NEW YORK — The celebration to welcome in the New Year in Times Square is one of the most anticipated events by 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 of the presentations, in the heart of the Big Apple. As the website says: New Year’s Eve in iconic downtown New York City 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 witness the New Year’s Eve bauble drop in person, with security restrictions. The highly anticipated festivities were also broadcast for television and internet audiences and included a virtual media experience.
Here we answer a few questions if you plan to attend the New Year’s Eve celebrations in Times Square.
Do you have restrictions related to COVID-19?
Currently, New York City has no COVID-19 requirements for outdoor events. If there are any changes, Times Square will update as information is released.
What time should I arrive in Times Square? What time do the festivities start?
The celebration will begin just 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 One Times Square (Broadway at 43rd Street) pole. At exactly 11:59 pm EST, the ball will descend 60 seconds down the flagpole to signal the start of the new year.
People begin to gather on New Year’s Eve afternoon, as entrance 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 from 6pm on December 31st. For that, you can visit TimesSquareNYC.org.
For details on how to share the webcast on your website or blog, visit this page Live webcasts.
Who will perform this year?
Chelsea Cutler and JVKE will headline the musical lineup of the official NYC webcast in Times Square. There will also be dance performances by the Sino-American Friendship Association and the ANEW dance group. Plus, live performances by Ava Max, J-Hope, Osmani Garcia, New Edition, Sech and Duran Duran, plus a variety of activities and guest appearances throughout the night.
New York Mayor Eric Adams will press the Waterford Crystal button which signals the descent of the crystal ball and lead the 60-second countdown to midnight.
The ceremony will begin at 6:00 PM ET with the lighting and sunrise of the New Year’s Eve dance 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 Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration 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 Times Square’s restaurants and hotels, and tickets are required in advance.
What’s 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 some 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 that you exit at one of the surrounding stations and walk into Times Square.
Last year, 49th St N/R/W station and 50th St 1 station were bypassed at noon on December 31st; it is possible that they will close again this year, depending on the arrival of people for the New Year’s Eve party. Also, the 42nd St entrances to the Times Square-42nd St station normally close at approximately 10am.
Pedestrian access points to access 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 you enter Times Square on New Year’s Eve?
Access to Times Square on the night of December 31st will only be from 6th street oa 8th street. no one can cross Broadway/7th Ave once the roads are closed. If your destination is east of Broadway/7th Avenue, must enter 6th street and the road junction closest to your destination. If your destination is west of Broadway/7th Avenue, must enter 8th Avenue e the intersection of your destination. The one exception is for businesses on 42nd Street; for those, you have to enter 41st street yes 8th street.
Access points to the viewpoints:
- South of 41st Street:
- North of 43rd Street:
- 49 from 6th and 8th Streets
- 52 from 6th and 8th Streets
- 56 from 6th and 8th Streets
- Pedestrians and the general public are NOT permitted to cross at northbound, southbound or intersections within the affected area.
Which roads will be closed by December 31st?
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 closures to pedestrian and vehicular traffic will close will depend on when the public starts arriving.
There is likely to be no vehicular traffic on Broadway either Seventh Street starting around 3:00 pm Vehicles will most likely have difficulty traversing the city after 3:00 pm or earlier above 42nd Street and up to 59th Street.
If you plan to come to Times Square and join the festivities, we recommend entering from Sixth or Eighth Avenue. Your chances of getting a vantage point near the ball increase the sooner you get there. The blocks will close as they fill north, street by street, as deemed necessary by police.
Pedestrian access points to access viewing areas:
South of 41st Street:
North of 43rd Street:
- 49 from 6th and 8th Streets
- 52 from 6th and 8th Streets
- 56 from 6th and 8th Streets
Pedestrians and the general public are NOT permitted to cross at northbound, southbound or 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 orb descends from a flagpole atop One Times Square. It can best be seen along Broadway, from 43rd Street to 50th Street, and along Seventh Avenue, to 59th Street north.
The sound system is installed in the Bowtie area (where Broadway and Seventh Avenues intersect) and the video screens of One Times Square (where the ball is dropped) are easily viewable. There are additional screens set up during the event.
Which items are allowed to take and which are not?
For starters, pack up and get ready for the cold. Remember that you may be spending 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.
- Articles NOT allowed:
- Backpacks
- Big bags
- Umbrella
- Garden chairs or other folding chairs
- picnic blankets
- large refrigerators
- Alcohol
Finally, remember to drink lots 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 set in in cold weather.
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 get access at the southwest corner of 44th and 6th Ave. There will be an ASL interpreter for that viewing area.
If you have any questions, please email [email protected].
Will portable public toilets be available?
There will be no portable toilets in Times Square during the celebration.
What is the history of New Year’s Eve celebrations in Times Square?
People have been celebrating New Years in Times Square since 1904.
The first celebration of the descent of the sphere took place in 1907, and this tradition is today a universal symbol of welcoming the new year.
How many confetti are thrown in Times Square on New Year’s Eve?
Typically, more than 1 ton of confetti is thrown in Times Square to celebrate the New Year.
