Let’s be honest, New York is the place to be all year round. That being said, there’s simply no better place to be on New Year’s Eve than NYC. Between the glamorous parties, next-level fashion, delicious food and Times Square festivities, nobody does NYE better than we do. For over a century, Times Square has been the center of the world’s attention on New Year’s Eve, with the first-ever ball drop happening in 1907. Whether you’re a seasoned Times Square savant or a first-timer, watching the ball drop is a must-do at least once. Here, we give the ins and outs of how to enjoy the big moment, whether you’d prefer to watch it in person, online or during the New Year’s Eve specials.
See also: The 8 Best New Year's Eve Events in NYC
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There’s truly nothing like seeing the ball drop in person. The Times Square New Year's Eve Ball descends from a flagpole at the top of One Times Square, and can best be seen along Broadway, from 43rd Street to 50th Street, and along Seventh Avenue, as far north as 59th Street.
Entry to the celebrations is free, and can be accessed from 6th Avenue or 8th Avenue only. Access points for the viewing area south of 41st Street can be found on 38th Street at 6th and 8th Avenues. Access points for the viewing areas north of 43rd Street can be found on 49th from 6th and 8th Aves; 52nd from 6th & 8th Aves and 56th from 6th and 8th Aves.
Note that alcohol is not permitted for those inside the Times Square viewing areas. Interested in drinking? Consider a private party at one of the restaurants and hotels in Times Square, which do require tickets in advance. Click here to see NYE parties happening at the businesses in Times Square.
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Prefer to watch from the comfort of your own home? Not to worry, you can watch the ball drop live at TimesSquareNYC.org. Tune in starting at 6PM to enjoy the six-and-a-half-hour, commercial-free webcast from your computer or from mobile devices. Pro tip: download the Livestream app on your phone to easily connect to the webcast.
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Would prefer to watch a programmed show with a host this NYE? There are plenty of great options, including offerings from CNN, ABC and NBC.
CNN will be presenting New Year's Eve Live With Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen, in which Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen will host for the eighth year in a row. The show will begin at 8PM on CNN, and can also be viewed on CNN Max.
Have a safe and happy New Year!
Photography by: franckreporter / Getty Images
