How the Ultra-Rich Celebrate New Year's Eve — And What Smart Savers Can Do Instead

New Year’s Eve spending ranges from a casual house party to six-figure extravaganzas that would make most people’s jaws drop. While some celebrate with store-bought champagne and close friends, others jet-set across continents on private aircraft or charter luxury vessels in exclusive Caribbean harbors. Here’s a breakdown of three ways the wealthy welcome the new year—and practical alternatives for those watching their wallets.

Times Square’s Elite Package: $120,000 for a Premium View

The Knickerbocker Hotel offers an ultra-luxury experience for couples wanting to witness Times Square’s iconic ball drop. Their signature package runs $120,000 and includes a three-night stay in a premium suite, a gourmet New Year’s Eve dinner, and exclusive access to a private rooftop pod with an unobstructed view of the midnight celebration.

If this price tag makes you cringe, there’s a middle ground. The same hotel offers standard room bookings for New Year’s Eve only, with rooftop bar access priced around $1,900 per person. Still steep? Consider booking a hotel outside Times Square, grabbing free admission to any of the city’s numerous outdoor celebrations, and watching the ball drop on a public screen or your phone—completely free.

Chasing Midnight Twice: The $290,000 Private Jet Solution

For the truly adventurous (and wealthy), timing a private jet charter can make you celebrate New Year’s Eve twice in one night. Back in 2017, chartering a private jet from Sydney to Honolulu cost approximately $290,000—a trend that wealthy travelers like those in exclusive circles continue to consider today. The appeal? Witness fireworks and celebrations on opposite sides of the globe within hours.

The reality check: you don’t need to book a jet to experience this. Livestream broadcasts from Sydney, Honolulu, Dubai, and other major cities are freely available online, allowing you to virtually ring in the new year multiple times from your couch with snacks and loved ones.

Caribbean Yacht Culture: Where Billionaires Dock for the Holidays

St. Barthélemy has become synonymous with ultra-luxury New Year’s celebrations. The real action happens in Gustavia Harbor, where mega-yachts and sailboats gather for an exclusive New Year’s Eve Regatta. Charter prices for a luxury yacht start at $100,000 per week (not including fuel, crew, and provisions), making it the go-to destination for those seeking the ultimate maritime celebration. Celebrity yacht enthusiasts and business moguls—sometimes even making headlines like Elon Musk partying on yachts in similar destinations—make this archipelago their seasonal headquarters.

For a budget-conscious alternative, St. Maarten is just a short ferry ride away. Hotels there range from $300 to $500 per night, and Great Bay Beach in Philipsburg offers a stunning vantage point to watch New Year’s Eve fireworks over the water—no six-figure charter required.

The Takeaway: Celebration Doesn’t Require Deep Pockets

Whether you’re celebrating in Manhattan, Sydney, or the Caribbean, the experience matters more than the price tag. The wealthy may have access to private aircraft and chartered yachts, but memories created with friends over budget champagne often outshine those made in isolation on an empty megayacht. Choose your New Year’s adventure based on what brings genuine joy—not just what burns through your bank account.