The TPG guide to celebrating New Year's Eve in New York City

With 2020 only about a week away, it's time to start planning where and how you're going to ring in the new year.

This can be an especially difficult task if you live in — or plan to visit — somewhere as busy as New York City. With so many options to chose from, it can be overwhelming. That's why we've put together this guide to New Year's Eve in the Big Apple, so you can spend more of your night celebrating instead of stressing out.

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Tips from New Yorkers

Here at TPG, a lot of people on staff are long-time New Yorkers. Most agreed: You either want to spend New Year's Eve at home, or leave the city.

Of course, for people who haven't yet experienced a true New Year's Eve in New York City, we understand the allure. And if you're committed to staying up all night in the City That Never Sleeps to watch the new year roll in, you're going to want to take your advice: Pick one location, and stay put.

Manhattan is probably the first borough that comes to mind when you think of New York City, but what many visitors often don't realize is just how big this borough is. To put it into perspective, there's about 22 distinct neighborhoods here that all offer their own experiences and vibes. When you add in the other boroughs and their neighborhoods, it gets even more complicated.

Like any other busy holiday, ride-hailing pricing is sure to surge on New Year's Eve. That's why selecting a neighborhood for your celebration is key, for your safety, wallet and stress level. Don't even think about bar hopping from the Meatpacking District to Williamsburg — you'll spend more time (and money) in an Uber than you will celebrating.

With all this in mind, here are some ideas for how you can celebrate, from the most low-key to most wild.

A dinner party with friends at home

Going out is expensive. Save yourself (and your friends), some money by hosting a dinner party. You could host it potluck style or, if you're feeling a little fancy, you could have it catered. If you're from out of town, this could be a great way to take advantage of an Airbnb. Either way, this is the perfect low-key option and involves no waiting at a crowded bar. Hello, bottomless Champagne!

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See a show

From a Radio City classic to a riotous comedy show, New York City hosts many great live performances. Depending on what you're in the mood for, there's a variety of shows to chose from on New Years Eve. Here are just a few suggestions:

• Ring in the New Year with laughter by attending a comedy show. Many comedy clubs are hosting shows on Dec. 31, including Gotham Comedy Club, New York Comedy Club and Original Barbershop, with tickets for as little as $20 a person.
• If you're looking for really low-key, you could head to Prospect Park in Brooklyn and watch the firework show for free. There will also be live music starting at 10:30 p.m. at Grand Army Plaza.
• If you want a stress-free night but don't mind splashing out, tickets are available on New Year's Eve for the Blue Man Group and the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular.

Get a head-start on your New Years resolutions

I can't say this is something I'd personally like to do, but for those of you who are really adamant about getting a kickstart on a healthy new decade, spend New Year's Eve running through Central Park. That's right, at 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 31, the New York Road Runners organization is hosting a Midnight Run. The run is four miles long and goes through Central Park.

If you're interested in running, you can expect to pay $70. However, if you're already a member of the NYRR, it could cost you as little as $30.

Runners training for the New York City Marathon in the fall will be happy to hear that this run counts towards the 9 plus 1 credit needed for entry.

Book a room with a view

Watching the ball drop in Times Square may look fun on TV, but believe us when we say it's exactly that: fun to watch on TV. If you're looking for a better view than the one from your couch, consider booking a room that offers views of the madness without having to actually be in aforementioned madness. Note that most of these are going to cost you a pretty penny, between the room and hotel bar events. Plus, many are already sold out, so take note for 2021.

• The Knickerbocker Hotel: The best view can be seen from the rooftop terrace and bar area.
• Residence Inn by Marriott Manhattan/Central Park: Book a room on the 65th floor or above.
• Hilton Garden Inn Times Square: You'll have to get a room on one of the top floors to see the ball drop.
• Renaissance Hotel Times Square: The best spot for ball drop viewing is from the communal lounge area.
• The Marriott Marquee: Head to the View Restaurant on the 48th floor

Dine Out

Many restaurants offer prix fixe menus around the holidays with special plates to celebrate, and many also offer an early seating and a late seating on New Year's Eve. This accommodates visitors who just want a good meal before they go home to ring in the New Year in pajamas, as well as those who want to raise a glass of Champagne and celebrate during a late seating at the restaurant.

