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NEW YEAR’S EVE IN NEW YORK CITY

- From Times Square and Beyond, New York City is the Place to Be on December 31 -

New York, NY (December 14, 2005) – The world celebrates New Year’s Eve with New York City as millions of people worldwide watch the countdown and famous ball drop in Times Square. But the Times Square festivities are just the beginning of what’s happening in the Big Apple this New Year’s Eve. From dramatic fireworks displays to special concerts, there is no place like New York to ring in the New Year.

Celebrate at the Cross Roads of the World

More than 750,000 people pack into the blocks surrounding Times Square (http://www.timessquarenyc.org, 212-768-1560) on December 31 for the famed New Year’s Eve celebration. For over 100 years, this celebration has been an annual tradition and the epitome of New Year’s celebrations. Revelers will be covered with 2,000 pounds of confetti as they watch the Waterford Crystal Ball descend atop One Times Square as the clock strikes midnight. Visitors wanting to be a part of the action should plan to arrive no later than 3pm to stake out a spot. The best places to view the Times Square celebration are along Broadway from 43rd to 50th Streets and on 7th Avenue from 43rd to 59th Streets.

Hotels Happenings

Celebrate the new year in style with a party at one of New York City’s top hotels. The Mandarin Oriental, New York (80 Columbus Circle at 60th Street, http://www.mandarinoriental.com, 212-805-8800) will host a party at the 35th floor lobby lounge overlooking Columbus Circle and Central Park. Guests can enjoy spectacular city views dance to live music as they celebrate 2006. The hotel’s restaurant Asiate will have a special New Year’s menu with seatings at 5:30pm (3-course prix-fixe, $75) and 9pm (7-course prix-fixe $255). Admission to the lobby lounge party will be free to guests of the hotel and Asiate; non-guests will pay a $125 cover charge.

Enjoy the Times Square celebration from high above the crowd at the Marriott Marquis (1535 Broadway, http://www.nymarriottmarquis.com, 212-398-1900) Broadway Party featuring champagne reception, four-course dinner, open bar, live DJ and special entertainment. Located on Broadway, just north of Times Square, the Marriott Marquis offers a prime viewing location to watch the New Year’s festivities. Tickets for the Broadway party are $899 per couple, and $999 or $1400 per couple for premium seating.

Ring in the new year with a bang at the Ritz-Carlton New York, Battery (2 West Street, http://www.ritzcarlton.com, 212-344-0800) offering exclusive viewing of spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks over the Statue of Liberty and New York Harbor. The Bubbles & Sparks package ($1095 per couple) include luxury accommodations in a City View room, entry into the private party at the 14th floor Rise Bar, premium open bar, hors d’oeuvres, champagne toast and midnight fireworks from the Grucci family. Lovebirds can spend New Year’s Eve together with the Fireworks Romance package ($1250 per couple), which includes a Harbor View room offering private views of the midnight fireworks, dinner and dancing at 2 West restaurant, a champagne toast, party favors and an in-room bottle of champagne and strawberries.

Eschew the traditional raucous New Year’s Eve partying and start the new year off with a relaxing spa getaway at the Westin New York Times Square (270 West 43rd Street, http://www.westinny.com, 12-201-2700). The Spa Inspired New Year’s Package ($619 per person, December 29 – January 2) allows guests to relax and renew for the new year with a two night minimum stay in a Spa Inspired Guest Room, a bottle of champagne, a 50-minute Swedish spa treatment, full American breakfast, spa amenities and free access to the health club. The hotel’s new Spa Inspired Guestrooms feature electronic Shiatsu massage chairs, aromatherapy bath amenities, bottles of water, fruit and a mini bar with healthy snacks.

Feinstein’s at the Regency (540 Park Avenue, http://www.loewshotels.com, 212-759-4100) will host a special New Year’s celebration featuring an exclusive performance from legendary singer Michael Feinstein. Guests can enjoy a three-course dinner and open bar, and have the opportunity to meet Mr. Feinstein after the show ($650/per couple). At midnight there will be a champagne toast, and partygoers will receive a half bottle of champagne to take home.

