Coney Island and Prospect Park are the places to be for those that want to usher in 2018 Brooklyn style.
That after Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams announced plans today for New Year’s Eve celebrations in both Coney Island and Prospect Park for the fourth year in a row, giving Brooklynites greater access to free family-friendly festivities earlier today.
“For family-friendly New Year’s Eve fun, there’s nowhere better to be on the calendar’s biggest night than Brooklyn, the center of the universe. Tens of thousands of revelers from our borough and beyond will be celebrating at two of our city’s most iconic locations, Coney Island and Prospect Park, with plenty of cheer to go around,” said Adams.
Both Coney Island and Prospect Park will ring in the New Year with celebrations that will include fireworks and live entertainment. Coney Island will countdown to 2018 with the digital “burst” from the Parachute Jump, while Prospect Park will feature music from Brooklyn’s own Quintessential Playlist at Grand Army Plaza that leads into a grand pyrotechnic display.
City Councilman Mark Treyger (D-Coney Island, Bensonhurst, Gravesend) echoed his excitement for the festivities as he announced his partnership with the annual celebration.
“Coney Island is once again the place to be when ringing in the New Year. The People’s Playground will have everything you need — the beautiful views from the [Riegelmann] Boardwalk, exhilarating rides, delicious treats, live music, and fantastic fireworks — to welcome 2018 in style,” said Treyger.
The annual extravaganza event brings in more than 15,000 revelers every year and includes special holiday openings of the Bumper Cars, Coney Island Brewery, and Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs.
State Senator Diane Savino (D-Staten Island, Coney Island) praised the event, marking it as a Brooklyn tradition.
“This has become a great Coney Island tradition! I hope everyone has a safe New Year celebration at one of the New York’s most iconic and historic locations,” said Savino.
This year’s event will begin in Coney Island at 6:00 PM, with live entertainment starting at 9:00 pm, while the party at Prospect Park will commence at 10:30 pm. Additionally, Adams announced that the Abe Stark Skating Rink, B&B Carousell, Deno’s Wonder Wheel, Stop the Zombies 7D, and Thunderbolt roller coaster will be open and free of charge on New Year’s Eve starting at 6:00 PM. The New York Aquarium will have special extended hours of operations until 9:00 PM as well.
Assemblywoman Pamela Harris (D-Coney Island, Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights) also weighed in on the event, highlighting Coney Island’s importance to the history of South Brooklyn.
“This is a great annual event that brings our community together to meet with our friends and neighbors and bring in the New Year together. The Boardwalk hosts so many amazing events that represent the strength and character of Brooklyn and I look forward to seeing everyone there,” said Harris.
