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Sight Central Park, Midtown Manhattan

Central Park Midnight Run fireworks

A sight in Central Park, Midtown Manhattan, free to visit and worth about an hour. Best time to go: Midnight.

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Central Park Midnight Run fireworks in Central Park, Midtown Manhattan
Photo: Julian Lupyan · CC0

Why go

Fireworks over Central Park at midnight start the New York Road Runners' four-mile Midnight Run.

It is one of 9 curated places we feature in Midtown Manhattan, alongside 3 places to eat, 2 sights and 1 activity. 6 more of our picks sit within about half a mile in a straight line, so it pairs easily with Bethesda Terrace and Bemelmans Bar.

Type
Sight · Nature
Neighborhood
Central Park
Price
Free
Time needed
1 hr
Best time
Midnight

Nearby

Our closest curated picks, including 5 beyond Midtown Manhattan. Distances are straight-line, not walking or driving.

  1. 1
    Bethesda Terrace

    Carved arcade and fountain at the heart of Central Park, a calm start before Midtown crowds.

    Outdoors · Manhattan · 0.0 mi straight-line
  2. 2
    Bemelmans Bar

    Old-school piano bar in The Carlyle with murals by Ludwig Bemelmans.

    Drinks · Museum Mile · 0.4 mi straight-line
  3. 3
    Bemelmans Bar

    Piano bar in the Carlyle hotel, with murals by Madeline author Ludwig Bemelmans and live music every night.

    Drinks · 0.4 mi straight-line
  4. 4
    Sant Ambroeus Madison Avenue

    Milanese cafe for espresso and pastries a few blocks from the Met.

    Drinks · Museum Mile · 0.4 mi straight-line
  5. 5
    The Metropolitan Museum of Art

    Five thousand years of art; the Temple of Dendur and the Roof Garden are standout stops.

    Sight · Museum Mile · 0.6 mi straight-line
  6. 6
    The Metropolitan Museum of Art

    Vast art museum on Central Park; the rooftop garden opens in summer.

    Sight · New York City · 0.6 mi straight-line

On these curated routes

Central Park Midnight Run fireworks is a stop on our New York New Year's Eve route. Open it to see the full day-by-day plan.

More sights to see in Midtown Manhattan

2 more curated sights in Midtown Manhattan. See the full Midtown Manhattan guide.

When to go: weather by month, based on New York City

Our climate figures for Midtown Manhattan come from nearby New York City. Average daily highs in New York City run from 38°F in January to 79°F in July; December is usually the wettest month. For Central Park Midnight Run fireworks itself, we suggest: Midnight.

Modelled monthly averages for New York City from NASA POWER, not a forecast. New York City weather by month (covers Midtown Manhattan).

Getting there

Map links open a live search for Central Park Midnight Run fireworks, so hours and directions come straight from the map app.

Coordinates
40.77412, -73.97114
Destination
Midtown Manhattan, New York
Website
nyrr.org

Central Park Midnight Run fireworks: quick answers

How much time do you need at Central Park Midnight Run fireworks?

Plan on about an hour at Central Park Midnight Run fireworks. That is our curated estimate for a typical visit; groups that linger will want more.

When is the best time to visit Central Park Midnight Run fireworks?

Our pick: Midnight. Insider tip: Watch from Bethesda Terrace or the edge of Sheep Meadow; the show was canceled in 2024 because of drought, so check the year's plans.

Is Central Park Midnight Run fireworks free?

Yes, we list Central Park Midnight Run fireworks as free to visit. Check the official website before you go, since special exhibits, parking or tours can carry a fee.

Which TripsCircle routes include Central Park Midnight Run fireworks?

Central Park Midnight Run fireworks appears on New York New Year's Eve, a curated route you can open on TripsCircle and plan with your group.

Add it to your crew's plan

Save it to a shared TripsCircle itinerary, settle the timing with a quick poll, and split the costs with everyone going to Midtown Manhattan.

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Plan Midtown Manhattan

Lists & regions

Also in Midtown Manhattan

Curated recommendation, not live listing data. Confirm hours, prices, bookings and access before you go.