There’s no place like New York City for parties on New Year’s Eve. Take to the water on December 31 with an electrifying 3-hour cruise with Circle Line Sightseeing (Pier 83 West 42nd Street, http://www.circleline42.com, 212-563-3200). Enjoy dazzling skyline views, live DJ and dancing, an open bar, hors d’oeuvres, party favors, and a midnight champagne toast. Boarding begins at 9pm and the boat sails from 10pm – 1pm, the price is $120 per person. Or go upscale with a luxurious World Yacht (Pier 81 West 41st Street, http://www.worldyacht.com, 212-630-8100) cruise, including a five-course dinner, open bar and live band. Both vessels will offer the perfect vantage point of New York Harbor to view the midnight fireworks by the Grucci family.

Greenwich Village’s Mannahatta (316 Bowery, http://www.mannahatta.us, 212-253-8644) offers a sleek multi-level space for guests to enjoy. The New Year’s Eve Package ($150 per person) includes premium open bar from 9pm – 2am, gourmet hors d’oeuvres from 9pm – midnight, a midnight champagne toast, party favors and live entertainment featuring DJs and go go dancers. The fun only begins at midnight as the bar is open all night until 10am when breakfast will be served.

Spend New Year’s Eve in bed with a party at of one of the city’s most unique nightclubs, BED NY (530 West 27th Street, http://www.bedny.com, 212-594-4109), where you can sip cocktails while relaxing on an oversized bed. This party will be no sleepy affair with a top shelf open bar, appetizers by Chef Vitor, midnight champagne toast, and special entertainment ($150 per person). Stay up all night and enjoy an early morning "breakfast buffet", detox cocktails and essential hangover helpers as you view the first sunrise of 2006 from the 7th floor enclosed rooftop deck.

For the ultimate guide to New Year’s Eve parties check out http://www.newyears.com (212-843-2400) where partygoers can search for a variety of parties hosted at restaurants, clubs, bars and lounges throughout the city and purchase advance tickets. The site provides details about the party including pricing, venue information and photographs. Another top party resource is http://www.joonbug.com (212-255-4223) offering information and tickets to the city’s hottest places to ring in the new year.

What better way to celebrate the New Year than a spectacular display of fireworks above the city skyline? Brooklyn’s Grand Army Plaza at Prospect Park ( http://www.prospectpark.org, 718-965-8999) will be alight with colorful fireworks at midnight to welcome 2006. The best locations for viewing the fireworks are at Grand Army Plaza, on the Prospect Park's West Drive, and along Prospect Park West between Grand Army Plaza and 9th Street. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to secure a prime viewing location. Fireworks from the famous Grucci family will light up the sky above the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island at the stroke of midnight. The best viewing locations include Battery Park and Wagner Park. Central Park ( http://www.centralparknyc.org, 212-794-6564) will also host a midnight fireworks display. Tavern on the Green and Sheep’s Meadow, as well as high rises surrounding the park are among the best spots to watch the fireworks.

Other events in Central Park include a costume contest and dancing at the Central Park Bandshell plaza. Athletes who want to ring in the New Year by breaking a sweat can take part in a four-mile run through Central Park hosted by New York Road Runners ( http://www.nyrrc.org, 212-860-4455) or join the cyclists and in-line skaters of Time’s Up and ride from Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village to Central Park’s Belvedere Castle.

Culture vultures can celebrate the New Year with a special music or dance performance. Mambo in the New Year at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola (33 West 60th Street, http://www.jazzatlincolncenter.org, 212-258-9800) with legendary Cuban musician Paquito D’Rivera and his Panamerican Ensemble. Located in the Jazz at Lincoln Center complex in the Time Warner Building, Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola will serve guests a three-course dinner to enjoy during the set ($155 per person for the 10pm set).

Dance aficionados will enjoy a special New Year’s Eve performance from the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (405 West 55th Street, http://www.alvinailey.org, 212-405-9000) at New York City Center. The special performance will feature the world premiere of Ife by Ronald K. Brown, the Ailey classic Revelations and the highly anticipated new ballet, Reminiscin’.

Live from Lincoln Center presents the New York Philharmonic (10 Lincoln Center Plaza, http://www.newyorkphilharmonic.org, 212-875-5000) in its annual New Year’s Eve Gala. This festive evening of music will ring in the New Year with a program of Italian opera featuring world renowned soprano Angela Gheorghiu. Tickets for the live performance are available for $80 - $235.

Enjoy a free concert at St. Bartholomew’s Church (109 East 50th Street, http://www.stbarts.org, 212-378-0200) starting at 11pm. Fanfares, Fugues and Finales: A Concert to Usher in the New Year will feature organist William K Trafka performing works from Bach, Tchaikovsky, Widor and Langlais. Earlier in the evening the church will present Bachworks: The Brandenburg Concerti, a performance of six of the most exuberant classical musical pieces ever written. Tickets are $20 to $100 and the concert starts at 8pm.

