Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Times Square. The energy of the crowd, the anticipation as the ball dropped, and the explosion of confetti created creates an atmosphere like no other. Ringing in the new year in the heart of New York City is a bucket-list moment.
Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Times Square is a bucket-list experience, drawing millions of people from all over the world. From the dazzling ball drop to the electric atmosphere filled with confetti and fireworks, it’s an unforgettable way to welcome the New Year. This event has been a long-standing tradition, with a rich history that began in 1904. Today, it’s a full day of live performances, celebrity appearances, and cultural celebrations that culminate in the world-famous ball drop at midnight.
Here’s everything you need to know about New Year’s Eve in Times Square, from planning your trip to the schedule of events.
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New Year’s Eve in Times Square is synonymous with one of the world’s most iconic and spectacular celebrations. The annual ball drop at the heart of New York City has become a symbol of hope, unity, and the universal excitement of welcoming a new year. Millions gather in the streets, and billions watch from their homes across the globe as the giant crystal ball descends, signaling the start of another chapter. But how did this tradition begin, and how has it evolved into the grand celebration we know today?
The first New Year’s Eve celebration in Times Square took place in 1904, marking the opening of the New York Times’ new headquarters at One Times Square. The building’s owner, Adolph Ochs, wanted to showcase the move by hosting an extravagant event to ring in the new year. He organized a fireworks display that drew over 200,000 people to what was then known as Longacre Square.
The success of the event led to a yearly tradition, and the area soon became known as Times Square, named after the famed newspaper. However, in 1907, the city banned the fireworks display, prompting the search for a new, equally impressive way to celebrate. This is where the story of the now-iconic ball drop begins.
Inspired by a naval tradition of dropping a “time ball” to signal the time to ships in harbors, Ochs and his team decided to introduce a new element to the celebration: a giant ball that would descend from the top of One Times Square at midnight. The first ball was made of iron and wood, weighed 700 pounds, and was lit by 100 incandescent bulbs. It was lowered down a flagpole to mark the start of the new year, and the spectacle was an immediate success.
This marked the birth of the Times Square Ball Drop, which has since grown into a global phenomenon. The ball drop became an annual tradition, and each year the design of the ball and the surrounding celebration has become more elaborate.
Over the years, the Times Square Ball has undergone several transformations, evolving with advancements in technology and changes in design trends.
1920s: The original iron and wood ball was replaced in 1920 with a lighter version made of iron, reflecting the growing sophistication of the celebration.
1955: The next significant change came in 1955, when the iron ball was swapped out for an aluminum one. This new ball weighed only 150 pounds, making it much easier to maneuver.
1980s: In the 1980s, the ball was updated with red, white, and blue bulbs to celebrate the U.S. Bicentennial, showcasing its ability to adapt to cultural and national milestones.
1995: In the mid-1990s, technology started playing a more prominent role in the celebration. The ball was updated with computer controls and strobe lights, bringing a new level of brilliance to the spectacle.
However, the most dramatic transformation came in 2007, the 100th anniversary of the ball drop, when Waterford Crystal and Philips Lighting partnered to create a brand-new design.
The Tiffany Ball and the Modern EraIn 2008, to celebrate the centennial anniversary of the ball drop, a new, state-of-the-art ball was introduced. This marked the beginning of the Tiffany & Co. collaboration, with the ball becoming an artistic and technological masterpiece. This Tiffany ball is made of Waterford Crystal and covered with 2,688 crystal triangles, each intricately designed to represent themes such as hope, peace, and love.
The ball itself is 12 feet in diameter and weighs a staggering 11,875 pounds. It’s illuminated by 32,256 LED lights, capable of creating over 16 million colors and billions of patterns, turning the ball into a radiant, glowing beacon of hope as it descends to mark the new year.
The partnership with Waterford Crystal added an artistic flair to the celebration, with the triangles reflecting both timeless craftsmanship and modern innovation. Each year, the design of the crystal panels changes slightly, keeping the tradition fresh while honoring the history of the event.
While the idea of spending New Year’s Eve in Times Square is thrilling, it requires careful planning to make the most of the experience. From choosing the right time to arrive to navigating security measures, here’s what you need to know.
If you want to get a prime spot for the ball drop, it’s crucial to arrive early. Thousands of revelers start filling Times Square as early as noon, with prime viewing areas packed by mid-afternoon. Once you’ve claimed your spot, you’re in for the long haul—leaving for food, restrooms, or warmth means losing your place. There are no public restrooms or food vendors in the secure areas, so make sure to eat beforehand and come prepared with water, snacks, and patience.
The streets of Times Square are closed to traffic starting around 3:00 PM on New Year’s Eve, and revelers are guided into designated viewing pens. These areas are patrolled by police, and once inside, you can’t leave and re-enter. The secure areas fill up quickly, and they’re closed off once they reach capacity, so the earlier you arrive, the better your chances of getting a spot with a clear view of the ball.
New York City can be frigid on New Year’s Eve, with temperatures often hovering around or below freezing. Dressing warmly in layers is essential to staying comfortable throughout the long wait. Consider thermal clothing, thick socks, gloves, scarves, and a hat to stay warm. Since you’ll be on your feet for hours, comfortable, weatherproof footwear is key.
Even if you arrive early, keep in mind that Times Square can become extremely crowded, so it’s best to bring only the essentials with you, such as small bags that comply with security measures.
Security is a major concern for such a large public event, and the NYPD takes thorough precautions to ensure the safety of the crowd. You’ll be subject to bag searches and metal detectors at entry points to the viewing areas. Large bags, alcohol, chairs, umbrellas, and coolers are strictly prohibited. It’s best to bring a small bag with essential items like water, snacks, a portable phone charger, and an extra layer of clothing.
