Updated on: Aug 31, 2024
Some people don’t like big crowds or constant noise. Some people are in love with the “city that never sleeps.” New York is a bustling city, full of life and adventure. What better party to host for someone who enjoys that kind of atmosphere than a New York City theme party? Here’s a to-do list of all the essential elements to the best NYC theme party.
New York City Theme Party Decorations
1. Lighting
Use Christmas lights to replicate the lights in NYC. Keep the overhead lights off to enhance the effect of the theme. New York is riddled with big screens and bright lights so this element is crucial.
2. Skyscrapers
Build your own skyscrapers by spray-painting several boxes and then piling them on top of one another. If you make several skyscrapers, you can have your own 3D cityscape!
3. Music
Playing the right music sets the tone for every party. Play songs about New York City such as “New York, New York” by Frank Sinatra. You can also use soundtracks from Broadway shows set in New York City like Rent.
4. Road Signs
There are many iconic road names in New York City. “Broadway” and “Madison Ave” are two examples. You can paint or purchase NYC road signs to hang on the walls.
5. Empire State Building
Purchase several miniature Empire State Building figurines to use as centerpieces or as other decorations.
6. Balloons
If going for a more colorful theme, you can decorate with balloons as colors such as yellow and black to represent the taxi cabs that are all over the city.
7. Photo Op
Set up a New York City backdrop for a photo op. This idea can include props and supplies like a cutout of a taxicab or the statue of liberty. Have props like “I Love NY” sunglasses and hats. Everyone loves a photo-op to commemorate the night.
New York City Theme Party Favors
8. NYC Keychains
There are many NYC-theme key chains to choose from. You’ll find them in every NYC gift shop. They are cute little mementos for your party.
9. Shot Glasses
Shot glasses are perfect memorabilia that can be found in many different Big Apple designs. Hand them out to guests to remember your party.
10. Empire State Building Figurines
Give your guests an adorable, miniature Empire State Building figurine to keep on their desks.
11. NYC Magnets
NYC theme magnets are simple and practical prizes that are easy to find.
12. New York City Apparel
"I love NY" is classic phrase used to describe the city. Order some socks with this saying for your guests to take home to keep memories of this pary.
13. Chocolate–Covered Pretzels
You can purchase or make your own chocolate-covered pretzels. Wrap them in New York City theme favor bags.
New York City Theme Party Food Ideas
14. Black and White Cookies
A chocolate and vanilla cookie is a staple dessert to get in the City. Have these as a sweet treat to honor the popularity.
15. Hot Dogs
New York City hot dog carts are a staple, so be sure to serve plenty of hot dogs with a variety of toppings.
16. Halal Food
Halal food is a staple food in New York City. There are many Halal carts spread throughout the five boroughs. You could cook this food yourself or have it catered. Through catering, you may be able to get a more authentic taste of Halal food.
17. Candied Nuts
Other food carts in New York City are famous for their candied nuts. Serve them in little paper bags for a more authentic “street food” feel.
18. Steak
Peter Lugers is one of the highest-rated steak restaurants in New York. But because you aren’t in NYC, you will have to make do with a local restaurant or home-cooked steaks. If your party is more extravagant and formal, steak is an excellent New York City theme party main course.
19. Manhattan
Why not serve a Manhattan at your party? It’s perfect for the 21+ crew. It’s a cocktail made with whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters.
20. Deli Favorites
Delis are everywhere in New York. Every New Yorker has their go-to deli too. They provide drinks, food, and loads of snacks at an affordable price. Buy a bunch of deli cookies, cupcakes, and muffins for your guests to have.
21. Bagels
Bagels and a cup of coffee make up the perfect breakfast on the go. There are endless flavors and combinations for you to choose from. There are plain bagels, everything bagels, butter, regular cream cheese, and strawberry cream cheese; the options are endless. Host a bagel bar if your party is in the morning.
22. Pizza
New York is well known for its $1 pizza slices. Serve Brooklyn-style pizza at your party. You can even have your guests make their own pizza! It’s a fun activity and this way you’ll ensure everyone gets what they want.
23. Chinese Take Out
With all of the hustle and bustle of city life, the best feeling is curling up on your couch with some Chinese food. Call your favorite Chinese restaurant and order some for your NYC party.
New York City Theme Party Games and Activities
24. New York Trivia
Host a New York city theme trivia night. Brainstorm New York trivia questions such as “What are five of New York City’s nicknames?” or “How many people live in New York City?”
25. Subway Performance
Split your guests into groups and have them create their own subway performances with props such as boxes and cups. Turn it into a competition by having a judges’ panel vote on the best performance. NYC party activities like these will get everyone laughing.
26. NYC Movies
Print out a list of all the movies and TV shows that were filmed in New York. You can broaden this to include TV shows and movies that were set in NYC even if they weren’t filmed there. Then, have each of your guests try to write as many New York TV shows and movies as they can think of. Count and check the players' answers and award the player with the most correct answers.
27. Bobbing for Apples
What better way to celebrate with the Big Apple then to bob for some apples. Fill a large tub up with water and put apples in and start bobbing!
28. Movie Night
After all the fun and games are over, you can end the night with any classic New York movie, such as "Sleepless in Seattle".
29. Name That Tune
Use Broadway musical soundtracks to create a Big Apple version of “Name That Tune.” Play bits of songs from various musicals and ask the players to name the musical it came from or the title.
New York City Theme Party Supplies
30. Plasticware
No matter what kind of party you are throwing, be sure to stock up on plastic utensils, paper plates, and napkins. Make your plasticware New York City themed by using plates with the Statue of Liberty on them!
31. Paper Hot Dog Trays
New York City is known for its hot dog trucks that sell to millions of people walking around, so why not bring a little bit of authenticity to your guests' experience by including classic paper hot dog trays when serving your food?
32. New York City Theme Tablecloth
The New York City skyline is iconic, so it's important to incorporate this into your party. A tablecloth is a great way to do that!
New York City Theme Party Invitations
33. Taxicab
Start your party off on the right foot by sending invitations that are inspired by the Big Apple. This taxicab invitation is ready to be addressed and sent on its way!
34. Cityscapes
A cityscape silhouette is a great way to add to your New York City theme party invitation. You can draw one onto a black piece of paper, cut it out, and write your party information on the back with a white or metallic gel pen. You can also find great invitations on sites like Etsy that are already made for you!
35. New York City Symbols and Ideas
Cut out invitations in the shape of an apple, the Statue of Liberty, or the Empire State Building. These shapes are universal symbols for NYC. Make sure to still write down the specific theme for the party.
New York City Theme Party: Conclusion
If you are planning a New York City theme party for the guest of honor that loves NYC, hopefully, this list was able to help you with your party planning and more!
Written by Jessica Bundy, Anna Wertman and Mackenzie Hogan; Contributors: Samantha Shek and Mackenzie Hogan
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