NEWSLETTER
It’s time to celebrate the New Year in New York State! Welcome 2026 with a First Day hike at a state park or trail, explore a wildlife refuge, or drive through an amazing light display. Want to stay home while you toast to the new year? Enjoy virtual ball drops, and home-based family-friendly activities courtesy of New York attractions. Photo credit: Joe Cascio/Visit Buffalo Niagara
Updated 12/02/2025 | Originally published 12/8/2020
Jumpstart your New Year’s Resolution with a First Day Hike (Various Regions)
Credit: @mischief_ue on Instagram
Start 2026 outdoors on January 1 at a state park or trail by taking advantage of First Day Hikes hosted by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), and the Canal Corporation. This annual event features more than 80 hikes at state parks, historic sites, and other locations throughout New York State, including Fort Ontario, Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park, Letchworth State Park, and Olana State Historic Site. The hikes vary from one to five miles and are led by staff from State Parks and the DEC, as well as volunteers. Inclusive First Day Hikes are also offered at locations like the Erie Canal in Palmyra, where snowshoes, traction devices, boots, push sleds, and volunteer helpers are available with a reservation. More information is available on the State Parks page. Various locations throughout New York State. January 1; free, but advance registration is required for several of the First Day hikes.
Experience the Iconic Times Square Ball Drop (New York City)
Credit: @mingomatic on Instagram
Times Square is ready to mark the beginning of the new year as it has ever since the first ever "ball drop" was held in 1907. Over the years, this cherished annual tradition has grown into a massive celebration, with live performances throughout the evening and coverage on multiple networks, including the popular “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest.” Revelers are invited to celebrate live from Times Square, or to watch from afar. The event is free and open to the public if you want to cross it off your bucket list, but entry is on a first-come first-serve basis so make sure you get in line early! For those wishing to enjoy the Ball Drop at midnight from home, along with behind-the-scenes stories, interviews, and more, Times Square will be providing commercial-free, website coverage of the event from 6 pm. For more information on this year's event, you can follow the latest updates at the Times Square Official website. Manhattan: December 31.
Prepare to Be Dazzled at the Festival of Lights Oneonta (Central New York)
For a relaxing New Year’s Eve, take a beautiful drive through the colorful light displays at the Festival of Lights in Oneonta’s Neahwa Park. Drive past decorated trees, floating luminaries in the pond, and light displays created by community groups to keep you in the holiday spirit into the new year. For more drive-through light displays and other holiday happenings, check out these awe-inspiring light festivals. Oneonta; December 13 through January 1. Free admission.
Kick Off 2026 at Saratoga New Year’s Fest (Capitol-Saratoga)
Credit: Discover Saratoga
Downtown Saratoga Springs will welcome in 2026 with the biggest New Year’s Party North of Times Square! With the purchase of an admission badge, hop between listening to the evening’s 10 acts across three venues including The Allman Betts Band, Nicotine Dolls, and Reese Fulmer & The Carriage House Band, amid a repertoire of comedy, jazz, classic rock, blues, and Celtic music. The exciting night also features a Family Fun Session at 4PM with a free concert and firework show at the Saratoga Springs City Center. Saratoga Springs; December 31-January 1. Pricing for ticketed events starts at $26 for an advance purchase and $65 for premium admission.
Celebrate “Noon Year’s Eve 2026” with the Whole Family (Finger Lakes)
Credit: Rosamond Gifford Zoo
Take the whole family to the Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse, ring in the New Year, and get the kids to bed on time with “Noon” Year’s Eve, complete with noisemakers, a dance party, and a ball drop countdown at noon and a ginger ale toast! The party kicks off at 10am with dancing and photo ops in the zoo’s banquet room and the first 1,000 guests will receive complimentary party hats and horns. Syracuse; December 31, 10am-12pm. Free with Zoo Membership. $9 adults and $5 for children ages 3 and up.