Start the new year off with a laugh at one of New York City’s comedy clubs. The Comic Strip Live (1568 Second Avenue, http://www.comicstriplive.com, 212-861-9386) offers a 10:30pm show including an all-star line up of comedians, a three hour open bar, munchies, party favors, champagne toast and live broadcast of the celebration in Times Square ($90 per person). The National Comedy Theater (347 West 36th Street, http://www.manhattancomedy.com, 212-629-5202) will present its New Year’s Eve Spectacular starting at 9:30pm ($75 per person). The comedy troupe will present an improvised show based on audience suggestions, followed by a New Year’s countdown. Located on Broadway just north of Times Square, Caroline’s on Broadway (1626 Broadway, http://www.carolines.com, 212-956-0101) is a popular destination for New Year’s Eve revelers. The 10:30pm show will feature acts from top stand-up comedians, a live broadcast of the ball drop in Times Square and DJ and dancing after midnight ($90 per person plus two drink minimum). Chicago City Limits (318 W. 53rd Street, http://www.chicagocitylimits.com, 212-888-5233) will ring in the new year with a special New Year's Eve show that takes aim at the places, faces and events of the past year, with songs and improvisations. Shows at 8pm & 10:15pm and tickets are $35 & $45 plus 2-drink minimum.

Raise your non-alcoholic sparking cider and toast these family friendly New Year’s Eve options. The Big Apple Circus ( http://www.bigapplecircus.org, 212-268-2500) will offer a New Year’s Eve performance starting at 9:30pm and ending just in time for a midnight countdown led by ringmaster Paul Binder.

Celebrate with dancing, live music, and special goody bags with hats streamers and noisemakers. Tickets are $45 to $125 for the circus performance and New Year’s celebration.

Little ones who can’t make it to midnight can celebrate with the New Year’s Dance Party and countdown at 2:30pm on December 31 with the Brooklyn Children’s Museum (145 Brooklyn Avenue, http://www.brooklynkids.org, 718-735-4400). Impack II, an eclectic band that plays hip-hop, reggae and soca-inspired tunes, will provide music to dance to at this Caribbean-themed celebration. Noisemakers and party favors will be provided for kids to enjoy. Admission to the museum is $4.

The Bronx Zoo (2300 Southern Blvd., http://www.bronxzoo.com, 718-367-1010) will be shining bright this holiday season with the Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights, presented by Hess. December 31 is the last night to enjoy this festive celebration of more than half a million mini-lights and more than 150 lighted sculptures. Families can enjoy the lights from 5-9pm and tickets are $10 for adults, $7 children and seniors and free for children under two years old.

A number of New York City restaurants are celebrating New Year’s Eve with prix-fixe menus and special entertainment. Some of the highlights are Garage Restaurant’s (99 Seventh Avenue South, http://www.garagerest.com, 212-645-0600) three-course menu including champagne toast and dancing ($95 per person), Sal Anthony SPQR’s (133 Mulberry Street, http://www.salanthonys.com, 212-925-3120) gala cocktail hour and four-course dinner menu including open bar, champagne toast and party favors ($125 per person) and Remi’s black-tie New Year’s Eve gala (145 West 53rd Street, http://www.remi.citysearch.com, 212-581-4242). For those who want to enjoy the ambiance of the Times Square celebration without the crowds, there are a number of restaurants in the vicinity offering special New Year’s menus.

La Prima Donna (163 West 47th Street, http://www.laprimadonnany.com, 212-398-3400) offers a three-course dinner including a bottle of champagne and live entertainment ($125 per person) and Joseph’s by Citarella (1240 Avenue of the Americas, http://www.josephscitarella.com, 212-332-1515) has a four or five-course dinner including champagne toast ($125 per person).

Head downtown to Tribeca Grill (375 Greenwich Street, http://www.myriadrestaurantgroup.com, 212-941-3900) for the annual New Year’s Eve Gala. This year’s festivities include a five-course feast of holiday favorites and live entertainment from Ron Sunshine and his band ($150 per person). Or have dinner before heading out on the town with Tribeca Grill’s a la carte menu offered from 5:30 to 8:45pm.

