New Year’s Eve 2018: Here’s where to celebrate in Brooklyn

December 27, 2018 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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Leave the Times Square Ball Drop for the tourists, and instead stay in Brooklyn and try one — or a few — of our favorite celebrations throughout the borough.

From warehouse events and secret loft parties to firework celebrations and club nights, New Year’s Eve 2018 has something to offer for everyone.

Below are six of the Brooklyn Eagle’s top events. (The final three parties listed are 21-plus.)

New Year’s Eve Grand Army Plaza Fireworks Show

Join tens of thousands of others at Grand Army Plaza’s 39th annual free fireworks show just off of Prospect Park with Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams and the Prospect Park Alliance. Live entertainment kicks off at 10:30 p.m. and pyrotechnics begin at midnight.

Be sure to arrive early, as it gets crowded well before the clock strikes 12.

The Brooklyn Bridge Eagle file photo by Lore Croghan — The Brooklyn Bridge. Eagle file photo by Lore Croghan

2. Amble Across the Brooklyn Bridge

Although there’s currently a 50 percent chance of rain, a little water has never stopped Brooklynites from partying. Spend the evening walking across the Brooklyn Bridge or the Brooklyn Heights Promenade — while you still can. Come around midnight to see fireworks all over the city’s skyline from Brooklyn, Central Park, New Jersey and Staten Island.

Want something more organized? There’s NYC Walks’ annual “Brooklyn Bridge Walk into the New Year,” a 90-minute tour of the bridge complete with a champagne toast at midnight. Learn tidbits about the history of the borough’s most famous landmark, plus hear facts about City Hall Park and the World Trade Center grounds.

Afterward, hop on the subway or take a cab to another event on our list.

The Coney Island New Year’s Eve celebration. Eagle file photo by Jim McDonnell

Coney Island New Year’s Eve Celebration

Ring in 2019 at the Fifth Annual Coney Island New Year’s Eve Celebration.

Attendees will be treated to fireworks, an illuminated Parachute Jump that will count down to the New Year, free admission to the B&B Carousel in Luna Park and live music starting at 9 p.m.

“There’s nothing that compares to counting down the end of the year by the lights of the world-famous Parachute Jump and then enjoying fireworks over the beach on our beautiful boardwalk,” Adams said.

Plus, the Polar Plunge will take place the next morning on New Year’s Day.

Brooklyn Brewery AP Photo/Richard Drew — Brooklyn Brewery. AP Photo/Richard Drew

New Year, New Beer

What’s more Brooklyn than celebrating the holiday at Brooklyn Brewery’s New Year’s Eve Brewery Bash?

There’s an open beer bar, fried chicken from Pies ‘n’ Thighs, a DJ and a midnight toast, featuring an unreleased Ghost Bottle from the Barrel Aging Facility. Need we say more?

A look inside at the dance floor during Cityfox’s 2017 New Year’s Eve party Photo by Zach Dilgard — A look inside at the dance floor during Cityfox’s 2017 New Year’s Eve party. Photo by Zach Dilgard

Cityfox’s 27-Hour Party

This one is not for the faint of heart. This marathon affair runs from 9 p.m. on Dec. 31 until midnight on Jan. 2.

With a massive lineup of 25-plus DJs, including Jamie Jones, Lee Burridge and Tale of Us, this warehouse party is not to be missed.

The huge space, known as the Brooklyn Mirage in the summer, will feature four indoor stages, two lounges and a restaurant. And unlike many nightlife events, Cityfox is offering re-entry for those who want to take a break and return to the action later.

Output Image via Google Maps — Output. Image via Google Maps

A Final Farewell to a Brooklyn Landmark

It’s no secret that Output, Williamsburg’s staple club, took a risk coming to Brooklyn six years ago. Surrounded by empty lots and barren warehouses, the enigmatic cultural institution set the tone for nightlife in the borough as dozens of other event spaces soon followed.

When the club announced that it would be closing on Jan. 1, many were heartbroken — but as the saying goes, the show must go on.

Spend one final night on Brooklyn’s most famous dance floor with English legend John Digweed.

“New York has always been a very special place for me to play ever since my Twilo residency in the ’90s,” Digweed said. “It always feels like performing to a home crowd, as I always get so much love and energy from the dance floor.

“The opportunity to play an extended set in that room is just a dream as track-after-track just flows thanks to the amazing atmosphere that the Output crowd creates. … All in all, if you’re looking for a place to celebrate the New Year, I can’t think of a better room in North America than Output.”

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