I know this question seems a little bit stupid. Are there fire works in New York City for New Year's? And if there are, what are the best places to watch it from and what time is it? Midnight? Some earlier in the evening?

Well the major event is the dropping of the ball in Times Square - but that involves being packed in a crowd of between 1 and 2 million people for 7 or 8 hours - so IMHO - not a great idea unless you don't mind mobs and have a strong bladder.

There are fireworks in Central Park at midnight, which can be seen above the Park from many places around it. Much less crowded - and many fewer hours spent standing in the cold. Go to the website of the Central Park Conservancy for details.

ttt

Believe it or not you can have an amazing view of fireworks in Brooklyn in the BEAUTIFUL park right by the bridge.
Conside this:
Join the annual Brooklyn Bridge Walk for a glimpse of various fireworks displays throughout the city. Sponsored by New York Talks and Walks, this tour starts between 10:15pm and 11:15pm in downtown Manhattan, at the Dunkin Doughnuts located at 132 Nassau St, and ends on the Brooklyn Bridge, where you should be able to catch a glimpse of fireworks in Staten Island, Prospect Park, Central Park, and New Jersey. $50 ($40 advance tickets). Call (888) 377-4455 for more information.

Just to let people know if someone needs this in the future. We wanted fireworks. We were at the lightning of the Rockefeller tree and the crowds were just awful, we vowed that night not to do the ball in Times Square. I wished I knew about the practice drop the day before, might have attempted that. We found something, in Prospect Park in Brooklyn they had free delicious hot chocolate and biscuits, a very good band from 11 pm and the most wonderful fireworks at 12. The crowds were manageable. We arrived before 11 and thought we were at the wrong place, there were so few people. The people arrived shortly and there was a decent sized crowd, but the park is big and you had enough room to move. The only really big downside was that we stay on the Northern end of Manhattan and had a very long commute to get back home. I would recommend this for a low-key low crowd alternative to New Years.

Happy New Year !!!!

Thanks Nuut! That sounds more like my cup of tea, or cocoa!!! Times Square was a nightmare on the 30th. Last night must have been a zoo. I don't like being a caged animal! LOL. Perhaps next year, we'll head to Brooklyn~ How were the fireworks?

ooops, you already said the fireworks were most wonderful!!!!

sounds like a wonderful plan for the future!

Happy New Year!