Don’t drop the ball on the city’s favorite holiday with the best New Year’s events in NYC to ring in 2016.

When you think New Year’s Eve, you think New York. While the eyes of the world are on the half million New Yorkers freezing their tails off in Times Square, the rest of NYC is shutting it down like it’s about to be 1999. So don your most festive holiday dresses and getups and head out for a night of fireworks, amazing New Year’s Eve concerts and other first-of-the-year festivities with our roundup of the best New Year’s Eve events NYC has to offer.

Annaleigh Ashford

Don your most decadent 1970s Studio 54 look and take a seat for a cabaret party for the ages. Sylvia and Kinky Boots star Annaleigh Ashford will command the house with her band the Whiskey 5, while guests indulge in three marvelous courses and Champagne. After the show, the tables will be rolled off, and 54 Below will return to its disco-dancing club roots for a late night of glam revelry.

SEE ALSO – 6 WAYS TO CELEBRATE NYE IN NY

BangOn! NYC New Year’s Eve: Time and Space

If you’d prefer pyrotechnics, gorilla masks and overalls over Champagne and tuxedos, then head to BangOn’s latest secret warehouse location for a spectacular hot mess that includes a rocket launch, silent disco, 3-D projections, art cars and other visual delights. With two stages of music by DJs Justin Martin and Kill Frenzy, this rager will have your senses overloaded for the entire new year.

The Celestial Ball

Indulge yourself with an upscale hedonistic bash worthy of the gods as Dances of Vice takes over the Down Town Association. With heavenly performances from fire dancers, puppets, and spangled musicians and the choice to opt in for a splendid Dionysian feast, this party offers you a chance to end your year with a bang that could be heard on Mount Olympus.

Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band + Huey Lewis and the News

It’s five o’clock—and apparently 1978—somewhere. Forget packed clubs and overpriced dinners and rock out with one of the chillest men alive as Jimmy Buffett and his crew nail hits like “Margaritaville” and “Cheeseburger in Paradise” live. And Huey Lewis and the News is sure to be feeling “The Power of Love” for the 30th anniversary of Back to the Future, and the band is likely to deliver a joyous and spirited performance.

Knitting Factory NYE Party 

Williamsburg revelers should avoid the L train at all costs this New Year’s and instead keep it in the neighborhood. The Knitting Factory will be rolling out a late night of solid dance sets and free Champagne, with Avan Lava, Vito & Druzzi, Deidre & the Dark and more. Would the Knitting Factory let you down?

SEE ALSO – WHAT TO DO IN NEW YEAR EVE IN NY

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