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The New York Journal · Things to Do

Where to Watch the Ball Drop: New Year’s Eve in NYC

Times Square, fireworks in Central Park and Prospect Park, or a quieter view: how to plan New Year’s Eve in New York.

By Luxury Travel NYC Editorial··7 min read

Warm theater district lights at dusk seen softly through a car window

In brief

  • The Times Square celebration is free with no tickets; viewing areas open at 3 p.m. on December 31 and fill on a first-come basis.
  • Enter from 6th or 8th Avenue at 45th, 49th, 52nd or 56th Street. There is no re-entry, no portable restrooms and no food vendors.
  • Backpacks, large bags, umbrellas, chairs, coolers, alcohol and drones are not allowed.
  • The ball begins its 60-second descent at 11:59 p.m. For a calmer midnight, watch the fireworks in Central Park or Prospect Park instead.

Watching the ball drop in Times Square is on many lifetime lists, and it is genuinely free to attend. It is also a long, cold, standing-room-only day with strict rules. This guide covers how the Times Square celebration works, what to expect, and the alternatives that many New Yorkers prefer. Details below follow the Times Square Alliance’s official FAQ; confirm the current year’s arrangements before you go.

Where to watch the ball drop in Times Square

The ball descends from a flagpole atop One Times Square. It is raised at around 6 p.m. and, at exactly 11:59 p.m., begins a 60-second descent to mark the new year. The public viewing areas are the pens set up along the avenues north of the ball, reached through official entry points.

Times Square New Year’s Eve at a glance (per the Times Square Alliance FAQ)
QuestionAnswer
Is it free?Yes. No tickets are needed for the outdoor celebration
When do viewing areas open?3 p.m. on December 31
Where do I enter?6th or 8th Avenue at 45th, 49th, 52nd or 56th Street
Can I leave and come back?No. Once you leave a viewing area, you cannot return to your spot
Are there restrooms?No portable restrooms in Times Square during the celebration
Is there food?No licensed food or drink vendors in the viewing areas
When does the ball drop?Its 60-second descent begins at 11:59 p.m.

When to arrive

Viewing areas open at 3 p.m. and fill from the front back through the evening. How quickly they fill depends on the year and the weather, so arriving in the afternoon is the only way to be sure of a place. Everyone passes through security screening on the way in.

What you can’t bring

  • Backpacks and large bags
  • Umbrellas
  • Folding or lawn chairs and picnic blankets
  • Large coolers
  • Alcohol (public drinking is illegal in New York City)
  • Drones and weapons

Watch the ball drop without the crowds

Fireworks in Central Park

New York Road Runners holds its Midnight Run in Central Park: the countdown begins at 11:59 p.m. and a fireworks display at midnight starts the four-mile race. You don’t have to run to enjoy the atmosphere; check the NYRR Midnight Run page for this year’s details. Our Central Park guide covers the park itself.

Fireworks in Prospect Park, Brooklyn

The Prospect Park Alliance hosts its annual New Year’s Eve fireworks at Grand Army Plaza, with live entertainment from 10 p.m. and fireworks at midnight. See the Prospect Park Alliance listing for the current year.

Watch the official webcast

The Times Square Alliance streams a free, commercial-free webcast of the night starting at 6 p.m. on December 31, with open captions and ASL interpretation. It is the most comfortable way to see the ball drop up close.

A restaurant, bar or hotel party

Private parties at venues in and around Times Square require advance tickets, and many restaurants and hotels hold ticketed New Year’s Eve dinners. Book these weeks ahead; see our Where to Eat guide for ideas.

Getting around on New Year’s Eve

Streets around Times Square close to traffic during the celebration, and pedestrians cannot cross through the area freely. If you are traveling by car to dinner or a party, plan a drop-off well away from the closures and allow extra time, especially after midnight, when the whole city heads home at once.

Where to stay for New Year’s Eve

The holidays are the busiest hotel season of the year, so book as early as you can. A Midtown hotel puts Times Square within walking distance; a quieter base uptown makes it easier to come and go. See NYC hotels for the holidays.

FAQ

Questions, Answered

Where can I watch the ball drop in NYC?

In the public viewing areas north of One Times Square, entered from 6th or 8th Avenue at 45th, 49th, 52nd or 56th Street. Alternatives include fireworks in Central Park and Prospect Park, or the free official webcast.

Do you need tickets to watch the ball drop?

No. The outdoor Times Square celebration is free and first-come, first-served. Only private venue parties require tickets.

What time should I get to Times Square on New Year’s Eve?

Viewing areas open at 3 p.m. and fill through the evening, so plan to arrive in the afternoon.

What time does the ball drop?

The ball begins its 60-second descent at 11:59 p.m., reaching the bottom at midnight.

Are there bathrooms in Times Square on New Year’s Eve?

No. There are no portable restrooms during the celebration, and you cannot return to your spot if you leave.

What can’t you bring to Times Square on New Year’s Eve?

Backpacks, large bags, umbrellas, chairs, blankets, large coolers, alcohol, drones and weapons.

How do I watch the ball drop without the crowds?

Watch the free official webcast, see the fireworks in Central Park or Prospect Park, or book a ticketed dinner or party.

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