Bucket List / Experience Goals
Spend NYE In NYC
Ticked off in December 2014
Count down the final sixty seconds with a sea of strangers in Times Square as the ball drops and confetti falls.
The adventure
By early afternoon the pens along Broadway and Seventh Avenue are already filling. Hours pass in a crush of hats, scarves and anticipation, with giant screens and live performances keeping the crowd going as the temperature drops. Above it all, on the roof of One Times Square, the glittering crystal ball waits at the top of its pole.
At 11:59 pm it begins its slow descent, and the whole square starts counting with it. At midnight the numbers flash, a storm of confetti pours down from the surrounding buildings, couples kiss, and Frank Sinatra's "New York, New York" booms out across Midtown. The noise is unlike anything else, a single roar from a crowd packed shoulder to shoulder between the skyscrapers, while millions more watch on television around the world.
Why it’s epic
- A ball drop tradition dating back to the 1907–08 New Year, when the first ball was lowered at One Times Square.
- A 60-second descent and a blizzard of confetti, some of it carrying wishes written by visitors.
- Live music from big-name performers on stages in the square through the evening.
- Alternatives with skyline views, such as Brooklyn Bridge Park, harbour cruises or a rooftop bar.
What it is
Watching the ball drop in Times Square is a famous New Year tradition.
How to do it
Arrive early in the afternoon; there are no toilets and you can't leave and return.
Top tip
Many prefer a rooftop party or Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Need to know
- There's no ticket for the street viewing areas, but pens fill early in the afternoon and once you leave you can't get back in.
- Large bags, backpacks and alcohol aren't allowed, and there are no public toilets in the pens.
- It's often below freezing, so wear thermals and expect to stand for eight hours or more.
- UK visitors need an approved ESTA before flying.
Plan this trip
- Rough cost
- £2,000 to £5,000 per person, including flights from the UK
- Time needed
- 1 night
- Best time to go
- 31 December
- Fly into
- JFK airport
Hotel prices around Times Square soar for New Year's Eve, and flights to New York over Christmas are at their peak.
Do it yourself
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My experience
Ticked off, but the full story is still to be written up.
Over to you
Is “Spend NYE In NYC” on your bucket list, or have you already done it? Tell me in the comments, and if you've got a question about it, ask away and I'll answer.