The Times Square New Year's Eve Ball descends from a flagpole at One Times Square (43rd Street, between Broadway and 7th Avenue). It is best seen along Broadway, from 43rd Street to 50th Street and along Seventh Avenue to 59th Street.

The earlier you arrive, the better your view and the closer you are to the center of the action. The sound system is located in the Bowtie area (where Broadway and Seventh Avenue intersect), and the video screens at One Times Square (where the ball is lowered) are clearly visible. Additional screens will be set up during the event.

On December 31st, people gather in the late afternoon. The best advice I can give you is to get there as early as possible. I cannot predict how quickly the viewing areas will fill up. Prime spots fill up early in the afternoon. In my experience, you shouldn't be in or around Times Square later than 3 p.m.

At around 6 p.m., the Times Square New Year's Eve Ball will be raised to the top of the mast at One Times Square (Broadway at 43rd Street). At exactly 11:59 p.m., the ball will make its 60-second descent down the flagpole to signal the start of the new year.
Please note: Visitors who arrive very early in the day, before police have set up the areas, may be moved by the NYPD as they set up the barricades.

No. The Annual New Year's Celebration is a free, open-access, first-come, first-served event. There are no public areas available for ticket sales. However, to get the best views, you should arrive early in the afternoon. Many restaurants and hotels in Times Square host private parties. Tickets are available in advance.

WARNING: MULTIPLE VENUE LOCATIONS / PAY ONE PRICE ACCESS TO ALL VENUE LOCATIONS / ALL ACCESS PASS NOTES

There are companies that offer Multiple Venue / Pay-One-Price / All Access passes that advertise access to Times Square on New Year's Eve, which is actually not possible. These companies advertise a pass that allows the holder to visit numerous locations in Times Square on New Year's Eve. Such multi-entry/single-price/all-inclusive tickets are assumed to allow the holder to pass police security checks. In recent years, such passport holders have been denied access to police checkpoints, leaving the holder frustrated and left with no space. It is likely that the police will take the same stance this year.

Furthermore, it was reported by the organizers that black market dealers were selling these passes on the streets at exorbitant prices. In some cases the passports were forged. The Times Square Alliance works very closely with the New York City Police Department and Times Square businesses to minimize such incidents.

On December 31, the New York Police Department will close access to Times Square, starting at 38th Street and Broadway and moving north as revelers arrive. Ball drop viewing begins at 43rd Street and moves north (Up Street 44,45,46 etc.). The exact times that blocks near pedestrian and vehicle traffic will be cordoned off will depend on when the crowds arrive. There is likely to be no vehicular traffic on Broadway or Seventh Avenue after approximately 3 p.m. Vehicles will most likely have difficulty moving through the city after 3 p.m. In the area of ​​42nd Street further north to 59th Street. If you plan to come to Times Square and take part in the festivities, we recommend coming from Sixth or Eighth Avenue. Your chances of getting a vantage point near the ball increase the earlier you arrive. The blocks will be closed as they fill up street by street northward and depending on police assessments.

No, there are no outside restrooms in Times Square during the celebration. You can use the toilets in the surrounding shops, restaurants and hotels. Please note that if you leave your seat to eat at a restaurant or use the restroom, you may not be able to return to your seat, so try to speak to security before heading out.

At entry points and in spectator areas, each person will be searched with a search detector.

• Backpacks, large bags and umbrellas are not permitted, but small handbags and belt bags are. All bags will be searched. People who refuse the search will not be allowed into the security zone.
• Plainclothes police officers will be deployed during the event
• Newspaper machines will be removed from the venue
• Manhole covers are welded shut (41st-50th Street, 6th-8th Street)
• All trash containers will be removed from Broadway and 7th Ave, from 34th to 59th Street
• Street cleaners will be on duty during the event to remove packaged rubbish (bottles etc.)
• Radiation detectors will be used during the event
• Special operations teams are available immediately if necessary
• Security forces (snipers) are positioned on roofs along the event and monitor the access points

Dress warm. Remember that you may be spending extended periods of time outdoors in below-freezing temperatures. You should be well prepared and dressed warmly, lots of layers, wind and water-repellent clothing is ideal and a warm hat is a must. Please note that backpacks, large bags and umbrellas are not permitted, but smaller handbags and belt bags are and all bags will be searched.

Also remember to drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and caffeine. Not only is it illegal to drink alcoholic beverages in public in New York City, but both caffeine and alcohol will dehydrate you. Dehydration is very dangerous and can be particularly severe in cold weather.

Yes. The designated viewing location is 44th Street and Broadway. You get access at 44th and 6th Ave. Please note that this area fills up quickly in the afternoon.
If you have specific needs, please email info@timessquarenyc.org with the details.

No, public drinking is illegal in New York City. The police will confiscate alcohol and, in the worst case scenario, arrest you.

The best way to get to Times Square is by public transportation. To get to Times Square, use subway lines 1, 2, 3, 7, A, B, C, D, E, F, M, N, Q, R, W and S. Please note that the MTA advised visitors not to use the 42nd Street subway station on New Year's Eve due to overcrowding. You should get off at one of the surrounding stations and walk to Times Square. The MTA is expected to keep all subway stations open on New Year's Eve. Some entrances and exits may be closed depending on spectator conditions. Trains may also bypass some stations depending on how crowds develop.

Access to Times Square on the evening of December 31st will only be from 6th Avenue or 8th Avenue. No one is allowed to cross Broadway/7th Avenue when the streets are closed. If your destination is east of Broadway / 7th Avenue, you must come from 6th Avenue. If your destination is west of Broadway / 7th Avenue, you must come from 8th Avenue.

If you are attending a party or event in Times Square on New Year's Eve, contact the company to confirm any special instructions.

Access points:
South of 41st Street

• 37th & 7th Ave
• 37th & Broadway
• 38th & 8th Ave
• 38th & 6th Ave

North of 43rd Street

• 49th from 8th & 6th Ave
• 52nd from 8th & 6th Ave
• 54th from 6th Ave
• 55th from 8th Ave
• 57th from 7th Ave
• 57th from Broadway
• 58th from 8th & 6th Ave
• 59th from 8th & 6th Ave

Yes, go to www.TimesSquareNYC.org on New Year's Eve (December 31) for a live webcast. Further information about the celebration can be found on the live webcast page.

You can enjoy the six-and-a-half hour LIVE event on New Year's Eve in Times Square without any commercials. This also includes live music performances, via your Android or iOS mobile device. There are a few options available to you for live broadcasting from your mobile device: The official Times Square Ball app is available to download for free worldwide from the Apple App Store and from Google Play for mobile phones and tablets. The Times Square Ball app can be found in the Entertainment, Travel and News categories.

More than a ton of confetti is dropped in Times Square to welcome the New Year.