These are a few standout restaurants you may want to make a reservation at before it's too late.

• The Beekman Hotel (located in the Financial District) is celebrating the New Year Moulin Rouge style with a turn-of-the-century inspired menu. There are three different packages being offered ranging from $215 to $445 in price. Afterward, head to the cool speakeasy in the basement of hotel, called the Alley Cat Amateur Theatre. Just follow the cats on the walls and you'll find yourself in the hidden bar.
• Beauty & Essex (located in the Lower East Side) has three seating options; the two earlier ones are served a la carte from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. The later seating starts at 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. and features a special prix fixe menu including a complimentary Champagne toast at midnight.
• The Times Square Edition (located in Times Square) is featuring chef John Fraser, of Michelin-starred 701 West, for an all-inclusive feast followed by a live DJ and a four-hour open bar at both The Terrace and the Paradise Club.

Get out of the city

Like we said, sometimes the best place to celebrate New Year's Eve in New York City is outside of the city, or cozy at home. It may be a little too late to plan a big getaway, but there are still some ways to get "out of the city," such as the TWA Hotel's "Party Like It's 1962!" celebration at New York-JFK. With the theme in mind, TWA encourages guests to dress in their best 1960s chic.

Related: What's the fastest way to get to JFK

The event will feature live retro music, ice skating performances, dinner stations and, of course, plenty of bubbles. Regular admission starts at $185 per person, while VIP seating and service will run you $2,000.

Best rooftop views

It may be winter, but here in the city of bright lights and skyscrapers, we're suckers for a good rooftop view. And we're pretty sure every tourist would agree. If you want to elevate your night, here are some great rooftop events worth checking out.

• Le Bain at The Standard is hosting a funk-themed party to complement the discothèque aesthetic. The rooftop bar is located on the Penthouse floor of The Standard Hotel in the Meatpacking District, and offers amazing views of the city. Tickets for the event start at $75 a person.
• New Year's Eve at The Press Room is probably one of the most all-inclusive rooftop events on the list, with tickets starting at $246 that include an open bar, dessert and cheese tables, party favors and a midnight toast. This rooftop bar is located in Hell's Kitchen and offers great views of the the city.
• New Year's Eve on the NoMad Rooftop will run you $275 a person, but includes an open bar, food states and canapés, and live music. These tickets can be purchased through Resy.
• The Magic Hour Rooftop at Moxy Times Square currently has tickets starting at $195 a person, which include passed hours d'oeuvres and a Champagne toast at midnight. Beyond that, it's a pay as you go kind of celebration so it could end up costing quite a bit more than the ticket price.
• Mr. Purple, crowning Hotel Indigo in the Lower East Side, offers great views of Manhattan. While it's guaranteed this New York City hotspot will be crowded, you can't deny the views are excellent. Tickets for the celebration start at $75 a person, and include passed appetizers and a complimentary Champagne toast.

Ticketed club events

If you're looking to live the night up with a DJ and dancing, then a club may be more your vibe. These events can be especially pricey, particularly if you want a dedicated spot reserved for you and your friends.

• The Cityfox Odyssey at Avant Gardner: This event is not for the quiet and low-key, as it spans over 27 hours over the course of New Year's Eve and well into New Year's Day. The show features a huge line-up of DJs from all over. The venue will transform the space for the festivities with four separate rooms to chose from. Tickets are currently available for $119 a person.
• 1 OAK NYC is an upscale nightclub in Chelsea that will be ringing in the New Year with a live DJ, a four-hour premium open bar, party favors and a midnight toast. Tickets to the event start at $228 a person.
• Located between Chelsea and the Meatpacking District, Up & Down is hosting a party that will cost you $145 a person, which includes a four-hour premium open bar, a live DJ, party favors and a midnight toast.

Bottom line

Deciding where to ring in the New Year can be stressful, especially with so many types of celebrations to chose from. By deciding where you want to stay, what kind of vibe you're going for and, most importantly, what your budget is can help you choose the perfect New Year's Eve in New York City.

How are you celebrating the New Year? We'd love to hear it in the comments below!