Barbetta Restaurant (321 West 46th Street, http://www.barbettarestaurant.com, 212-246-9171) will host its most spectacular New Year’s Eve in a century as the restaurant kicks off its 100th anniversary. Dinner, dancing and midnight toast are included for $250 person. Planet Hollywood (1540 Broadway at 45th Street, http://www.planethollywood.com, 212-333-STAR) parties with buffet, hors d’oeuvres and open bar ($225 per person, $275 VIP) and T.G.I. Friday’s (761 Seventh Avenue, http://www.tgifridays.com 212-767-8349) offers entertainment, champagne toast, buffet, dessert and open bar for $225 per person.

Contacts: Lisa Mortman / Arleen Kropf / Annie Chambliss 212-484-1270, nymedia@nycvisit.com.

UNIQUE HOLIDAY SHOPPING IN NYC

– Hit the Gift Shops of NYC’s Cultural Organizations and Holiday Bazaars to Discover Novel Holiday Shopping Options –

New York, NY (December 12, 2005)–Holiday shopping can be a fantastic experience especially in New York City, where so many great and exciting finds wait to be discovered in the shops of the marvelous museums and botanic gardens. Original and replica costume jewelry, hard to find prints, colorful handicrafts, children’s games and toys, housewares and books all make the perfect presents for everyone on your list.

Only in New York

Masters of the universe will love the merchandise at the Museum of American Financial History (28 Broadway, 212-908-4695, http://www.financialhistory.org). The only finance-themed museum shop in the United States offers an eclectic assortment of specialty merchandise such as Wall Street wearables, bull and bear book ends and New York Stock Exchange ornaments.

Take a bite of the Big Apple at the Museum of the City of New York (1220 Fifth Ave., 212-534-1672, http://www.mcny.org), where visitors can pick up really cool items such as the interactive New York City Trivia Game, an I Love Spanish Harlem tee-shirt and great books from exhibitions like the upcoming Still New York: Watercolors by Frederick Brosen on view from November 8, 2005 to February 26, 2006.

Move people with fun gifts from the New York Transit Museum (Corner of Boerum Place and Schermerhorn St., Brooklyn, 718-694-1600, http://www.mta.info/mta/museum) such as the Subway Map Change Purse, Subway Map Baby doll Tee-Shirts, Fast Track Messenger Bags and chocolate subway tokens.

Looking for something original? The Liberty’s Flame Ornament at The American Family Immigration History Center online gift shop (212-561-4500, http://www.ellisisland.org) is sure to light up any room. The stunning replica of the Statue of Liberty’s torch features fine details, a 24-karat gold finish and an attractive custom holiday box. In addition to the ornament, the gift shop sells books, ship passenger manifests and images of ships from the Ellis Island era.

The American Museum of Natural History (Central Park West at W. 79th Street, 212-769-5100, http://www.amnh.org), home to the fabulous Rose Center for Earth and Space, the Millstein Hall of Ocean Life and more, features all things science in its shops including toys, T-shirts, CDs, puzzles, telescopes, globes, dinosaurs, astronaut ice cream and other cool stuff.

Visit the famed Rockefeller Center for a glimpse of the 74-foot Christmas tree and take home a dazzling star of your own from Swarovski Crystal (30 Rockefeller Plaza Space G, 212-332-4300, http://www.swarovski.com). This location sells exclusive items including Rock Center Christmas tree brooches, star pendants and New York City charm bracelets.

Calling All Art Lovers

Known for an impressive collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, contemporary art and high-profile exhibitions, it’s not surprising that The Brooklyn Museum (200 Eastern Parkway, 718-638-5000, http://www.brooklynmuseum.org) has a large selection of merchandise in its shop. Choose from desk accessories like the Egyptian Cat Paperweight, a reproduction of a figurine from the Ptolemaic period (about 303-30 B.C.) or the Cartonnage Letter Opener featuring hieroglyphs. Modernists may prefer the Basquiat journal or the Georgia O’Keefe note cards.

Aspiring shutterbugs will love the diverse selection of apparel, books, prints, cameras and accessories at the International Center of Photography (1133 Avenue of the Americas, 212-857-9725, http://www.icp.org) store. Hot products of the moment are the ICP NYC sweatshirt and a quirky glassware set inspired by kitschy vintage camera ads.

The sleek MoMA Design and Book Store at the Museum of Modern Art (11 W. 53rd St., 212-708-9400, http://www.moma.org) stands out with more than 2,000 books, cutting-edge creations such as desk accessories, homeware, jewelry, fashion accessories and fun stuff for the kids. Style setters covet the Japanese-made LED Colored Lights Watch, which features 12 large LED lights that display the hours and 60 smaller lights representing the minutes.

