New York City New Year's Events: 2018 Guide

NEW YORK, NY — Love it or hate it, New Year’s Eve is happening again this year. Whether you plan to ring in 2018 at your favorite restaurant, a buzzing party with your friends, or all cozied up in front of the TV, we’ve got you covered.

So pop the bubbly, come up with some resolutions you can actually stick to and get ready to celebrate the New Year. Check out listings below of New Year’s celebrations and events for 2017 in the five boroughs if you’re one to want to go out, plus a look at what television programming may make you want to stay in.

If you want to go out...

Ball Drop at Times Square
Where to catch it: Times Square, Broadway and Seventh Avenue north of 42nd Street
Why to go: A million people gather in the city's beating heart every year to see the world-famous countdown. Before the crystal ball drops, there's a slate of celebrity performances that includes Andy Grammer, Nick Jonas and Andra Day.

ALSO SEE: New Year's Eve In Times Square: Your 2018 Guide

Fireworks in Prospect Park
Where to catch it: Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Park West or West Drive in Brooklyn
Why to go: Brooklyn's colorful fireworks display has become a New Year's Eve tradition in its own right. The celebration at Grand Army Plaza will also feature live music.

Coney Island Countdown
Where to catch it: Steeplechase Plaza at the Boardwalk and West 19th Street
Why to go: South Brooklyn throws its own party at Coney Island with a fireworks display and rides on the iconic roller coasters. The Parachute Jump will light up to lead the countdown into the new year.

Staten Island Ferry Fireworks Cruise
Where to catch it: Whitehall Terminal, 4 South St. in Manhattan; or St. George Terminal, 1 Bay St., Staten Island
Why to go: Instead of taking an expensive New Year's Eve boat ride, hop on the Staten Island Ferry at midnight to see around midnight to see the fireworks from the water for free.

Brooklyn Bridge Walk Into The New Year
Where to catch it: Tours start at 160 Broadway, Manhattan
Why to go: Ring in the new year on the Brooklyn Bridge, where you can see fireworks from Central Park, Brooklyn, Staten Island and New Jersey. The walk starts with a tour of the World Trade Center and City Hall Park and proceeds over the Brooklyn Bridge. Tours cost $50 for adults and $25 for kids. Book tickets here.

New York Road Runners Midnight Run
Where to catch it: Run starts in Central Park at East 72nd Street
Why to go: Get a jump on your new year's resolution and ring in 2018 with a workout. The New York Road Runners' four-mile run around Central Park kicks off at the stroke of midnight, but a pre-race dance party starts at 10 p.m. Get more info and register here.

Pantsless Dance Party In Brooklyn
Where to catch it: Saturday, Dec. 30 at The Kings Hall At Avant Gardner, 140 Stewart Ave., East Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Why to go: Let loose and ditch your bottoms at the door with a very Brooklyn pantsless dance party. Party promoter Risky Business Presents offers a free "pants check" so you can get down in your underwear to DJ sets from Johnny Trika, DESNA, Chilly Mox and Alex Raouf. Get more info here.

New Year's Eve Movie Night
Where to catch it: Videology, 308 Bedford Ave., Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Why to go: Brooklyn bar and movie theater Videology has a lineup of classic films celebrating "Hollywood's leading ladies" to help you ring in the new year — and tickets to each include a champagne toast. "Some Like It Hot" starts at 2:15 p.m., "All About Eve" starts at 5 p.m. and "Casablanca" starts at 8:15 p.m. Get more info here.

ALSO SEE: NYC New Year's Eve Security Bulked Up After Terror Attacks

If you want to stay in...

If your idea of the perfect New Year’s Eve is curling up on the couch with a hot toddy and watching the countdown in your pajamas, you’re in luck. These are the top two live TV specials people are already talking about. Here’s a peek so you can you can plan accordingly:

“New Year’s Eve Live” With Anderson Cooper And Andy Cohen
Where to catch it: CNN
Why you should watch: For the first time ever, Anderson Cooper will host CNN’s annual New Year’s Eve Live special with none other than “Watch What Happens Live” host Andy Cohen. As these two are best friends in real life, you can expect tons witty banter and hilarious moments from the pair. The Bravo mogul will replace Cooper’s former co-host Kathy Griffin, whom CNN fired after her controversial Donald Trump photoshoot.

“Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve 2018” Hosted by Ryan Seacrest
Where to catch it: ABC
Why you should watch: Remember last year’s infamous Mariah Carey mic incident? Yes, it happened on Seacrest’s watch. So if that’s any indication, this could be a good one to tune-in to. And even if there aren’t any crazy celebrity snafus, you can count on crazy views of Time Square packed with people, as well as awesome musical performances.

(Lead image by Mary Altaffer/Associated Press)