Times Square New Year: ringing in the New Year in New York
Times Square New Year: ringing in the New Year in New York
Every year, as the clock strikes midnight on 31 December, the eyes of the world turn to Times Square. More than a million people gather in the heart of Manhattan to witness the descent of the famous illuminated ball, a spectacle that marks the start of the New Year. Times Square New Year is much more than a simple event: it’s a worldwide tradition, a moment of collective communion where hope and celebration mingle in an explosion of confetti and lights. Whether you dream of experiencing it for yourself, or simply want to understand the magic of it all, immerse yourself in the fascinating world of the world’s most famous New Year’s Eve.
The Times Square New Year story
The Times Square New Year tradition goes back more than a century. As early as 1904, New Yorkers were already gathering in this district to celebrate the arrival of the New Year, but it was in 1907 that the legend was truly born with the first Ball Drop. The event was organised by Adolph Ochs, owner of the New York Times, to promote the paper’s newly inaugurated headquarters. At the time, the area was still known as Longacre Square, before being renamed Times Square in honour of the famous newspaper.
The birth of an icon: the Ball Drop
The first Times Square ball was created by Jacob Starr, a Ukrainian immigrant and talented metalworker. This original sphere measured 1.50 metres in diameter, weighed 317 kilos and was made of wood and iron, decorated with 100 25-watt bulbs. From the roof of One Times Square, it was lowered down a mast to mark the arrival of the New Year. The inspiration came from maritime time-balls, devices installed in ports in the 19th century to enable ships to set their chronometers.
Over the decades, the ball has undergone several transformations. In 2007, to celebrate the centenary of the tradition, a spectacular new sphere was unveiled. Measuring 3.70 metres in diameter and weighing almost 5.4 tonnes, it is covered in 2,688 Waterford crystals and illuminated by 32,256 LEDs capable of displaying over 16 million colours. This monumental ball can be seen all year round at the top of One Times Square, a permanent reminder of a tradition that never ceases to shine.
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Attending Times Square New Year: the practical guide
Experiencing Times Square New Year in person is a unique experience that requires careful preparation. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of this memorable evening and avoid any unpleasant surprises.
When to arrive and where to stand
The celebration officially begins at around 6pm, when the ball is hoisted to the top of One Times Square. However, the viewing areas fill up much earlier in the day. The most determined spectators arrive as early as midday to secure a prime spot, especially in the areas close to the legendary junction of Broadway and 7th Avenue.
The best views of Ball Drop are along Broadway, between 43rd and 50th Streets, and along 7th Avenue to 59th Street. Access to the viewing areas is only via 6th Avenue or 8th Avenue, at the entry points located at 45th, 49th, 52nd and 56th Streets. Once you have entered a zone, it is impossible to leave or return: you should therefore plan to stay for several hours. To make the wait more pleasant, the official Times Square website organises mini-celebrations every hour from 6pm.
How to prepare for the evening
Times Square New Year’s Eve takes place outdoors, whatever the weather. December temperatures in New York can drop well below zero, with occasional bitterly cold winds and snow. That’s why it’s essential to dress warmly, layering on layers of clothing and choosing technical fabrics such as Gore-Tex or fleece. Don’t forget a hat, thick gloves and comfortable, waterproof footwear.
You should also bring water and snacks, as there are no catering facilities in the viewing areas. Please note: certain items are strictly forbidden for safety reasons, including bulky rucksacks, umbrellas, folding chairs, coolers and alcohol. All bags will be searched at checkpoints. Finally, a crucial detail that is often forgotten: there are no portable toilets available in Times Square during the event.
Times Square on New Year’s Eve
The best way to get to Times Square New Year is undoubtedly by metro. Several lines serve the area, including the 1, 2, 3, 7, A, C, E, N, Q, R and W. However, the 42nd Street metro station generally closes its Times Square entrance at around 10am on the morning of 31 December, although access via 41st Street is still possible. Adjacent stations such as 49th Street may also be bypassed due to the crowds. It is therefore advisable to exit at a station slightly further away and walk to Times Square.
Avoid coming by car at all costs: the streets of Midtown Manhattan are closed to traffic from the morning of 31 December, and parking is virtually impossible. If you are staying at a hotel in the area and wish to visit New York in the days leading up to New Year’s Eve, take advantage of your presence to discover the other wonders of the city with the Navaway audio tours, which will allow you to explore Manhattan at your own pace before the big night.
Alternatives for enjoying Times Square New Year
If the idea of spending several hours standing in the cold doesn’t appeal to you, don’t worry: there are plenty of other ways to celebrate Times Square New Year while enjoying the show.
Attend the event from a restaurant or hotel
Several Times Square establishments offer a direct view of the Ball Drop. Among the most popular addresses are the Renaissance New York, the Marriott Marquis and the Knickerbocker Hotel, as well as restaurants such as the Bubba Gump Shrimp Company and the Olive Garden. Bar 54 at the Hyatt Centric and Tempo by Hilton at TSX Broadway also offer private parties overlooking the illuminated ball. These ticketed events usually include dinner, drinks and, of course, the best view of the show without having to brave the crowds.
