Ring in the New Year in the Neighborhood
If you want to avoid the mad rush for cabs or just don't feel like trekking too far on Decemeber 31st, pick one of these celebrations close to home
44 W. 63rd St., 9 pm-4 am, empirehotelnyc.com
Take in the spectacular view from the Empire Hotel's trendy rooftop lounge at Lincoln Center with a five hour open bar.
Prohibition's '80s Night
503 Columbus Ave, 9 pm-1 am,
Prohibition's '80s night on the Upper West Side features a four hour open bar, hors d'oeuvres and The Gilfords, an unforgettable '80s cover band rocking out with all your favorite '80s classics.
DIE FLEDERMAUS New Year's Eve Gala
The Metropolitan Opera, Lincoln Center Plaza, 6:30 pm, metoperafamily.org
Start your New Year's Eve out on a good note at the opera with a performance followed by dinner and dancing.
Midnight Run
Central Park Bandshell, 10 pm, nyrr.org
Feel like ringing in the New Year with a little festive exercise? Put on your craziest costume and meet up at the Central Park band shell for a four mile run and post-race festivities, including fireworks and DJ performances. The entry fee is $60.
The Armory Show at 100
170 Central Park West, All New Year's Day, nyhistory.org
Celebrate the first day of the new year with an exploration of the New York 1913 Armory Show on its 100 year anniversary from an artistic perspective. The show will feature 75 carefully chosen works.
Stage 72's Speakeasy Burlesque
158 W. 72nd St., 10 pm-2 am, stage72.com
Stage 72 on the Upper West Side will be churning out live jazz, old cocktails and burlesque this New Year's eve-1920s attire is encouraged among patrons. Tickets are $200.
490 Riverside Drive, 10 pm
Make your way to the historic Riverside Church this New Year's Eve for the Watchnight Service with a celebration that involves ringing bells at midnight on the world's largest carillon. Admission is free.
The Gin Mill
442 Amsterdam Ave., 8 pm-4 am, nycbestbar.com
For a general admission price of $85, celebrate at the Upper West Side's cozy bar The Gin Mill, with an open bar, appetizers, live DJing and performances and a champagne toast at midnight.
Jake's Dilemma
430 Amsterdam Ave., 8 pm-4 am, nycbestbar.com
Ring in the New Year at Jake's Dilemma beer bar with an open bar, party favors, dancing and DJing and more. General admission is $75 with group discounts available.
Whales: Giants of the Deep
The American Museum of Natural History, 79th St. and Central Park West, 10 am-5:45 pm New Year's Day, amnh.org
Spend your first day of 2014 with some of the ocean's most fascinating creatures. This special exhibition traces the history of whales and their significance to mankind. Admission is $25 for adults, $14.50 for children.