New Year's Eve

Times Square’s iconic New Year’s Eve ball is retired

Photo by Alex Lozupone via WikiCommons

January 16, 2025

Times Square’s iconic New Year’s Eve ball is retired

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After 17 years of ringing in the new year, the New Year's Eve ball in Times Square is hanging up its crystal hat. The ball, which has been in use since 2008, was officially retired on Wednesday due to its "antiquated" lighting system, the New York Times reported. The ball—along with its predecessors—will be on display this fall in a new "time travel history experience" inside the newly revamped One Times Square. A replacement ball is already in production, according to Michael Phillips, president of Jamestown, the real estate firm that owns One Times Square.
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What to know about the 2025 Times Square New Year’s Eve ball drop

Credit: ABC/ Lorenzo Bevilaqua on Flickr

December 31, 2024

What to know about the 2025 Times Square New Year’s Eve ball drop

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The world's most iconic New Year’s Eve celebration returns to New York City on Tuesday. Those eager to ring in 2025 will compete for a spot at the crossroads of the world to watch the 11,875-pound crystal ball descend from One Times Square. Ahead, here's everything you need to know about the Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball Drop, from the star-studded cast of hosts and live performers to the best spots to see the confetti rain down.
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24 ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve 2024 in NYC

Credit: Artem Kniaz on Unsplash

December 24, 2024

24 ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve 2024 in NYC

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As 2024 draws to a close, it's time to celebrate the great moments we've had and kiss goodbye to the ones we'd rather forget. Whether you're looking for a high-energy dance party or a delicious five-course meal by a Michelin-starred chef, New York City offers something for everyone to ring in the new year. Ahead, here are some of the best ways to celebrate New Year's Eve in NYC, from dazzling fireworks and ball drop views atop towering sky decks to extravagant celebrations at luxurious hotels and rooftops.
say hello to 2025!
New Year’s Eve fireworks in Central Park and Prospect Park canceled this year because of drought

Fireworks at Grand Army Plaza in Prospect Park. Photo courtesy of Andrew Gardner

December 4, 2024

New Year’s Eve fireworks in Central Park and Prospect Park canceled this year because of drought

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New York City's parks will be unusually quiet this New Year's Eve. Due to the ongoing drought, firework shows will not take place in Central Park or Prospect Park this year, as first reported by the New York Times. Running non-profit New York Road Runners said City Hall and the Parks Department instructed them to forgo this year's fireworks display during the annual New Year's Eve race in Central Park. In Prospect Park, the traditional fireworks show has been swapped for a drone light show, featuring images of iconic NYC landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty.
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What to know about the 2024 Times Square ball drop this New Year’s Eve

Image courtesy of Kohei Kanno on Flickr

December 28, 2023

What to know about the 2024 Times Square ball drop this New Year’s Eve

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New York City's world-famous New Year's Eve celebration returns to the Big Apple on Sunday. Revelers will camp out for the best spots to view the 11,875-pound crystal ball as it descends from One Times Square to ring in 2024. Ahead, find everything you need to know about the Times Square New Year's Eve Ball Drop, from the best in-person viewing spots to how to watch the event from home.
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20 ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve in NYC for under $150

Photo by Billy Huynh on Unsplash

December 22, 2023

20 ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve in NYC for under $150

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New York City knows how to celebrate New Year's Eve like no other. Amid its endless selection of extravagant rooftop parties and over-the-top events, it may seem impossible to ring in the New Year without it costing a pretty penny. However, enjoying New Year's Eve in NYC doesn't necessarily require you to spend hundreds of dollars. Ahead, we've found 20 New Year's Eve events that cost less than $150 (and some are even free!), from watching a dazzling display of fireworks in Prospect Park to a brewery dance party.
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The ‘2024’ numerals have arrived in Times Square ahead of New Year’s Eve

All images courtesy of the Times Square Alliance

December 21, 2023

The ‘2024’ numerals have arrived in Times Square ahead of New Year’s Eve

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It's nearly time to kiss 2023 goodbye. The iconic, seven-foot-tall numerals that sit under the New Year's Eve crystal ball arrived in Times Square on Wednesday after a cross-country trip. The towering digits are on view at Broadway Plaza between 46th and 47th Streets through Friday, December 22 when they are placed atop One Times Square ahead of the ball drop on the 31st.
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Everything you need to know about the Times Square ball drop this New Year’s Eve

Image by Anthony Quintano via Flickr 

December 29, 2022

Everything you need to know about the Times Square ball drop this New Year’s Eve

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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.)
Get the details
20 ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve 2022 in NYC

Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels

December 22, 2022

20 ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve 2022 in NYC

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For New Yorkers who want to avoid Times Square during the New Year's Eve ball drop, there are still plenty of other options to celebrate the New Year. Ahead, find a few ways to say goodbye to 2022 and hello to 2023 in New York City, from feasting on Singaporean cuisine at the new food hall Urban Hawker and gazing up at the glowing sky during a firework display at Prospect Park to dance parties and champagne toasts at festive venues across the city.
Our NYE in NYC picks here
‘2023’ numerals arrive in Times Square

