New Year’s Eve is possibly the best time you can be in New York. Period. Where else will you find a fantastic combination of lighting, fireworks, decoration, entertainment, and sumptuous dining? This means that there’s plenty to check out, right from the iconic New Year’s Eve celebration in Times Square and the Ball Drop to Broadway shows and beyond. 

Indeed, NYC resembles a mega carnival in the build-up to the New Year celebrations and you should definitely make the most of it! Here is a handy guide that you can use if you’re planning to come down soon. 

New Year’s Eve Celebration in Times Square

The Legendary Times Square Ball Drop 

The New Year’s Eve ball drop at Times Square is one of the most popular events on the occasion. Before we get into the top places to watch this extravaganza, here are some fun facts you should know: 

• The celebration started in 1907. 
• It was started by then-New York Times owner Adolph Ochs to celebrate the newspaper's establishment of its new headquarters.  
• Jacob Starr designed the very first ball with iron and wood. It was lit up with 100 bulbs with a diameter of five feet. 
• The ball now has a diameter of 12 feet while using 32,000+ LED lamps. 
• It has been showcased over the One Times Square building from 2009 onwards. 

The best places to watch the ball drop in Times Square

Now, coming to the best places, here are some of the options: 

• The Renaissance New York Times Square Hotel offers amazing views, especially from the rooms on the terrace.
• If you’re on Broadway (43rd-50th Street), then you can also expect great views of the Ball Drop.
• Another option is Seventh Avenue till 59th Street.
• If you can, get inside what is known as the Bowtie, the intersection of Seventh Avenue and Broadway. The area fills up swiftly with the prime viewing zone between 42nd and 48th Street.

Times Square Countdown: A Night Like No Other

The Times Square Ball Drop countdown is a thrilling experience that you’ll never find anywhere else! Here’s what you can expect as part of the celebrations: 

• You can send your wishes/greetings as part of the Wishing Wall till the 25th of Dec. Thousands of these wishes will rain down as confetti in the build-up to the New Year at Times Square. 
• Celebrity performers in 2024 included Flo Rida, Jelly Roll, Paul Anka, and many others. 
• The Ball will be raised and lit between 6-6.03 pm on 31st December with special effects all around Times Square
• There will be ten-second countdowns every hour, leading to the big moment, while Fontainebleau Las Vegas will perform from 11.08 pm. 
• The 60-second countdown begins from 11.59 pm where Gotham FC champions and the Mayor of New York City will lead the celebrations. The former will push the button for the Ball Drop. 
• New Year’s Eve confetti will be released from the rooftops and there will be fabulous lighting effects for the company. 

Sounds exciting? This is one of the biggest New Year’s Eve events in NYC that you should tick off your bucket list! 

Beyond Times Square

Of course, it’s not all about NYC New Year’s Eve celebrations at Times Square, as you’ll soon find out.

• You can take part in the Mummers Parade, one of the top NYC parades with costumes, live performances, music, and more.
• And if you’re looking for something smaller with a big heart, try the Columbus Citizens Foundation- New Year’s Eve Party (8 PM onwards on 31st December) at 8 East 69th Street. 
• Head to Brooklyn’s Grand Army Plaza where you can view fabulous fireworks, courtesy of the Prospect Park Alliance. It is a free event beginning at 11 PM with hot beverages, live music, and a midnight display that will take your breath away. 
• Central Park also hosts one of the most iconic New York carnivals, complete with a Midnight Run (held annually) where thousands take part and an equally impressive display of fireworks at the Bow Bridge (around 8 PM).
• You can also have a blast at Tavern on the Green with entry into the Central Park New Year’s Eve Gala. Tickets at the event (9 PM-2 AM) cover multi-course dining, an open bar, snacks, live entertainment, and great seats for the fireworks show! 

Family-Friendly New Year’s Eve Activities

It’s not all partying and events in NYC for New Year’s celebrations. There are several family-friendly activities that you can also indulge in. These include: 

• Go ice skating- NYC is home to several rinks including the Rockefeller Center ($40-90 for tickets), Wollman Rink ($27-38) in Central Park, Bryant Park (free entry) at the Bank of America Winter Village, and so on. Get out there with your little ones and have a blast! 
• Children’s Museum of Manhattan- Your kids will love the celebrations with storyteller-songwriter, puppeteer, and actress Flor Bromley at this popular attraction. 
• New York Public Library- The hallowed institution is hosting a New Year’s countdown party from 11 AM on 30th December. Dancing aside, there will be a high-voltage performance by Grammy-nominated artist Fyütch. 
• Staten Island Children’s Museum- Visiting Staten Island is an experience worth savouring for the whole family and once you’re there, head to this lovely museum on the 31st of December. They’re offering a dance party, party favours, and a balloon drop with countdowns at noon and 2 PM. 

NYC’s Live Concerts and Shows

What’s New Year’s Eve without some grungy or rock (whatever matches your mood) music or a dramatic theatrical show? If your thoughts are going in the same direction, you’ll naturally want inputs on the top shows and concerts in New York on New Year’s Eve.

While there are quite a few actually, here are some of the best ones worth considering: 

• Madison Square Garden- Phish will perform this year from December 28th to 31st, as an annual tradition. You can buy live tickets online or choose a travel package that bundles tickets with other purchases. 
• Broadway- If you’re a theatre buff, look no further than Broadway, with top shows like Beauty and the Beast, Jersey Boys, and Dr Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas on offer. Then there’s the Lion King, Wicked, and even the nostalgic Phantom of the Opera for your consideration. 
• UBS Arena- Tune into a fabulous performance by the legendary Billy Joel at the arena from 9.30 PM onwards on the 31st of December. 
• The Paramount- This is where you’ll catch the Concierto de The New York Bee Gees en Huntington from 10-11.30 PM on the 31st. 

