances as you count down towards the new year. The company, established in 2007, knows how to throw a party filled with fantasy and decadence. This year they take over the Down Town Association in Manhattan's financial district. Tickets start at $75. (DTA, 60 Pine St., Manhattan. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.)
The Slipper Room's Lovefest
The Lower East Side's Slipper Room says farewell to 2015 with an eclectic lineup of performers from the worlds of burlesque, variety, magic, sideshow and circus. Known for throwing Gatsby-like festivities, the downtown stage promises a tantalizing midnight show to ring in the new year. Tickets from $35. (The Slipper Room, 167 Orchard St., New York. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.)
UPTOWN
Nathan Lane in La Vie Parisienne
Two-time Tony winner Nathan Lane joins this year's New York Philharmonic’s annual New Year’s Eve celebration, La Vie Parisienne, at David Geffen Hall in Lincoln Center. Don't miss the celebrated actor's narration of Saint-Saens’ Carnival of the Animals, a piece commissioned by the Philharmonic in which each animal is a New York archetype. The evening, a musical love letter to Paris, also features performances of "La Vie en Rose" and Offenbach’s "Can-Can." Tickets from $89. (The New York Philharmonic's David Geffen Hall is on the north side of Lincoln Center, at Broadway and West 65th St. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.)
Café Carlyle
The famous Café Carlyle kicks off its festivities with early hors d’oeuvres and a live performance from Grammy winner Steve Tyrell. If pricing is no concern, follow Tyrell into the hotel for an exclusive Black Tie Gala Dinner rounded off with dancing in the lobby to the sweet sounds of the Peter Duchin Orchestra. The Carlyle offers full accommodation, dinner and entertainment packages from $900. (Hotel Carlyle, 35 E 76th St, btwn. Madison Ave & Park Ave. For more information and to buy tickets click here.)
YOUR HOUSE, Wherever That (Blissfully) May Be
If you can't face the thought of leaving home on the 31st, there are plenty of entertaining things to do from the comfort of your couch. This year, PBS continues its special New Year's Eve broadcasts with the best entertainment from around the world. Included in the lineup of presentations are: "From Vienna: The New Year's Celebration 2016," with returning host Julie Andrews; and the "Live From Lincoln Center" broadcast of La Vie Parisienne with Nathan Lane.
If you'd prefer some non-related NYE content, PBS offers an evening of "Downton Abbey" highlights that go well into the early morning, as well as a midnight showing of "Carol Burnett: The Mark Twain Prize." You can also checkout Netflix's brand new December offerings here.
