I told my sister I'd post this for her to get some expert advice. Their family of five will be on first trip ever to NYC the week after Christmas, staying at someplace swank on Central Park South. She is unsure of whether or not to venture into the Times Square fray on New Years Eve. I say: No Way. What are some cool things to do up near Central Park on New Years Eve? (I say they should relax in their luxurious suite after a nice dinner and watch the ball drop on TV!) If they do go to Times Square is it true that once you are there you are there for hours and you cant use a bathroom?!?!? I think it sounds hellish.

Ooops, sorry. I thought I titled this thread New York- New Year's Eve" but apparently I messed up...

Times Square on New Years Eve was always a semi-zoo - mostly for the college crowd, Since 9/11 security has made it even worse. As people arrive they are packed into "pens" - controlled by police barricades. All your belongings are searched - you won;t get in with a backpack or anything else large - and you are then in that area for the duration.

So you either go early in the day, get close and are stuck there - perhaps with a restaruant - perhaps not - no facilities but portapotties I believe - or arrive late and are at the very back of the crowd - several cblocks away - and can;t see anything.

I would watch on TV (and I have done this in the past - but at 19 - and when there was little security - so you could move around and leave if you wanted/needed).

Not something I would reco for adults who chose to stay at a swank hotel.

There are tons of other options including muscal events and I;m sure there will be others - haven't seen any announcements yet though.

I agree with nytraveler. Cool thing to do up near Central Park?...dinner, maybe some live music somewhere (new jazz venue at the new Time Warner builidng), or maybe an off Broadway play. The restaurants in the Time Warner building are all getting good reviews. Jean Georges in the Trump Hotel there is very good.

There's a run in the park at midnight and there's fireworks in the park. If they have a park view room they'll see the fireworks.

I have to agree with nytraveler. I think it doesn't sound like too much fun and it's usually bitterly cold, to boot.

In addition to Mclaurie's suggestions, there are usually "First Night" events held throughout the city including (I think) Grand Central. FYI: these are alcohol-free events.

We made our own New Years tradition of having a late dinner in a Chinese restaurant. We would take a walk after dinner then tuck ourselves in at home and watch the ball/apple drop at midnight, from the warmth of our bed