Dining Experiences in NYC

NYC has plenty of incredible dining experiences to offer on New Year’s Eve as well. Here are some of the top spots worth trying: 
Gage & Tollner- Dig into the New Year’s Eve prix fixe dinner with canapés, shrimp, Vermont lamb, and optional wine pairings on offer. Average prices- $175 per person

1. Emmett’s On Grove- Enjoy special pizza appetizer towers with meatball sliders, pies, and more for New Year’s Eve at competitive al la carte pricing. 
2. 9 Jones- Fancy Greek food? Check out this private club that’s hosting an exclusive caviar-based NYE dinner cum party. From bespoke cocktails to gourmet dishes, this is where all the action’s at! Average prices- $200 per person 
3. Pink Taco- You don’t want to miss its famous party and mini buffet for those who want to enjoy the Times Square celebrations minus the chill! Tickets also include an open bar and start from $99 per person 
4. Le Crocodile- French food comes alive, including Panisse with meyer lemon and foie gras mousse at this fabulous joint. They’re offering a four-course prix fixe menu for NYE along with a vast champagne list. Average prices- $165 per person 

Midnight on the Hudson

How does a New Year’s Eve cruise in New York sound? Pretty exciting right? You can book fabulous boat parties and luxurious yacht cruises, enjoying gourmet food and drinks along with magnificent views of the NYC skyline.

• The New Year’s Eve All-Inclusive Party Cruise on the Hudson, for instance, offer an open bar with unlimited spirits, midnight champagne toast, a wide selection of food, a live DJ, and stunning views of the fireworks at midnight. 
• Then there’s the NYC New Year’s Eve Cruise with Champagne that offers views of attractions like the Statue of Liberty, Governor’s Island, and Ellis Island, in tandem with the fireworks.
• You’ll also love the hot tub boat parties (imagine how spectacular it will be) along with theme-based options like the Hip Hop & R&B Yacht Party Cruise (from $34.95) at the Skyport Marina or the Bailar Reggaeton: NYC Boat Party (same pricing and location). 

Getting Around NYC on the Big Night

Getting around can be cumbersome if you’re relying on taxis or private vehicles. Here are some handy tips you can use: 

Public Transit

• Subway: 
  • The MTA will run subways as per the regular schedule, with exits closed at the 42nd Street/Times Square station
  • Additional subway services will be offered along with the Times Square-Grand Central Shuttle train.
• Bus:
  • Buses will follow the regular schedule with detours on midtown Manhattan routes in some cases. 
• Train
  • NJ Transit lines will be available, with extra services from Penn Station New York. 
• Ferries:
  • The Long Island Rail Road Service will have extra trains while you can also check out PATH and Metro-North routes. 
  • NYC Ferry, Statue Cruises, and NY Waterway services will also be available. 

Insider Tips

• Use 2nd Avenue subways to avoid crowded trains 
• Schedule rides in advance and share with other party hoppers
• Download the NYC Transit or MTA app for the best routes 
• Use Google Maps or Citymapper to combat traffic
• Compare prices on all rideshare apps and use the OMNY contactless system for quick subway and bus rides
• Get your unlimited MetroCard beforehand

You can also explore New York on foot, covering the stretch of the Brooklyn Bridge to watch the fireworks and the glimmering skyline. For Times Square, access is only allowed from the 8th or 6th Avenue. 

Safety in Crowds: Pro Tips for a Worry-Free Night

• Try to arrive at viewing areas with groups and keep checking in periodically 
• Don’t accept invitations from strangers and be aware of your surroundings
• Keep your bag close and carry your wallet and phone in the front packet
• Keep your phone charged or get a portable charger 

Where to Stay: 

Try to find accommodation in centrally-situated areas in NYC. You can check out serviced apartments for short and long-term stays.

Planning Your Visit to Times Square

Here’s how to make the most out of New Year’s Eve celebration in Times Square. 

• Arrive as early as you can (viewing areas open at 3 PM) to get the best spots
• Dress in layers for the chilly weather and bring your raincoat, added socks, and hat (umbrellas are not permitted)
• Carry snacks and water along with adult diapers (washrooms are not accessible from viewing areas)
• Enter only from 8th or 6th Avenue. Once the main area closes, you cannot cross 7th Avenue or Broadway 
• The best place to watch is from 43rd to 50th Street (Broadway) or along 7th Avenue to the 59th Street 
• Leave your bags and backpacks at home and avoid carrying alcohol

FAQs

Where is the ball lowered? Where is the best view? 

The ball is lowered at the stroke of midnight and the best viewing spots are between 43rd-50th Street or 59th Street on 7th Avenue. 

When should I get there? When does the celebration begin? 

The celebrations start from the Countdown stage at 6 PM when the ball is lit up and raised. You should get there before 2-3 PM at least since the viewing areas fill up really quickly. 

What streets will be closed for the celebrations? 

Broadway and 7th Avenue are closed from streets 38-57 and the 6th-8th Avenue, streets 38-56 remain closed. 

I have a disability. Will there be a designated area for me to watch the Ball Drop? 

There is a designated zone for those who have disabilities. It is at Broadway and 44th Street (accessible from the 6th Avenue and 44th southwest corner). 
 

Conclusion

Celebrating New Year’s Eve in NYC is a dream come true if you’re in the mood for some serious fun and merrymaking. Book your apartment in advance and plan your outings to Times Square and other party hotspots on the big night. 
Here’s to ringing in 2025 in style in NYC!