Browsing through the unique offerings at The Met Store is as exciting as strolling through the grand Metropolitan Museum of Art (Fifth Ave. at 82nd St., 212-535-7710, http://www.metmuseum.org) itself. Located off the Great Hall and in several other locations throughout the building The Met Store boasts a vast array of books and objects, all based on the Museum�s permanent collection, which spans more than 5,000 years of world culture. Bestsellers run the gamut from a Bronze Age Spiral Cuff Bracelet and a sculpture of a 15th century Medici Horse to a more practical Frank Lloyd Wright Card Case.

In Queens, the Museum of the Moving Image (35th Ave. at 36th St., 718-784-4520, http://www.movingimage.us) pays tribute to great cinema with a shop that is chock full of DVDs, posters of classic movies, action figures, books and games.

Gifts from Around the Globe

Travel to the East by way of the AsiaStore, located at the Asia Society and Museum (725 Park Ave., 212-288-6400, http://www.asiaso ciety.org). Inside discover dazzling presents such as beautiful silk Jim Thompson ties from Thailand, fused glass creations from Malaysian artist Wong Ken Fuan and the striking Chinese Scholar Rocks.

The Dahesh Museum of Art (580 Madison Ave., 212-759-0606, http://www.daheshmuseum.org) preserves and promotes the works of European academically trained artists of the 19th and 20th centuries. Inside its Art Shop, visitors will encounter exquisite unusual books, personal accessories jewelry, prints, sculpture and home d�cor such as the beautiful Sienna Luminaries, handmade glass votive holders in hues of amber, amethyst, teal and smoke.

One of New York City’s newest cultural organizations, The Rubin Museum of Art (150 W. 17th St., 212-620-5000, http://www.rmanyc.org) is the only museum in the western world dedicated to the art of the Himalayas. The Shop at the Rubin Museum of Art highlights products made by artisans and craftspeople working in this region including hand-made jewelry and vibrant clothing, as well as journals, pillows, rugs and educational toys.

Put all your colorful Ukrainian Easter eggs (pysanka) in one basket at The Ukrainian Museum (222 E. 6th St., 212-228-0110, http://www.ukranianmuseum.org) gift shop, where visitors can also find embroidered shirts, Hutsul dolls, art work and all things pysanka including posters, books, dyes and decorating kits.

Garden Variety

Need to find something special for a nature lover? A visit to the Garden Gift Shop at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden (1000 Washington Ave., 718-623-7200, http://www.bbg.org) is in order. Explore the selection of books, body care, tools and signature gifts like the charming A Tree Grows in Brooklyn Apron and the BBG Flower Pot Mug.

Ideas will definitely bloom while exploring the shop of The New York Botanical Garden (200th St. and Kazimiroff Blvd., 718-817-8700, http://www.nybg.org). There’s something suitable for all tastes such as the fashionable Alexis Bittar Water Lily Pin and The New York Botanical Garden Engagement Calendar.

After exploring the famous New York Chinese Scholar’s Garden, located at the Staten Island Botanical Garden (1000 Richmond Terrace, 718-273-8200, http://www.sibg.org) be sure to pick up a few precious reminders of the experience at the gift shop such as Chinese fans, incense calligraphy sets, wind chimes and traditional, functional bamboo umbrellas.

Holiday Bazaars

Shoppers will find unique gifts from artists, craftsmen and importers at holiday markets throughout the city. The Fetes de Noel (212-472-1522, http://www.fetesdenoel.com), a holiday market in Bryant Park, brings together the city’s finest artisans, designers, & cultural institutions. The festival features unique gifts, an outdoor caf�, & family entertainment. The market opens November 2 and runs through December 24. Both Grand Central Terminal (212-340-2347, http://www.grandcentralterminal.com) and Union Square (212-460-1200, http://www.unionsquarenyc.org host outdoor holiday markets featuring a variety of unique crafts, jewelry, clothing, ornaments and more. The market at Grand Central Terminal runs November 21 through December 24, while the Union Square market is open November 25 through December 24.

Visitors can also bring home a Big Apple treasure for the tree from the Christmas Cottage (871 Seventh Ave., 212-333-7380, http://www.thechristmascottage.com).

Contacts: Lisa Mortman / Arleen Kropf / Annie Chambliss (212) 484-1270, nymedia@nycvisit.com

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