The Ultimate Guide to Times Square New Year's Eve Celebration

December 31, 2024 | 03:18 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - In many parts of the world, celebrating the New Year is not just an annual event, but also a long-standing tradition. The New Year's Eve ball drop in Times Square, for example, is said to have taken place since 1830. 

Every year, more than a million visitors flock to Times Square to experience the global sensation firsthand. With fireworks, confetti showers, and some of NYC’s best New Year’s Eve crowds in tow, good times are promised. 

For those looking to wrap up the year as part of the Times Square flocks, here are a few things to note before dashing downtown, as highlighted by Time Out and NBC New York. 

Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball Drop 

Every year, a 12-foot diameter ball weighing around 11,875 pounds will be dropped to ring in the New Year in Times Square. Thoroughly covered with more than 2,600 crystal triangles, each sparkling pattern on the ball represents a different virtue including wisdom, goodwill, love, happiness, harmony, wonder, serenity, fortitude, imagination, and kindness. 

The fascinating sparkling ball event is free and open to the public, so you might bet your place as early as possible for optimal live viewing. In accordance with the NYPD’s street closure notice, attendees are advised to take mass transit. 

The Times Square Alliance adds that no traffic will be allowed into the square after 3 p.m. when the crowds begin to swarm the venue, so be sure to plan ahead for your visit. To avoid any hindrance on your way, here are a few things you need to include in your Times Square New Year’s Eve itinerary. 

1. Schedule 

Much like any other NYE celebration, Times Square New Year's Eve is scheduled to be held on Tuesday, December 31, from 6 p.m. to midnight. While traffic around the area is bound to be closed at 3 p.m., NBC New York notifies that limited on-street parking will be available throughout the day on Tuesday in Midtown Manhattan only. 

Arriving as early as possible in the afternoon will not only secure you a place within the pen, but it will also allow you to see the ball rise from its perch before its giant switch turns on the lights. 

2. Accessible Points

There is nothing more rewarding than claiming a favorable spot amidst the buzzing flocks of the Times Square New Year’s Eve event, so be sure to plan your arrival time accordingly. Another hack to follow is to access the live viewing from 49th Street, 52nd Street, and 56th Street, all from 6th and 8th Avenues, as per NBC New York. 

3. Things to Pack 

Similar to any other day out, the New Year's Eve celebration in Times Square calls for attendees to dress warmly and wear the most comfortable pair of shoes. Following the festivities, make sure to also charge your devices before going out to get the balls rolling all night long. If necessary, a power bank can help your phone last longer. 

4. Prohibited Items 

For safety reasons, the following is a list of items that are not allowed to be in your bags for the NYE event in Times Square: 

• Large backs

• Backpacks 

• Umbrellas

• Lawn chairs or folding chairs 

• Large coolers 

• Alcoholic beverages

• Picnic blankets 

5. Bathroom Availability

It is a well-known fact that there are no portable toilets available in Times Square during New Year's Eve events, and it's probably impossible to get back to your seat once you have tapped in. So plan ahead for your bathroom needs. 

The excitement of the Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration has become an unforgettable experience for attendees from around the globe. By planning ahead, packing wisely, and adhering to safety guidelines, you will be ready to make the most of this extraordinary celebration. 

Editor’s Choice: 5 Places to Celebrate New Year's Eve in Phuket, Thailand

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