(Getty)
The Annual New Year’s Eve celebration in Times Square is free and open to the public on a first-come, first-serve basis, so hopeful revelers do not need to pay to watch the ball drop. No public viewing locations are available for sale, but those wanting to catch a good view of the ball will need to arrive early in the afternoon.
On December 31, the NYPD is closing access to Times Square beginning at 43rd Street and Broadway, and moving north as viewers arrive. According to Times Square Alliance, pedestrians will only be allowed to enter Times Square in the evening of the 31st from 6th or 8th Ave. For more specific access points, click here.
“It creates a hardened perimeter so it won’t allow a vehicle to get in.” Chief of @NYPDCT James Waters
There are no portable public restrooms in Times Square during the celebration. Public drinking is also illegal in New York City, so alcohol and champagne will not be allowed into the square. Police officers will confiscate any and all alcoholic beverages.
Backpacks, large bags, and umbrellas are not permitted into Times Square, and all bags will be searched before entry.
For those wanting to party in Times Square but aren’t looking to stand in the cold, there are many events and parties in Times Square, like a New Year’s even party at the Glass House Tavern, a rooftop celebration at The Knickerbocker, and a New Year’s Eve party at T.G.I. Friday’s. For more information on tickets to these events, click here.
The best way to get to Times Square will be via public transportation– 1, 2, 3, 7, A, B, C, D, E, F, M, N, Q, R, W, and S subway trains all go to Times Square, but the MTA has advised pedestrians not to use the 42nd Street Subway Station because of crowding conditions.