Everything you need to know about the Times Square ball drop this New Year’s Eve
Image by Anthony Quintano via Flickr
On December 31, tens of thousands of revelers will converge on Times Square to welcome in 2023. Spectators will vie for the best spot to gaze up at the 11,875-pound crystal ball as it makes its way down the pole on One Times Square and rings in the new year at midnight. The annual event is back at full capacity this year after two years of scaled-back celebrations due to the pandemic. Ahead, find everything you need to know about the 2022 Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball Drop. (And for those avoiding the Times Square crowds this year, find a list of fun NYE events, dance parties, and champagne toasts happening across the city here.)
When does the celebration begin?
The celebration officially starts at 6 p.m. when the ball is placed on top of One Times Square. Entrance into the ball drop viewing areas is first-come, first-serve, so make sure to arrive early if you plan on celebrating from a prime viewing spot.
The ball drop itself begins at 11:59 p.m. and takes 60 seconds to finish its descent to the bottom of the pole at One Times Square.
Where can I watch the ball drop in person?
There are four pedestrian access points:
- 38th Street: 6th and 8th Avenues
- 49th from 6th and 8th Avenues
- 52nd from 6th and 8th Avenues
- 56th from 6th and 8th Avenues
The ball drop can be seen from outside the designated viewing areas, along Broadway from 43rd Street to 50th Street and along Seventh Avenue up to 59th Street.
It is strongly advised to travel to Times Square using public transportation, as the streets around the area will be closed to traffic starting at midday on Saturday.
It is also recommended that you bring food and water, but make sure it is not stored in large bags or backpacks. It’s important to keep in mind that there will be no restrooms, and most of the surrounding businesses won’t let revelers use theirs.
Who is performing?
The musical leads for this year’s event are JVKE and Chelsea Cutler, with appearances by a variety of other performers, including Jax, Ava Max, J-Hope, and more. There will also be live dance performances by the Sino-American Friendship Association and ANEW.
How can I watch from home?
Those who can’t make it to Times Square or simply don’t want to stand out in the cold can watch the celebration online at TimesSquareNYC.org starting at 6 p.m. The stream’s programming will last for six and a half hours with no commercials.
TV networks will be hosting their own live New Year’s Eve specials, including ABC’S “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve,” which starts at 8 p.m. and is hosted by Ryan Seacrest.
CNN’s event will be hosted by Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen, also starting at 8 p.m. Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton will co-host NBC’s event, which starts at roughly 10:30 p.m.
More information on the 2022 Times Square Ball Drop can be found here.
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