It’s essential to book several months in advance, as these places sell out fast. Prices vary considerably depending on the quality of the view and the services included, but you should generally expect to pay several hundred dollars per person for a full evening.
Follow the event live from home
For those who prefer to celebrate in the comfort of their own living room, Times Square New Year is broadcast live around the world. In the United States, the ABC channel offers the famous programme “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” with live musical performances and reports from Times Square. The official timessquarenyc.org website also broadcasts a free six-and-a-half-hour ad-free webcast, accessible from any connected device. A version with subtitles and American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation is also available.
Discover other places to celebrate in New York
Times Square may be New Year’s Eve par excellence, but there are plenty of equally festive alternatives. Central Park hosts a New Year’s Eve Midnight Run followed by fireworks, while the Brooklyn waterfront offers spectacular views of Manhattan’s illuminated skyscrapers. The Harlem district offers memorable gospel services, and many clubs and concert halls across the five boroughs host themed evenings.
After enjoying New Year’s Eve, why not extend your stay and discover New York in a different way? Navaway’s audio tours allow you to explore the city’s hidden treasures, from the historic alleyways of Lower Manhattan to the leafy heights of Central Park and the iconic bridges of Brooklyn.
The Times Square New Year show
Beyond the ball drop, Times Square New Year is a real open-air show lasting several hours and bringing together artists, confetti and shared emotions.
Musical performances and entertainment
Every year, world-famous artists take to the stage in Times Square to give live performances in front of millions of spectators. Headliners are announced a few weeks before the event and regularly include pop, rock and urban music stars. Giant screens broadcast the shows throughout Times Square, allowing everyone to enjoy the show, whatever their position in the crowd.
Between 6pm and midnight, there will be plenty of entertainment to keep the audience entertained. Famous personalities, TV presenters and influencers will be hosting the event, inviting spectators to share their wishes for the New Year on social networks using the hashtag #BallDrop.
The countdown and the shower of confetti
At 11.59pm, the excitement reached its peak. The entire crowd starts counting down the last sixty seconds of the year in unison, as the ball begins its descent down the flagpole at One Times Square. When it reaches the bottom and midnight strikes, a shower of multi-coloured confetti falls on Times Square. Over a tonne of confetti is released into the air, covering the streets and spectators in a snow of coloured paper. Each piece of confetti bears the wishes and messages written by visitors from all over the world in the days leading up to the event.
This magical moment, when hundreds of thousands of people share joy and hope, is broadcast live in over 200 countries. It is the emblematic moment that makes Times Square New Year the universal symbol of the passage to the New Year.
Download the audio tour to discover New York on foot and on your own
If you’re planning to come to New York for Times Square New Year, why not take advantage of your stay to explore the city in all its splendour? New York is a destination to be discovered on foot, neighbourhood by neighbourhood, and the Navaway app is your best companion for this urban adventure. Thanks to its audio-guided itineraries, you can set off to discover Manhattan, its iconic monuments, its lively streets and its leafy parks in complete freedom.
The app offers a tour of New York that takes you through the city’s must-see sites: the majestic Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, Rockefeller Center, the famous 5th Avenue, the iconic Empire State Building, the Flatiron Building, the Chelsea district, the High Line and, of course, Times Square itself. Each place is accompanied by an audio guide packed with anecdotes and historical information, allowing you to understand the soul of the city while strolling at your own pace.
Whether you’re here for New Year’s Eve or simply to visit New York, the Navaway app turns your exploration into an immersive and enriching experience. No need to worry about guided tour times or following a group: you’re free to stop wherever you like, wander the streets, and discover the city in your own way.
Times Square beyond New Year’s Eve
Times Square is not just a place to celebrate on the evening of 31 December: it’s a vibrant and fascinating district that deserves to be explored all year round.
The history and evolution of Times Square
At the beginning of the 20th century, Times Square was still a modest neighbourhood known as Longacre Square. It was the arrival of the New York Times in 1904 that transformed this crossroads into the city’s nerve centre. The newspaper built an imposing skyscraper, One Times Square, which quickly became a landmark for New Yorkers. The district was renamed in honour of the famous newspaper, and Broadway theatres began to set up there, attracting crowds of spectators.
Over the decades, Times Square has had its ups and downs. In the 1970s and 1980s, the area was plagued by delinquency and became synonymous with crime and the underworld. But a vast urban renewal campaign in the 1990s radically transformed Times Square. Today, it is one of the safest and most visited districts in the world, with its giant illuminated screens, shops, restaurants and theatres attracting more than 300,000 pedestrians every day.
What to do in Times Square outside New Year’s Eve
Times Square offers a multitude of activities all year round. Showgoers can attend one of the many Broadway musicals in legendary venues such as Radio City Music Hall or the Gershwin Theatre. Shopping enthusiasts will be delighted by the huge shops such as M&M’s World, the Disney Store and Times Square Toys “R” Us.