All images courtesy of Times Square Alliance

December 21, 2022

‘2023’ numerals arrive in Times Square

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It's almost the New Year in New York. The signature seven-foot-tall shining numerals that sit underneath the New Year's Eve crystal ball arrived in Times Square this week. The numbers are available for viewing at Times Square Plaza between 46th and 47th Street until noon on December 23 when they take their place on top of One Times Square.
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How the Times Square Ball is made

The 2007 Times Square Ball during construction. Image courtesy of Focus Lighting.

December 30, 2021

How the Times Square Ball is made

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When midnight hits this New Year's Eve, the Times Square Ball will dazzle people just the same from five feet away or on their television. Making this magic happen is no easy feat, though. To learn a bit more about how the nearly 12,000-pound ball was created, we chatted with principal designer Christine Hope of Focus Lighting, the architectural lighting design firm that conceptualized the current ball more than 10 years ago. From engineering a new system to make all 2,688 Waterford Crystal triangles sparkle to dreaming up the magical light show that plays leading up to the ball drop, Focus Lighting shares the inside scoop on this world-famous tradition.
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New Year’s Eve ball drop in Times Square to be scaled back because of Covid

Image by Anthony Quintano via Flickr

December 27, 2021

New Year’s Eve ball drop in Times Square to be scaled back because of Covid

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After announcing last month that this year's Times Square New Year's Eve celebration will return to maximum capacity, Mayor Bill de Blasio broke the news on Thursday that the celebration will be scaled back to protect attendees from the Omicron variant. Usually hosting 58,000 guests, the celebratory event will be reduced to 15,000 attendees and include additional safety measures like the use of masks. Those planning on taking part in the celebration must provide full proof of vaccination with photo identification.
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Everything you need to host a NYE party in your NYC apartment

Photo by cottonbro on pexels

December 23, 2021

Everything you need to host a NYE party in your NYC apartment

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Ring in 2022 on a festive note with these tips and easy buys to make your apartment (no matter how small) party-ready. Whether you’re eager to leave 2021 behind or you’re looking forward to a night spent reminiscing on the highs of the past year, your New Year's Eve party should feel decadent, festive, and sophisticated. If you’re planning a party for a small New York City space, good news: we have the best tips, tricks, and products that will ensure you and your guests have a night to remember.
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‘2022’ numerals arrive in Times Square after cross-country trip

Image courtesy of Times Square Alliance

December 22, 2021

‘2022’ numerals arrive in Times Square after cross-country trip

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The New Year has arrived in New York. The iconic seven-foot-tall numerals that sit beneath the New Year's Eve crystal ball arrived in Times Square on Monday. The numbers are available for viewing at Times Square Plaza between 46th and 47th Street until noon on December 23 until they take their place on top of One Times Square.
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10 ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve 2021 in NYC without the Times Square crowds

Photo by Edoardo Tommasini from Pexels

December 22, 2021

10 ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve 2021 in NYC without the Times Square crowds

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New Yorkers are emerging and socializing, but we're still being cautious. That means you might not feel like mixing and mingling with a massive crowd of revelers from all over the planet. If you’d rather enjoy a more subtle celebration, check out the events we've listed below. Note that while the parties and performances were still on the calendar at publication, some venues are canceling more populous events in the name of extra caution, so double check before heading out. For all events, you can be sure mask and vaccine-proof protocols will be in place, so plan accordingly.
2022, this way
Before Times Square: Celebrating New Year’s in old New York

The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Picture Collection, The New York Public Library. (1878). New-Year’S-Day In New Amsterdam. Courtesy of NYPL Digital Collections

December 30, 2020

Before Times Square: Celebrating New Year’s in old New York

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Every year on December 31, the eyes of the world turn to Times Square. New Yorkers and revelers worldwide have been ringing in the New Year from 42nd Street since 1904 when Adolf Ochs christened the opening of the New York Times building on what was then Longacre Square with a New Year's celebration complete with midnight fireworks. In 1907, Ochs began dropping a ball from the flagpole of the Times Tower, and a tradition for the ages was set in motion. But long before Ochs and his proclivity for pyrotechnics, New Yorkers had been ringing in the New Year with traditions both dignified and debauched. From the George Washington and the old Dutch custom of “Calling,” to the rancorous tooting of tin horns, one thing is clear, New York has always gone to town for the New Year.
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The famous ‘2021’ numerals have arrived in Times Square

