Flyer for NYRR Midnight Run — New Year's Eve in Central Park: Thursday, December 31 · 10:00 PM at Central Park Bandshell

Flyer by Stumblday

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NYRR Midnight Run — New Year's Eve in Central Park

In 12 weeks

Free to watch; runners register

Official site
FreeNew Years EveCentral Park

Music and dancing at the Bandshell from 10pm, a costume contest at 11, then fireworks at midnight start a four-mile run.

This is the New Year's Eve New Yorkers actually recommend: no pens, no nine-hour wait, no bag search. You get a costume contest, fireworks over Central Park at the stroke of midnight, and — if you want it — a four-mile run that starts as they go off. Watching costs nothing and you can leave whenever you like.

What to expect

A party at the Bandshell from 10pm, costume parade at 11pm, fireworks at midnight from Cherry Hill, and a four-mile race starting and finishing on the 72nd Street transverse.

Good to know

  • Free for spectators; runners must pre-register with NYRR
  • Fireworks are launched from Cherry Hill at midnight
  • The 72nd Street transverse is the start and finish — the B/C and 1/2/3 at 72nd St are closest

Going? Keep it.

Common questions

Do I have to run?

No — the event is free for spectators. Only runners need to pre-register with NYRR.

What time do the fireworks go off?

At midnight, from Cherry Hill, and they start the four-mile race.

When does it start?

10pm on December 31 with music and dancing at the Bandshell.