If Manhattan’s Times Square seems a bit intimidating on New Year’s Eve, a Brooklyn boardwalk and its major park might be more inviting to ring in the new year.
According to Eric L. Adams, the borough’s president: “We have built an incredible New Year’s Eve tradition, leaving no doubt as to where is the best place on the planet to ring in 2017.”
“There are two types of people: Those who celebrate the New Year in Brooklyn, and those who wish they could. Make sure to be one of the lucky ones!”
He recently announced plans for New Year’s Eve celebrations that could trump Manhattan’s ball drop in Times Square.
The BP said for the third year in a row — in both Coney Island and Prospect Park — Brooklyn is offering greater access to free family-friendly festivities.
Adams said he will be the host to the annual celebration which will be highlighted by a digital “burst” of lights to ring in 2017 from the iconic Parachute Jump. This year’s event at Steeplechase Plaza will complement his ongoing support of the 37th annual fireworks and festivities held in Grand Army Plaza. Slated to begin at 6:00 P M., the party at Prospect Park will commence at 11 pm and feature music from DJ C. Live and the Brooklyn Mash It Up Band at Grand Army Plaza that leads into a bigger-than-ever pyrotechnic display.
Building off of the success of last year’s expanded Coney Island festivities — which were attended by more than 15,000 revelers — BP Adams announced that the Abe Stark Skating Rink, B&B Carousell, Deno’s Wonder Wheel, and Thunderbolt roller coaster will be open and free of charge starting at 6:00 PM on New Year’s Eve. The New York Aquarium will have special extended hours of operations until :pm.
“Once again, the People’s Playground will play host to what is fast becoming a beloved annual tradition: New Year’s Eve, the Coney Island way!” Council Member Treyger said. “Thousands of people will converge on our beloved boardwalk, beneath the peak of the iconic Parachute Jump, to enjoy all of the sights, sounds, tastes, and thrills that Coney Island has to offer. I can’t wait to greet that crowd and join them in welcoming 2017. It is a pleasure to work with Borough President Adams, State Senator Savino, Assembly Member Harris, the Alliance for Coney Island, and all of the local organizations that are working hard to make Coney Island the place to be when the clock strikes midnight.”
“What better way to ring in the New Year than in one of our most treasured public spaces, Prospect Park!” NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver said.
“As Prospect Park inches towards its 150th birthday, celebrations like this one offer us an exciting opportunity to honor this special place that serves so many New Yorkers. NYC Parks is grateful for such a wonderful and meaningful tradition, and to our partners who help make it possible, including Borough President Adams and the Prospect Park Alliance.”
“New Year’s Eve Fireworks at Grand Army Plaza are truly a borough-wide celebration, and so it is fitting to host in Prospect Park, ‘Brooklyn’s Backyard’,” Sue Donoghue, president of the Prospect Park Alliance said.
“This year has special meaning to us, as it will formally kick off our 150th anniversary celebration of Prospect Park, which first opened to the public in 1867. We welcome revelers to come to the Park to enjoy the gorgeous display, which would not be possible without the support of Borough President Adams, and we thank him.”
“The NYC & Company Foundation is proud to support Brooklyn’s upcoming New Year’s Eve event on the Coney Island boardwalk as we spotlight one of New York City’s most iconic and beloved attractions,” Fred Dixon, president of NYC & Company Foundation said.
“The Alliance for Coney Island is happy to once again work in partnership with Borough President Adams, Council Member Treyger, and Assembly Member Harris to ring in the New Year in Coney Island,” Alexandra Silversmith, executive director of the Alliance for Coney Island said. “We’ve seen a growing number of attendees and this year we’re making it even more exciting with venues opening earlier for guests to enjoy Coney Island throughout the day.”
Additional Coney Island dining and entertaiment options that will open special for this holiday celebration include Applebee’s, Coney Island Brewery, Coney Island USA, El Dorado Bumper Cars, Nathan’s Famous, Tom’s Restaurant, Wahlburgers, and White Castle. Additional partners on his celebration in Coney Island include State Senator Diane J. Savino, Assembly Member Pamela Harris, Brooklyn Community Board 13, Luna Park, NYC Parks, and NYPD.
“I want to commend Borough President Adams, the Alliance for Coney Island Alliance and Council Member Treyger for bringing this incredible New Year’s Eve celebration to not only the Coney Island community but the entire borough of Brooklyn,” State Senator Savino said.
“It has been a pleasure to partner with these elected officials over the last three years to witness this event not only grow but become one of the most anticipated winter celebrations in Coney Island, and it’s always a delight to see families come out to enjoy the different festivities. A special thank you to the event’s additional sponsors, including NYC & Company Foundation One Brooklyn Fund Inc., and T-Mobile, for their continued commitment to this great community event, and I encourage everyone to come out and celebrate with the Coney Island community!”
“I’m so excited to celebrate New Year’s Eve amongst family, friends, and community members in Coney Island,” Assembly Member Harris said. “There’s sure to be no better place to welcome in the New Year than among New Yorkers who share the same enthusiasm, traditions and understanding of the importance of this area. I’m thrilled to support this event and hope to see many of you among the fireworks, games and festivities!”
“It’s great to be one of the hosts of the third annual Coney Island New Year’s Eve celebration for all New Yorkers!” Eddie Mark, district manager of Brooklyn Community Board 13 said. “Coney Island is the ‘in’ place to be to ring out the old and ring in the New Year. Come out and join the family-friendly festivities. Don’t wait for summer to visit Coney Island. See you at the celebration!”
“Our whole Vourderis family is delighted with the success and togetherness this past summer in Coney Island,” Dennis Vourderis, co-owner of Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park said. “With millions of people enjoying the attractions, we want to keep the party going so we are opening once again on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Fifty percent of all ticket sales on New Year’s Day will be donated to the Coney Island Polar Bear Club. This is a ‘cool’ way to kick off the New Year as we also look ahead to our 100th anniversary in 2020.”
“Luna Park is thrilled to participate again in the New Year’s Eve celebration, which is quickly becoming the holiday tradition in Brooklyn,” Valerio Ferrari, president of Luna Park said. “We look forward to sharing Luna Park with families and friends in the community!”
“Nathan’s Famous celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2016,” Wayne Norbitz, director of Nathan’s Famous, Inc. said.
“I can think of no better place than on the boardwalk in Coney Island to welcome in the start of our next 100 years.”
“We are very happy to join our Coney Island neighbors in taking part in Borough President Adams’ New Year’s Eve celebrations this year,” Jon Forrest Dohlin, vice president of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and director of the New York Aquarium said.
“There will be many things to do that night before the historic Parachute Jump lights up to mark the start of the New Year, from dining at local restaurants and pubs, to visiting our amazing animals at the New York Aquarium. Here’s to 2017!”
