Of course, guests staying at our boutique hotel The MAve in Midtown’s Flatiron District will be perfectly situated to explore the best the city has to offer, and the hotel’s luxury amenities are sure to impress any, ahem, shall we say house guests…

Just a few blocks from the hotel is the very unique SPiN New York, a venue that mixes chic nightlife with ping pong. The lights are dim and the patrons are well dressed, but the action, instead of being centered around a dance floor or bar, happens at one of the 17 ping pong tables. The ping pong tables are rented by the hour and each one has a couch and table for drinks and appetizers.

Brooklyn Bowl is another great venue for the boys. As its name suggests, this bowling alley is located in Brooklyn—Williamsburg to be exact—and while it’s a little far from the hotel, it’s more than worth the trek. After paying a small cover, patrons are greeted by a full bar, chic cocktail lounge vibe and hipster indie bands playing to full crowds, oh, and let’s not forget the 16 bowling lanes. Is it hard to focus on your bowling game with so many distractions? Sure. But bowling has never felt cooler!

After a wholesome early evening with the guys, let’s get a little more sinister for our late night NYC escapades. The trendy Meatpacking District is the place to go for pounding beats and giant nightclubs. Though face control can be a little strict, models pack the dance floors and there is a ton of fun to be had in the area.

Check out Darby Downstairs for a healthy dose of electro hip hop and funk. Or if you have money that’s begging to be spent, visit Le Bain on the roof of the newly opened Standard Hotel, which is a hot spot for celebrities and models.

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High-end shops line the streets surrounding this large, green square and the area is packed every day of the week with leisurely shoppers. Some large brands on the square include Nordstrom, Forever 21 and Barnes and Noble, but there are many smaller shops as well, which sell anything from designer shoes to yoga apparel and gear.

Union Square also hosts Greenmarket, the city’s premier farmer’s market, four times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Running from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., this event sees hundreds of tents selling everything from produce and food-related items to things like flowers and plants pack the square. There are prepared foods as well that give visitors a chance to try some tasty and unique local cuisine.

In November and January the square takes on the festive feel of the season with the Holiday Market. Like the farmer’s market, dozens of stalls set up shop in the square and sell assorted goodies like handcrafted jewelry and vintage clothing.

Nearby, on lower Fifth Avenue, shoppers will find big-name stores like Anthropologie, Zara and H&M.

Once the shopping has been taken care of, head further uptown on Fifth Ave, not far from The MAve boutique hotel, to Eataly for lunch. This 50,000-square-feet indoor market is dedicated to showcasing the best of Italy’s gastronomic delights, with fresh produce and especially prepared dishes. There are seven restaurants in the market where diners can try the truly delicious food and explore the culinary possibilities of the market.

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It’s the most celebrated night of the year and the biggest countdown around the world. For ten heart-pounding seconds, all eyes are on New York and the massive glittering ball descending over Times Square. Millions nationwide and over a billion worldwide watch us cheer as the famous ball descends from the flagpole and one ton of confetti is showered over the heads of revelers.

Mixed in with confetti are handwritten wishes from people around the globe–whether it’s a personal goal, a dream for the future, or doing something for the first time, these wishes are scrawled on official confetti and scattered from building tops as part of the Wishing Wall. See how to include yours here.

Since rooftop celebrations began by the owners of One Times Square in 1904, the first New Year’s Eve ball lowering occurred in 1907. There have been several different balls over the years, but a 12-foot geodesic sphere was introduced in 2008 that’s double the size of any previous ball, now weighing in at 11,875 pounds. A year-round attraction in Times Square, this ball only comes to life on that special night next month.

For hotel guests and travelers venturing into the city for this magical night, here’s what to expect in Times Square on December 31st :

3:00 p.m.
Revelers start arriving late in the afternoon on New Year’s Eve. By approximately 3:00 p.m., the Bow Tie of Times Square (42nd to 47th Sts. between Broadway & 7th Ave.) is fully closed to traffic. Revelers are directed by NYPD to gather in separate viewing sections.

6:00 p.m. to 6:03 p.m.
The celebration begins with the lighting and raising of the New Year’s Eve Ball atop One Times Square. The New Year’s Eve Ball is lit and begins its ascent accompanied by special pyrotechnic effects.

6:20 p.m.
The Times Square Alliance sanitation crew clad in bright red uniforms begins to distribute tens of thousands of fun handouts to the Times Square revelers.

An hourly countdown takes place every hour three minutes before the hour.

At 11:59, there’s a sixty second countdown.

The lighted Ball descends 70 feet in sixty seconds. The Ball is covered with 2,688 Waterford crystal triangles and lit by 32,256 Philips Luxeon Rebel LEDs.

The schedule of events is subject to change. Performances have not yet been announced, but can be checked on the Times Square official website.

From the Flatiron District where the MAve Hotel is located, plan to cab before 3pm to Times Square, or take a brisk 10-15 minute walk.

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