NEW YORK CITY — If you don't want to cram yourself into Times Square or an overpriced bar on New Year’s Eve to watch the ball drop, we've got some last-minute alternatives for you.
From racing and fireworks in Central Park to silent group meditation, DNAinfo has rounded some fun ways to ring in 2015:
Sweat In the New Year
New York Road Runners Midnight Run
Central Park, 72nd Street at Fifth Avenue. 10 p.m. $60 through Dec. 30, $65 day of the race.
The annual 4-mile race through Central Park starts at the stroke of midnight, but get there at 10 p.m. for a dance party at the Central Park Bandshell and a 15-minute fireworks show. Partying is free and open to the public, but the race is just for those who paid the entrance fee.
Time’s Up! 11th Annual New Year’s Eve Bike Ride
Meet at Washington Square Park Arch, Washington Square North at Fifth Avenue at 10:30 p.m.; or 9:45 p.m. Brooklyn side of Williamsburg Bridge; or 10:20 p.m. Madison Square Park, 23rd Street and Broadway. Free.
Hop on your bike, or skates, with other free-wheelers and ride to Belvedere Castle in Central Park. A free dance party and fireworks show will be waiting for you. Festive attire is encouraged.
A Zen Celebration
Jivamukti Yoga School 26th Annual New Year's Eve Celebration
841 Broadway, second floor. Vegan dinner is $95, but meditation and yoga are free.
Have a very calm beginning to 2015 with yoga, meditation, chanting and a vegan dinner. The dinner, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., is $95. Other evening events, including yoga, start at 5 p.m. and are free. Silent meditation runs from 9 p.m. to midnight.
Laughing Lotus 636 Sixth Ave. at 19th Street, Manhattan, $60, and at 232 Broadway, Brooklyn, $45.
Flow into 2015 with yoga moves, chanting, meditation and even some dancing at these “passionate, intention-setting” classes from 10 p.m. to midnight at the Manhattan and Brooklyn Laughing Lotus locations.
Smile Wide for 2015
Comedy Cellar
117 MacDougal St. 10:30 p.m. $80 plus two drinks or food items minimum
The eight-comedian lineup includes Dave Attell and Gary Gulman. A Champagne toast at midnight is included.
The Stand
239 Third Ave. 10:30 p.m. $40 for the show and a champagne toast, $75 for dinner and a show.
Laugh with comedians including Yannis Pappas and Jessica Kirson through the midnight countdown.
Big Apple Circus
Lincoln Center, Damrosch Park at 62nd Street. 9:30 p.m. Tickets range from $25 to $175 for VIP seating.
Take in daring trapeze artists, contortionists, illusionists and clowns under the big top, then ring in the New Year ringside, with a Champagne toast.
Ring in 2015 With Music
Holy Ghost!
Irving Plaza, 17 Irving Place. 8:30 p.m. $52.
There will definitely be dancing at this upbeat duo’s New Year’s show. Synth-pop jams with an indie flare will keep you moving.
Gov’t Mule
Beacon Theater, 2124 Broadway. 8 p.m. $80 to $110.
This Southern jam-band, which started as a side project of The Allman Brothers Band, is celebrating 20 years of soulful rocking.
The Hold Steady
Music Hall of Williamsburg, 66 N. Sixth St. 9:30 p.m. $45 or $75.
The Brooklyn indie band will help you rock your way into 2015. For $75, you can take in the show and also stick around for a band member’s birthday celebration at the venue, where he’ll be DJ-ing after the performance.