For a panoramic view of the city, climb to the top of Rockefeller Center or One World Trade Center. If you prefer museums, the Madame Tussauds Museum in Times Square lets you meet wax replicas of your favourite celebrities. And of course, don’t miss simply strolling the streets, looking up at the brightly lit screens and soaking up the unique energy of this iconic place.
To discover Times Square and the surrounding area in depth, follow the Navaway tour itinerary, which guides you through the hidden treasures and fascinating anecdotes of this iconic district.
Tips for an unforgettable Times Square New Year
Whether you choose to enjoy the experience in a crowd or from the comfort of a restaurant, here are a few recommendations to make your evening memorable.
Planning your stay in advance
New York is packed on New Year’s Eve, and hotels often sell out months in advance. If you’re planning to come for Times Square New Year, book your accommodation as soon as possible. Hotels close to Times Square are obviously the most popular, but you can also opt for accommodation in Brooklyn or Queens, which are well connected by underground.
Make the most of your stay to visit New York in depth. The days leading up to New Year’s Eve are the perfect time to discover the city’s museums, monuments and iconic districts. The Navaway app offers a number of audio tours that will allow you to explore Manhattan, Central Park and Brooklyn at your own pace, in complete autonomy.
Staying connected and sharing experience
On New Year’s Eve, social networks go wild with millions of photos and videos shared from Times Square. Make sure you have an external battery for your phone, as the cold and intensive use can drain your battery quickly. Use the hashtag #BallDrop to share your photos and wishes with the world.
If you’re there, sign up for Times Square Alliance Flash Alerts to receive real-time updates on street closures, weather conditions and safety information. This can be very useful for navigating the crowds and planning your journeys.
Adopting the right frame of mind
Times Square New Year is an intense experience that requires patience and endurance. If you choose to attend the event in the crowd, accept that you will spend long hours standing in the cold, with no possibility of sitting down or leaving your spot. But it’s also an extraordinary human adventure, where you’ll share unique moments with thousands of people from all over the world.
Keep in mind that the most important thing is not just the midnight moment, but the whole atmosphere that reigns in Times Square that night: the collective excitement, the shared laughter, the songs and the shouts of joy. It’s a memory you’ll treasure for the rest of your life.
In conclusion, attending Times Square New Year is an unforgettable experience that embodies the festive and cosmopolitan spirit of New York. Whether you’re in the crowd counting down the seconds to midnight, enjoying a privileged view from a restaurant, or following the event from home, this moment of universal celebration will remind you why New York is nicknamed “the city that never sleeps”. And if you’re lucky enough to make the trip, don’t forget to extend your stay to discover New York from every angle thanks to the Navaway audio tours, which will let you experience the city like a true New Yorker. Happy New Year and bon voyage!
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do I need a ticket to attend Times Square New Year?
No, access to the Times Square New Year viewing areas is completely free and open to everyone on a first-come, first-served basis. No ticket is required to stand in the streets and watch the ball drop. However, if you wish to access a restaurant, hotel or private party with a view over Times Square, you will need to book and pay for a ticket in advance.
What time does the Times Square New Year celebration start?
The celebration officially kicks off at 6pm, when the ball is hoisted to the top of One Times Square. Entertainment and musical performances punctuate the evening until midnight. However, spectators start gathering much earlier in the day, sometimes as early as midday, to secure a good seat.
Can I leave my viewing area and return to it?
No, once you’ve entered a Times Square viewing area, it’s impossible to leave or return. The authorities enforce this rule for safety and crowd management reasons. It is therefore essential to pack everything you will need before entering (water, snacks, warm clothing) and to be prepared to stay for several hours.
Are there any toilets available in Times Square on New Year’s Eve?
Unfortunately, there are no portable toilets available in the Times Square viewing areas during the event. This is one of the major challenges of this experience. It is advisable to use the toilets before entering the gathering areas and to limit your consumption of drinks during the evening.
What if I can’t attend Times Square New Year in person?
If you can’t be in Times Square on New Year’s Eve, you can follow the event live from anywhere in the world. The official timessquarenyc.org website is offering a free, ad-free, six-and-a-half-hour webcast, accessible on computers, tablets and smartphones. Numerous television channels around the world are also broadcasting the event live.
What items are banned from Times Square on New Year’s Eve?
For security reasons, a number of items are prohibited in the Times Square New Year viewing areas, including bulky backpacks, large bags, umbrellas, folding chairs, blankets, coolers and alcohol. All bags are searched at checkpoints. It is advisable to travel light and take only what is strictly necessary.
How do I get to Times Square on New Year’s Eve?
The best way to get to Times Square is to use the New York underground. Several lines serve the area, but some stations may be closed or bypassed because of the crowds. We recommend getting off at an adjacent station and walking to Times Square. Avoid coming by car at all costs, as the streets of Midtown Manhattan are closed to traffic from the morning of 31 December.
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