Additionally, be prepared to stand in place for several hours. While it’s a bit of a physical challenge, it’s part of the experience and excitement of New Year’s Eve in Times Square.
The ball drop happens at One Times Square, a 25-story building located at the intersection of 42nd Street and Broadway. For the best view, try to position yourself on Broadway between 43rd Street and 50th Street or on Seventh Avenue between 43rd and 59th Streets. As the hours progress and more people fill the area, the best viewing spots become more difficult to access, which is why early arrival is key.
If standing in the cold for hours isn’t your idea of fun, several hotels and restaurants near Times Square offer premium viewing experiences. Many of these establishments offer New Year’s Eve packages that include dinner, drinks, and a view of the ball drop from the comfort of an indoor setting.
Some popular viewing options include:
Located just steps from Times Square, The Knickerbocker offers luxurious packages that include rooftop access for the ball drop.
Offers a VIP experience with panoramic views of Times Square.
Known for its prime location and New Year’s Eve events, this hotel offers multiple viewing options.
One of the most touching traditions of New Year’s Eve in Times Square is the Wishing Wall, where people from around the world submit their wishes for the upcoming year. Throughout December, visitors to Times Square can write their wishes on pieces of colorful confetti, which are collected and mixed into the confetti that falls at midnight. These wishes symbolize hope, renewal, and the start of a fresh chapter.
If you can’t make it to Times Square in person, you can submit your wish online through the official Times Square New Year’s Eve website. Thousands of wishes are read aloud during the event, adding a personal and reflective element to the celebration.
Times Square New Year’s Eve 2025 Full Schedule:
6:00 PM to 6:03 PM: Lighting and Raising the Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball
6:04 PM to 6:05 PM: Times Square Reveler Stories
6:06 PM to 6:18 PM: SAFA Chinese Cultural Performance
6:30 PM: Distribution of New Year’s Eve Handouts
6:57 PM to 7:00 PM: Hourly Kia Countdown with Jaymes Vaughan
7:01 PM to 7:02 PM: Times Square Reveler Stories
7:05 PM to 7:17 PM: New Year’s Eve Musical Performance by Megan Thee Stallion
7:56 PM to 8:00 PM: Hourly Kia Countdown with Gotham FC
8:01 PM to 8:02 PM: Times Square Reveler Stories
8:03 PM to 8:08 PM: New Year’s Eve Dance Performance by AGNEW
8:10 PM to 8:12 PM: Highlights of Good Riddance Day
8:30 PM to 8:35 PM: Performance by Tyla on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve
8:37 PM to 8:55 PM: Roaming Street Performance by Triad Brass
8:57 PM to 9:00 PM: Hourly Kia Countdown with Jeremy Hassell
9:02 PM to 9:05 PM: Kia NYE Inspiration
9:10 PM to 9:29 PM: Musical Performance by Flo Rida
9:37 PM to 9:43 PM: Performance by Sabrina Carpenter on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve
9:49 PM to 9:52 PM: Celebrate Every Kiss with Kay
9:57 PM to 10:00 PM: Hourly Kia Countdown with Planet Fitness
10:01 PM to 10:02 PM: Times Square Reveler Stories
10:04 PM to 10:08 PM: Performance by Maria Becerra on Univision’s ¡Feliz 2024!
10:09 PM to 10:12 PM: Carnival “Choose Fun” Moment
10:21 PM to 10:24 PM: #KayKissCountdown TikTok Hashtag Challenge
10:34 PM to 10:40 PM: Performance by Jelly Roll on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve
10:45 PM to 10:48 PM: Kay’s New Year’s Eve Wish
10:57 PM to 11:00 PM: Hourly Kia Countdown with Raúl de Molina
11:02 PM to 11:07 PM: Performance by Yng Lvcas on Univision’s ¡Feliz 2024!
11:08 PM to 11:11 PM: Fontainebleau Las Vegas Celebration Segment
11:12 PM to 11:14 PM: Interview with NYC Mayor Eric Adams
11:16 PM to 11:20 PM: The Associated Press Year-In-Review Video Highlights
11:38 PM to 11:46 PM: LL Cool J Performance on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve
11:51 PM to 11:58 PM: Special Musical Performance by Paul Anka
11:59 PM: The Sixty-Second Countdown and Ball Drop
12:00 AM — New Year’s Day:
12:04 AM to 12:09 AM: Fontainebleau 70th Anniversary Surprise and Ball Re-lighting
While Times Square is the most famous New Year’s Eve destination, there are plenty of other ways to celebrate in New York City:
Central Park Fireworks: A more laid-back (and less crowded) celebration featuring fireworks at Bow Bridge near the Naumburg Bandshell in Central Park.
New Year’s Eve Cruises: Several companies offer cruises along the Hudson River, where you can enjoy dinner, drinks, dancing, and views of the fireworks.
Rooftop Parties: For a luxurious way to celebrate, check out the rooftop parties at places like 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar or Le Bain. These venues offer stunning views of the New York skyline and a festive atmosphere.
Times Square is an exciting place in New York City, but it’s also a gateway to several nearby attractions. Just steps away, you’ll find Broadway, where world-class shows transport you to different worlds with breathtaking performances. For a cultural stop, head 1.5 miles north to the American Museum of Natural History, accessible via the B or C subway lines. This iconic institution offers fascinating exhibits, from dinosaur skeletons to the wonders of space, making it a must-see for all ages.
A short 10-minute walk brings you to Rockefeller Center, where you can take in the famous ice rink in winter or visit the Top of the Rock for panoramic views of the city. For those seeking a foodie adventure, Chelsea Market is just 1.5 miles away, easily reached via the A, C, or E subway lines. This bustling market offers a diverse range of artisanal food stalls, perfect for a quick bite or a leisurely meal.
Find the best things to do in Central Park.
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