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Here are several things you should know if you spend New Year’s Eve in New York. While I visit at least once a year, I have never celebrated New Year’s Eve in New York. Planning for the ball drop requires navigating a complex set of security protocols and high-priced tickets. However, with a few travel rewards tricks, you can make it happen.
I still can’t believe I found a round-trip flight on Southwest for $163 departing MDW on New Year’s Eve and returning on New Year’s Day. Both were 6:00AM flights, which is the “golden hour” for low fares. However, I used my benefits and changed my flight to Chicago to 11:40AM right after midnight.
The Hack: The fare later dropped to $142, so I rebooked. On SWA, if you find a lower fare, simply “Change Flight” to the new price; you’ll get a flight credit for the difference. That $21 savings, plus two existing credits, meant my total out-of-pocket for a NYE trip to NYC was only $97. I know you are wondering how early I booked the flight. Guess what, I did not book until September, right before holiday pricing truly skyrockets in October.
Let me tell you, I had one of the best rides to my hotel. I finally booked Uber Shuttle ($20). Forget about public transportation or rideshare, look up the Uber Shuttle schedule. I used a portion of my $35 Uber credit from Amex to pay for the ride. You will be picked up in a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van and whisked away to your destination. Fortunately, most passengers were staying at hotels in the same area, requiring the driver to make only two stops. Besides, the streets were closed, and everyone had to walk to their hotel anyway.
It is difficult to find food or enter businesses during a visit due to the “Frozen Zone,” a high-security area where the NYPD restricts access starting as early as 4:00AM on December 31st. By mid-afternoon, only residents with proof of address, hotel guests with confirmation, or ticket holders for specific parties are allowed past the barricades. I found two food options nearby: Dunkin’ Donuts and a deli. Of course, I used the remainder of my Uber credit to purchase donut holes and a drink for a late-night snack. Even the restaurant (Highball) on the 11th floor at Tempo closed after breakfast to prepare for the big New Year’s Eve party, with tickets starting around $2,400. In hindsight, I should have purchased food at the airport to take to the hotel. At least I enjoyed breakfast before the restaurant closed.
While “budget” is relative in Times Square on NYE, several chain restaurants offer viewing packages that are significantly less than the luxury hotels.
There are other restaurants that offer a view. Bubba Gump Shrimp Company ($1,015), Hard Rock Cafe ($599), and Planet Hollywood New York ($599) will guarantee an indoor spot or escort you to a reserved spot outside close to midnight. Please note that tickets for these parties typically go on sale in September or October.
I’ve stayed here before, but NYE is a different beast. This hotel was built specifically with the ball drop in mind—there are 31 King rooms on the high floors with a direct view of the event. I redeemed a Free Night Award for a room that was retailing for $2,500 on the Hilton website. I booked a two-queen room, thinking I’d have a guest. While this reduced my chances of getting a direct ball-view room, I still landed on a high floor. Finally, I was allowed to check in early. The hotel was generous. Although I was traveling solo, I received a $36 Hilton Food & Beverage credit.
I started traveling in 2026 by paying less than $100 for my flight and accommodations to spend New Year’s Eve in New York. The lesson I learned for planning this trip is to utilize my loyalty to Southwest Airlines and Hilton Honors.
