Everything You Need to Know About New Year’s Eve in Times Square 🎉 -

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When you think of New Year’s Eve in New York City, Times Square is probably the first thing that comes to mind – the iconic Waterford Crystal Ball drop, confetti filling the air, and over 50,000 people celebrating under the sparkling lights of Broadway. Is it all as magical as it seems? Let’s dive into the details to help you choose if this is the celebration for you.

How to Plan NYE at Times Square

Arrive Around 3pm: Don’t get there before 3pm, as the area will be cleared by the police placing the barricades, and you’ll have to leave to re-enter later. Gates open at 3pm, and by 6pm, the prime spots are usually packed. Entry is through designated access points from 6th or 8th Avenue. Once the area reaches capacity, it’s closed. Pro tip: Skip the Times Square-42nd Street and 49th Street subway stops (too crowded) and get off at 50th Street (A or C lines) to avoid chaos.
Access points to enter Times Square’s area:
– 49th Street from 6th and 8th Avenues
– 52nd Street from 6th and 8th Avenues
– 56th Street from 6th and 8th Avenues
Find the Best View: The Ball is atop One Times Square (43rd Street & 7th Ave). Best spots are where Broadway and 7th Avenue intersect near 45th. Generally, you can see the ball drop and also the huge video screens at 1 Times Square between 42nd and 48th Streets, with additional screens throughout the area for a clearer view.
Avoid Scams: There’s no such thing as a pass that guarantees entry after the area is full. Don’t fall for it! Entry after closure is only allowed with a reservation for a restaurant or organized party.
Dress Warmly: Layers are essential, together with gloves, hats, and an Ororo heated vest – you’ll feel the cold even among the crowd.
Leave Big Bags and Backpacks at Home: Only bring with you the essentials (phone/camera, mini portable charger, wallet, snacks, one small bottle of water, hand and foot warmers) in a light tote-bag… NYC style!
No Alcohol Allowed: Drinking in public is illegal in NYC, no exceptions.
Prepare for No Bathrooms: There are no public restrooms, and local businesses restrict access to non-customers. Plan accordingly! Pro Tip: many people wear diapers 😉

What to Expect

Times Square celebration starts at 6pm. The event is free and open to all – there are NO tickets or passes that grant you entrance, and it’s a first-come, first-served event until capacity. After that, the police will only allow late entrance if you can show proofs of reservations for restaurants or events.

Thousands of people from all over the world, bundled up against the cold, bonding over the LONG wait and the excitement of welcoming a new year together. It’s electric… and also chaotic, crowded, and a true test of patience.

Who is performing in Times Square for the 2025 NYE?

This year’s performers will be posted on Dec 2024, and you can check Times Square Official Website for all the updates.

📺 Watch the TimesSquareNYC.org livestream for six-and-a-half-hour commercial-free webcast.

Write your Wish on the Times Square NYE’s Confetti!

You can write your NYE wish on one (or more) pieces of confetti on December 2-28, 2025, between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. Head to Times Square Plaza, between 45th and 46th Streets on Broadway, or submit your wishes online at the “New Year’s Eve Wishing Wall“. Your wishes will be added to over 1 ton of confetti that will be dropped at midnight!

Alternative Ways to Celebrate in Times Square (No Standing for 12 Hours)

If standing in the cold isn’t your thing, here are some more comfortable options – all tickets prices are PER PERSON and update to Dec 14, 2024:

• Rooftop Views: Enjoy NYE in New York City in style.

St. Cloud Rooftop Bar at the Knickerbocker Hotel (tickets start at $2,250 for 21+, and $1,575 for Under 21).
Bar 54 at the Hyatt Centric Times Square (tickets start at $1,399) – one-of-a-kind views from the tallest Rooftop Party in New York.
R Lounge at the Renaissance New York (tickets start at $1,708).

• Family-Friendly Options:

Applebee’s in Times Square: A casual but festive option with food, drinks, and views (tickets start at $729 for the 42nd St location, and at $829 for the 50th St one).
Bubba Gump Shrimp Company (tickets start at $1015).

• Hotels Overlooking the Action:

M Social: All guests are GUARANTEED a live view of the Ball Drop on New Year’s Eve during the entire evening. Tickets start at $1,081.
Marriott Marquis: Ball Drop View rooms require a minimum stay of three nights ($2,700+ per night). Standard rooms? Around $1,200+ per night.

Tips for Spending NYE in Times Square

Dress Warmly: It’s NYC winter! Layers, gloves, hats, and hand and foot warmers + an Ororo heated vest!!!
Pack Light: Security checks are thorough, so avoid bulky bags.
Skip the Drinks: Without bathroom access, you’ll be grateful you didn’t overindulge.
Arrive with Patience: Get ready for a LONG wait.

Is celebrating NYE in Times Square Worth It? 🤔

Everyone who’s done it says the same: “It was amazing… but I wouldn’t do it again!” My personal take? Luca and I celebrated NYE 2011 in a crowd (Las Vegas, not NYC), and we’d never do it again either. It might be an unforgettable bucket-list experience, but only if you’re up to the task – lol.

If you’re a first-timer, love the idea of being part of an iconic NYC moment, and don’t mind the cold or crowds, this might be your dream NYE. But for many (including most New Yorkers), it’s a “one-and-done” kind of thing.

Looking for more alternatives? Check my “New Year’s Eve in New York: Everything But Times Square – Tips from a Local 😎” blog post for more ideas.