NEW YORK — The celebration to receive the new year in Times Square is one of the most anticipated events for tourists and New Yorkers in New York City.
Like every year, the world awaits that magical night with the lights and energy of the crowd, and the presentations, in the heart of the Big Apple. As the website says: New Year’s Eve in New York City’s iconic downtown has become more than just a celebration: it’s a global tradition.
For this year, the city is safely inviting people back to Times Square to watch the New Year’s bauble drop in person, with security restrictions. The highly anticipated festivities were also broadcast for television and Internet audiences, and included a virtual multimedia experience.
Here we answer some questions if you plan to attend the New Year’s Eve celebration in Times Square.
Do you have any restrictions related to COVID-19?
Currently, New York City does not have COVID-19 requirements for outdoor events. If this changes, Times Square will update as information is released.
What time should I arrive at Times Square? What time does the celebration start?
The celebration will begin shortly before 6:00 pm EST. At approximately 6:00 pm ET, the Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball will rise to the top of the pole at One Times Square (Broadway at 43rd Street). At exactly 11:59 pm EST, the ball will make its 60-second descent down the flagpole to signal the beginning of the New Year.
People start gathering in the followingnoon on New Year’s Eve, as entry to the viewing areas is open on a first-come, first-served basis.
Can I watch the celebration online?
You can start watching it online starting at 6:00 pm on December 31st. For this, you can visit TimesSquareNYC.org.
For details on how to share the webcast on your own website or blog, visit the page Live Webcast.
Who will perform this year?
Chelsea Cutler and JVKE will headline the music lineup on the official Times Square NYE webcast. There will also be dance performances by the Sino-American Friendship Association and the dance group ANEW. Plus, live performances by Ava Max, J-Hope, Osmani Garcia, New Edition, Sech and Duran Duran, as well as a variety of activities and guest appearances happening throughout the night.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams will press the Waterford Crystal button that signals the crystal ball’s descent and will lead the 60-second countdown to midnight.
The ceremony will begin at 6:00 pm ET with the lighting and rising of the New Year’s Eve Ball atop One Times Square. This will be followed by an impressive performance from Hong Kong titled “Fusion, Movement, Inspiration: Hong Kong Rocks!” presented by the Sino-American Friendship Association (SAFA).
To see all the programming go here.
Do I have to buy tickets to go to the event?
No. The annual New Year’s Eve celebration in Times Square is a free event open to all on a first-come, first-served basis. There are no public spaces available for sale.
Some private parties are held at many of the restaurants and hotels in Times Square and tickets are required in advance.
What is the best way to get to Times Square?
The best way to get to Times Square is by public transportation. To get to Times Square, the 1, 2, 3, 7, A, B, C, D, E, F, M, N, Q, R, W, and S trains serve the Times Square area. Please note that certain trains do not run on weekends. In the past, the MTA has advised people not to use the 42nd Street Subway Station on New Year’s Eve due to crowded conditions; it is recommended to exit at one of the surrounding stations and enter Times Square on foot.
Last year, the 49th St N/R/W station and the 50th St 1 station were bypassed as of noon on December 31; it is possible that they will close once more this year, depending on the arrival of people for the New Year’s Eve celebration. Additionally, the 42nd St entrances to the Times Square-42nd St Station normally close at approximately 10:00 a.m.
Pedestrian access points to enter the observation areas:
The most up-to-date transit information is always available by calling the MTA at 511 or by visiting www.mta.info.
How do I get into Times Square on New Year’s Eve?
Access to Times Square on the night of December 31 will only be from the 6th Avenue o to 8th Avenue. no one can cross Broadway/7th Avenue once the streets have been closed. If your destination is east of Broadway/7th Avenue, must enter in 6th Avenue and the closest street intersection to your destination. If your destination is west of Broadway/7th Avenue, must enter in 8th Avenue y the cross street of your destination. The only exception is for businesses on 42nd Street; for those, you must enter 41st Street y 8th Avenue.
Access points to the viewpoints:
- South of 41st Street:
- North of 43rd Street:
- 49 from 6th and 8th avenues
- 52 from 6th and 8th avenues
- 56 from 6th and 8th avenues
- Pedestrians and the general public may NOT cross northbound, southbound, or cross intersections within the affected area.
What streets will be closed by December 31?
On December 31, the New York City Police Department will begin closing access to Times Square from 43rd Street and Broadway, moving north as people arrive. The exact times these blocks close to pedestrian and vehicular traffic will depend on when the public begins to arrive.
There is likely to be no vehicular traffic on Broadway or Seventh Avenue starting at approximately 3:00 p.m. Vehicles will most likely have difficulty crossing town following 3:00 pm or earlier above 42nd Street and as far north as 59th Street.
If you plan to come to Times Square and join in the festivities, it is recommended that you enter from Sixth or Eighth Avenue. Your chances of getting an observation point near the ball increase the sooner you arrive. Blocks will close as they fill up to the north, street by street, as deemed necessary by police.
Pedestrian access points to enter viewing areas:
South of 41st Street:
North of 43rd Street:
- 49 from 6th and 8th avenues
- 52 from 6th and 8th avenues
- 56 from 6th and 8th avenues
Pedestrians and the general public may NOT cross northbound, southbound, or cross intersections within the affected area.
Where does the sphere fall from? Where is the best place to see it?
The Times Square New Year’s Eve sphere descends from a flagpole at the top of One Times Square. It can best be seen along Broadway, from 43rd Street to 50th Street, and along Seventh Avenue, to 59th Street to the north.
The sound system is installed in the Bowtie area (where Broadway and Seventh Avenue intersect), and the video screens at One Times Square (where the ball is dropped) are easily visible. There are additional screens set up throughout the event.
What objects are allowed to take or which are not?
To begin with, bundle up and prepare for the cold. Remember that you might spend an extended period of time outdoors in potentially sub-zero conditions. It must be well prepared and well insulated. Lots of layers, synthetic materials, wind and water resistant outerwear, and a good hat are the keys to staying warm. Please note that all bags will be searched.
- Items that are NOT allowed:
- Backpacks
- Big bags
- Umbrella
- Garden chairs or other folding chairs
- picnic blankets
- big fridges
- Alcohol
Finally, remember to drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and caffeine. Drinking alcohol in public is illegal in New York City and the police will confiscate the alcohol. Also, both caffeine and alcohol will dehydrate you. Dehydration is very common and can creep up on you when it’s cold.
Is there an area in Times Square designated for people with disabilities? Will it include sign language interpreters?
Yes to both. The designated viewing area is 44th Street and Broadway. You can gain access at the southwest corner of 44th and 6th Ave. There will be an ASL interpreter for that viewing area.
If you have questions, please email [email protected].
Will there be portable public toilets available?
There will be no portable toilets in Times Square during the celebration.
What is the history of the New Years celebration in Times Square?
People have been celebrating New Year’s Eve in Times Square since 1904.
The first celebration of the descent of the sphere took place in 1907, and this tradition is now a universal symbol of welcoming the New Year.
How much confetti is thrown in Times Square on New Year’s Eve?
Typically, more than 1 ton of confetti is dropped in Times Square to ring in the new year.