What to know about the 2025 Times Square New Year’s Eve ball drop
Credit: ABC/ Lorenzo Bevilaqua on Flickr
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.
When does the celebration begin?
The celebration officially begins at 6 p.m. when the ball is raised to the top of the pole at One Times Square. Revelers set on securing a good viewing spot are encouraged to get there early, as the entrance to the viewing areas opens on a first-come first-served basis.
The ball drop begins at exactly 11:59 p.m. and takes its 60-second descent down the pole to ring in the New Year.
Where can I see the ball drop in person?
There are three access points to the viewing areas:
- West 49th Street from 6th & 8th Avenues
- West 52nd Street from 6th & 8th Avenues
- West 56th Street from 6th & 8th Avenues
The ball drop can also be seen outside the official viewing areas, along Broadway from 43rd to 50th Streets, and along 7th Avenue up to 59th Street.
Attendees of the ball drop are strongly advised to use public transportation, as streets around Times Square will be closed to vehicle traffic starting at midday on Tuesday.
It’s recommended to bring food and water, but avoid large bags or backpacks. There will be no public restrooms available, and most surrounding businesses will not allow revelers to use their facilities.
The event will have designated areas for visitors with disabilities, located at 44th Street and Broadway, and can be accessed at the southwest corner of 44th Street and 6th Avenue.
Which streets will be closed?
On Tuesday around 4 a.m., the following streets will be shutdown:
- West 42nd Street to West 49th Street between 7th Avenue and Broadway
- West 43rd Street to West 48th Street between 6th Avenue and 8th Avenue
Additional streets will be closed starting at 11 a.m. on Tuesday:
- West 37th Street to West 57th Street between 7th Avenue and Broadway
- West 37th Street to West 56th Street between 6th Avenue and 8th Avenue
The following closures apply to commercial and large vehicles, including trucks, starting at 11 a.m. on Tuesday:
- North on 6th Avenue from 34th to 59th Streets
- North on 8th Avenue from 34th to 59th Streets
- East of 9th Avenue from 37th to 59th Streets
- West of 5th Avenue from 35th to 59th Streets
How will the subway be running?
On Tuesday, the subway will run on a regular weekday schedule and most bus routes will run on a reduced weekday schedule.
- Uptown 1​ trains will skip 50th Street between 11:45 p.m. on Tuesday, December 31, and 12:15 a.m. on Wednesday, January 1.
- ​​​N, Q, and R trains will skip 49th Street in both directions between 11:45 p.m. on Tuesday, December 31, and 12:15 a.m. on Wednesday, January 1.
- Street level exits at Times Square-42nd Street will be subject to NYPD closures on New Year’s Eve.
- Some entrances and exits at 42nd Street-Bryant Park, 59th Street-Columbus Circle, and 57th Street-7th Avenue may be closed.
- Starting at 2 p.m. the passageway between Times Square-42nd Street and 42nd Street-Bryant Park will be open for eastbound foot traffic only, one way from 7th Avenue/Broadway to 6th Avenue.
- Additional subway service will run on the ​​​​​​​​​​​​​1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, C, D, L, N, Q, R, and S shuttle. The A train will run express until 2:45 a.m.
Who is performing this year?
The musical performers for this year’s event are the Jonas Brothers, TLC, Rita Ora, De La Ghetto, and more. There will also be dance performances by the Sino-American Friendship Association and AGNEW.
How can I watch from home?
Those who prefer to watch the ball drop from home can stream the celebration online at TimesSquareNYC.org starting at 6 p.m. The commercial-free stream runs for six and a half hours.
TV networks will also be hosting their own live New Year’s Eve specials, including ABC’s famous “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin Eve,” which begins at 8 p.m. and is co-hosted by Ryan Seacrest and Rita Ora.
CNN’s event will be co-hosted by Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen for the eighth consecutive year and kicks off at 8 p.m. The show will feature musical performances by 50 Cent, Patti LaBelle, Sting, Meghan Trainor, Shania Twain, Diplo, and more.
More information on the 2025 Times Square Ball Drop can be found here.
For those who would rather avoid the Times Square crowds and while still having a memorable New Year’s Eve, we’ve created a list of exciting NYE events happening across the five boroughs here.
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