All photos courtesy of Times Square Alliance 

December 22, 2020

The famous ‘2021’ numerals have arrived in Times Square

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2021 has arrived in Times Square. The famous, seven-foot numerals are in the plaza for folks to see up-close and take photos with before they're placed on top of One Times Square underneath the famous New Year's Eve ball. The four numbers use a total of 526 LED bulbs and will be in the Times Square Plaza between 46th and 47th Streets until tomorrow at noon.
Find out more here
On New Year’s Eve, you can sleep in a private igloo under the Times Square Ball

All photos courtesy of Airbnb

December 17, 2020

On New Year’s Eve, you can sleep in a private igloo under the Times Square Ball

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"To honor the strength and resilience" of New Yorkers this year, Airbnb has teamed up with Nasdaq and Mariah Carey to offer two lucky locals (from the same household!) the chance to ring in the new year under the Times Square Ball. The 10th-floor terrace of the Nasdaq MarketSite will hold a heated igloo-like geodesic dome to get cozy in, as well as provide panoramic views of all the live, broadcasted events and performances that will be going on that night. The guests will also get a personal, virtual greeting from Mariah Carey, a $5,000 shopping credit, and dinner by a private chef.
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Here’s what you need to know about Times Square’s virtual ball drop this New Year’s Eve

Photo credit: Countdown Entertainment, LLC, courtesy of Times Square Alliance

December 16, 2020

Here’s what you need to know about Times Square’s virtual ball drop this New Year’s Eve

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In September, the Times Square Alliance announced that its annual New Year's Eve celebration will take place virtually this year, including the famous ball drop. This will be the first time in 114 years that the December 31 event will not have a crowd. But thanks to a new app developed by Jamestown, Times Square will come to the living rooms of revelers around the world. Turning the New Year's Eve experience into a video game, the app lets users create a personalized avatar, explore a virtual Times Square, play games, and live stream the countdown to midnight.  Real-life musical performances, interviews, and countdowns are still happening this year but will be live-streamed instead.
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Times Square’s Palace Theatre overhaul includes outdoor stage and ‘ball drop’ suites

Rendering courtesy of TSX Broadway

January 2, 2020

Times Square’s Palace Theatre overhaul includes outdoor stage and ‘ball drop’ suites

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A mixed-use development project hopes to bring even more bright lights and theatrics to Times Square. A team of developers, led by L&L Holding Company, will provide the ultimate New Year's Eve experience at its new luxury hotel, part of the plan to transform the historic Palace Theatre into TSX Broadway. New renderings of the $2.5 billion project, which involves raising the theater more than 30 feet and building a 669-room hotel above it, show off suites with perfect views of the Times Square ball drop, the neighborhood's first outdoor stage, and immersive retail experiences.
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How to get around NYC this New Year’s Eve

Image by Anthony Quintano via Flickr

December 30, 2019

How to get around NYC this New Year’s Eve

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Tomorrow roughly one million people will brave the cold and uncomfortable conditions to witness a quintessential New York celebration: New Year’s Eve in Times Square. The event is free and open to the public but NYPD will begin restricting traffic in the area as early as 4 a.m. and the viewing areas will start filling up around 11 a.m. so planning ahead is crucial. Here’s what you need to know.
All the NYE details here
New Year’s Eve in numbers: Fun facts about the Times Square ball drop

Photo by Kohei Kanno on Flickr

December 30, 2019

New Year’s Eve in numbers: Fun facts about the Times Square ball drop

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Every year as the clock nears midnight on December 31, anticipation runs high as the world holds its breath waiting for the sparkling New Year's Eve Ball to descend from its flagpole atop One Times Square. We all know that the countdown starts at 10, but there are a handful of other fun facts to muse over when it comes to the city's most lauded tradition. From the wattage of the ball to the weight of trash produced to how long it takes to get it all cleaned up, see what we've rounded up, in numbers, ahead!
More on New Year's Eve in Times Square here
How to spend New Year’s Eve 2020 in NYC without going near Times Square

Photo by cottonbro from Pexels

December 17, 2019

How to spend New Year’s Eve 2020 in NYC without going near Times Square

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New Year’s Eve is one of those events where it seems all of humanity has converged upon New York City. If you fancy rubbing shoulders (or more) with at least a million of them, Times Square is your best bet. But if you’d rather enjoy a more curated, yet still public, experience, check out any of the many events happening in the city as the second decade of the millennium lurches to a close; below is just a sampling. Debauch responsibly–hindsight, as they say, is 2020.
2020, this way
Snap a photo with the ‘2020’ New Year’s Eve sign in Times Square

Photo by Ian Hardy for Countdown Entertainment

December 16, 2019

Snap a photo with the ‘2020’ New Year’s Eve sign in Times Square

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The new year has arrived in New York City...at least in numbers. Two seven-foot-tall numerals, the "2" and "0" in 2020, are currently on display in Times Square, offering the public a chance to snap a photo with the famous digits before they are placed on top of One Times Square. The 2020 signage sits below the crystal-filled New Year's Eve ball and will light up at midnight on December 31, marking the start of a new decade.
Details here
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