If standing for hours in cold, crowded, and crazy Times Square isn’t your idea of a glamorous New Year’s Eve, you’re not alone. It’s one of the world’s top bucket-list events to personally witness the iconic 60-second countdown to midnight, slow-mo ball drop. But do you really want to brave the frigid temperatures just to say you were there? If not, don't worry, The Knickerbocker has an alternative to the crowded streets of Times Square.  

If you want to be in the middle of the action but without rubbing elbows with the masses, you can’t beat the overnight bash at The Knickerbocker Hotel, right at the edge of Times Square. For the first time in 95 years, the legendary property has planned a dinner dance at Charlie Palmer’s at the Knick, the hotel’s fourth floor restaurant. Executive Chef Cliff Denny has planned a one-time-only menu of Gatsby-era favorite dishes including Beef Wellington and Lobster Thermidor.

Guests will then have an exclusive peek of a hush-hush unveiling at the hotel’s rooftop bar, St. Cloud, where live performers and a DJ will keep guests busy on the dance floor before everyone enjoys an ultra-exclusive Times Square view just 150 feet from the famous Waterford Crystal Ball. Overnight packages for two start at $2,890 and include admission to The Knickerbocker’s black-tie New Year’s Eve Private Gala and New Year’s Day Brunch.

Still too public for you? The Knick’s Skypods are available for groups of 12 to 20, and are located with either a corner view directly over Times Square, or birds-eye vistas of Broadway or 42nd Street. For the ultimate VIP experience, you may still be able to reserve the Waterford Crystal Lounge at St. Cloud, a private party space with floor-to-ceiling glass walls, rooftop access, and seating for up to 22.