Finish out 2025 with Aquatic Friends at the Long Island Aquarium (Long Island)
Photo Courtesy of Long Island Aquarium
Ring in the New Year with the whole family from under the sea at the Long Island Aquarium’s Fishes & Wishes celebration! Spend the night celebrating the year among aquatic friends with a dessert and ice cream bar, animal meet and greets, buffet dinner, a live DJ and dancing, and crafts. The event runs from 6:30pm-11pm, includes a cocktail bar for parents, and a mock midnight toast. Spend the night with the Fishes & Wishes Overnight ticket and get special rates when you stay at the Hyatt Place Long Island East End. Riverhead; December 31. $155 adults, $94 Children 3-12, $10.35 children 2 and under. Members save 10% on tickets.
Glide into the New Year at Holiday Valley's New Years Eve Celebration and Torchlight Parade (Chautauqua-Allegheny)
Holiday Valley is welcoming 2026 with a vibrant night of skiing, celebration, and two parades. The night kicks off with a Groomer parade and the Torchlight Parade, where skiers travel down the trail while holding torches. After, dance the night away in the main lodge at the family-friendly party complete with a live DJ. The evening ends in spectacular fashion with a grand firework show that runs until 12am. Ellicottville; December 31, 9PM-12AM. More details to be announced.
Party into 2026 at the Riveredge Resort (Thousand Islands-Seaway)
Start the New Year surrounded by spectacular views of the St. Lawrence River and Boldt Castle from the Riveredge Resort in Alexandria Bay! The night kicks off at 9pm and includes live music from Nik Lite and Brett Falso until 1am, plus a champagne toast at midnight for those 21+. Alexandria Bay; December 31. $20/person.
Dance New Year’s Eve Away at the Bearsville Theater (Catskills)
Credit: @bahramforoughi on Instagram
Make your way to Woodstock’s Bearsville Theater for an unforgettable evening of excitement. The night begins at 8pm with a live music extravaganza from Dogs in a Pile. Countdown the last moments of 2025 and welcome 2026 with a champagne toast at midnight. Woodstock; December 31, doors open at 7pm. Show starts at 8pm. General admission starts at $43.65. Reserved balcony seating is $86.15.
Say Hello to the New Year from Mohonk Mountain House (Hudson Valley)
Photo courtesy of Mohonk Mountain House
Say hello to 2026 in style from the mountaintop at Mohonk Mountain House. The historic castle resort will be decked out in holiday cheer with festive wreaths, trees, and decorations. On the big night, enjoy live music and special performances, cozy up around evening campfires, gaze in awe at the grand firework finale, and grab a bite at the midnight breakfast buffet. Your New Year’s rate (minimum three-night stay) also includes three meals a day, afternoon tea service, yoga and fitness classes, winter outdoor activities, and more. New Paltz; December 30-January 1.
Kick Off 2026 with a North Country New Year (Adirondacks)
What better way to kick off the new year than with live performances, family-friendly activities, local food, comedy shows, and fireworks? Head to Saranac Lake for a family-friendly night to remember at North Country New Year. Enjoy live music from Grammy nominated Professor Louie & the Crowmatix, a kids carnival with balloon animals, caricatures, and face painting, Adirondack Carousel rides, a fire dancing performance, and more. End the night with a dazzling firework show to start the New Year right! Saranac Lake; December 31, 5pm-10pm. Admission is $20/adult, $15/senior, and free for 18 and under.
Ski All New Year’s Eve at Bristol Mountain (Finger Lakes)
Ski into 2026 at Bristol Mountain! At this exciting New Year’s Eve celebration, spend all day skiing on more than 39 trails and at night watch the torchlight parade, dance to a live DJ, and gaze up at fireworks at midnight. Plus, there’s a Kids Zone with a dance party, magician, and balloon drop for family-friendly fun. Canandaigua; December 31. Free to attend. Ski rates apply to those who are skiing.
VIRTUAL NEW YEAR'S EVENTS:
Ring in the New Year from Home with First Night Buffalo (Greater Niagara)
This year marks the 37th anniversary of First Night Buffalo, and you’re invited to celebrate! Stay warm inside your home and experience an affordable night of fun for the whole family. On the big night, head to the website and watch magicians, exotic animals, jugglers, and much more, make this a New Year's Eve to remember. Purchase your Party Pack box (sized for a family of 4), which includes party hats, balloons and a pump, face paint, glow in the dark hats, and more, including two Explore and More activity books. Buffalo; December 31. Purchase Party Packs at select Tops Markets locations or online. Party boxes $25, virtual event is free.
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