Ten outside-the-box ways to spend New Year’s Eve in Brooklyn

December 23, 2015 By Scott Enman Brooklyn Daily Eagle

The New Year’s Eve Grand Army Plaza fireworks show. Eagle file photo by Paul Martinka

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1. Jimmy Buffet at Barclays Center

Calling all Parrotheads! Although this winter has been unseasonably warm, it never hurts to warm up with Jimmy Buffett’s tropical “island escapism” music. Ring in the New Year with Jimmy and the Coral Reefer Band at Barclays Center for Buffet’s first New Year’s Eve in New York. Sing-along to “Margaretville” and “Cheeseburger in Paradise” before moving on to the next event on our list. The show starts at 9 p.m.

For more information, visit http://www.barclayscenter.com/events/detail/jimmy-buffett-and-the-coral-reefer-band.

2. New Year, New Beer

What better way to spend the night than at the New Year’s Eve Brewery Bash at the Brooklyn Brewery? Join other Brooklynites as they celebrate all of the Brewery’s new beers this year, including Insulated Dark Lager, American Ale, Defender IPA, Lord Sorachi, Mal Du Pays, K is for Kriek, Quintaceratops and Intensified Coffee Porter. There will be music, an open beer bar, tasty snacks and a toast of an unreleased Ghost Bottle at midnight. The event starts at 10 p.m. and is 21+.

For more information, visit http://brooklynbrewery.com/events/2015/12/31/new-year-s-eve-brewery-bash-at-the-brooklyn-brewery-nyc.

3. New Year’s Eve Grand Army Plaza Fireworks Show

As an alternative to heading to Times Square, New Yorkers can check out Grand Army Plaza’s light show just off of Prospect Park. The event is free and the fireworks start at midnight. Be sure to arrive early, as it gets crowded well before the clock strikes 12, and there is live entertainment and refreshments starting at 11 p.m.

For more information, visit https://www.prospectpark.org.

4. “Happy New Year!” at the Brooklyn’s Children’s Museum

The festivities start early for kids who can’t stay awake until midnight. Children ages 2.5 to 5 years old can join the Brooklyn’s Children’s Museum in Crown Heights to learn about the traditions behind this cultural celebration and create a party hat to welcome in 2016. There are two separate classes at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

For more information, visit http://www.brooklynkids.org/.

5. Amble Across the Brooklyn Bridge

With a forecast set for 51 degrees and no rain, spend the evening walking across the Brooklyn Bridge. Come at midnight to see fireworks all over the city. The most visible pyrotechnics will be in New York Harbor near Liberty Island, but don’t be surprised if you catch glimpses of fireworks further away in Staten Island.

6. Luna Park’s New Year’s Eve Party

Come celebrate New Year’s Eve at Luna Park in Coney Island for a night full of fireworks, music, entertainment, food and more. Come at 9 p.m. for “New Year’s Eve In Heaven” — a performance art collaboration by Dick Zigun. At 10 p.m., feast your eyes on a laser show.

At midnight, watch the ball drop from the famous parachute drop next to MCU Park, and watch fireworks over the boardwalk. Better yet, take a ride on the famous Wonder Wheel, which is open for the first time on New Year’s Eve in its 95 years history. At 1 a.m., watch the Circus Sideshow Fire Finale.

If you need a break from the aforementioned festivities, go to Brew Year’s Eve at Coney Island Brewery to enjoy an open bar of delectable beer all night.

There will also be free ice-skating all night at the Abe Stark Skating Arena.

For more information, visit http://www.coneyisland.com/news/how-cool-new-years-eve-party.

7. New Year’s Eve Ride!

Start the year off right on your bike or skates! Celebrate New Year’s Eve outside on the streets of Brooklyn and Manhattan. Start off at 9:45 p.m. on the Brooklyn side of the Williamsburg Bridge and ride to Belvedere Castle in the middle of Central Park for a free dance party with fireworks. Festive attire is encouraged, and don’t forget to brink food and drink. After the party ends, head over to the next event on the list.

Careful not to ride and imbibe!

For more information, visit http://times-up.org/rides/new-years-eve-ride.

8. Dance the Night Away with Hot Since 82

It’s not until after the ball drops and the fireworks stop that the true partying starts. Throw on your dancing shoes and join English DJ Hot Since 82 at Verboten in Williamsburg for an extended set that will last well into the early morning.

Doors are at 1 a.m.

For more information, visit www.verbotennewyork.com/events/.

9. Welcome the First Sunrise of 2016

Greet the dawn of 2016 with Burning Man DJ Lee Burridge as he spins a four-hour set from 6 to 10 a.m. in an East Williamsburg secret warehouse complete with 20-foot high windows with stained glass designs.

Virtuous vibes, flavorsome food and delicious drinks included.

For more information, visit http://bangon-nyc.com/new-years-day-sunrise-party.php.

10. 22-Hour Rave in the City That Never Sleeps

If you have any energy left, join New York City DJ legends Oscar G and Victor Calderone for a nearly 24-hour marathon set at Williamsburg’s Output. The party starts at 10 p.m. on New Year’s Eve and lasts through New Year’s Day until 8 p.m.

Good luck!

For more information, visit https://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/1001383?utm_medium=bks.