New Year's Eve: Anywhere But Times Square Edition

Sure, you could go to Times Square to watch the ball drop. But that would involve a lengthy commute, standing in the cold for hours on end, unruly crowds, and other unpleasantries. (In fact, it sounds a lot like this.)

Instead, why not take advantage of festivities in the outer boroughs? Here are our Top 5 New Year's Eve Plans if you want to...

1. ...Get to bed early: While the Monday-Tuesday holiday means a long weekend for some, others around the city still have to get up for work on January 1. Take it easy, order in, and indulge with a classic New Year's Eve film based in New York. When Harry Met Sally, 200 Cigarettes, or Money Train, anyone?

2. ...Do something selfless: Check out the 'Hot Projects' page on New York Cares to find out what nonprofit events still need volunteers, including for Sandy Relief efforts. As of press time, 'Muck Out Homes in the Rockaways' meetups in the Brooklyn and Queens area for Dec. 31 were still in need of extra hands.

3. ...Dance 'till dawn: Mystery Brooklyn warehouse destination + foreign city-themed art installations + celebrity DJs, such as Moby and Kilowatts = Unicorn Meat NYC's dance party: The Wander. Get all that? Tickets range from $60-$125. Festivities begin at 9 p.m. ...somewhere.

4. ...Work up a sweat: Like exclusivity with your endorphins? Brooklyn's New Year's Eve 5K Run is the single moonlit running event held in Prospect Park all year. Joint-hosted by Brooklyn Road Runners and Skechers, registration fees for the run are $30 through Dec. 30, and $40 on race day. Packet pickup begins at 10:15 p.m. at 9th Street inside the Prospect Park entrance. 

5. ...Watch some fireworks! Who needs the harbor! Grand Army Plaza will be the site of Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz' fireworks spectacular—featuring an array of jaw-dropping, awe-inducing, thunderous pyrotechnics to put Times Square on notice. (We're Brooklyn, we go hard.)

Plus, free hot chocolate and sparkling cider! Festivities will begin at 11 p.m. Best fireworks viewing spots are from anywhere in Grand Army Plaza, inside the Park on the West Drive, and along Prospect Park West between Grand Army Plaza and 9th Street.

Oooh, aaah and Happy New Yeeeear!