How to Spend New Year’s Eve in Time Square

With only days left of this decade, it’s time to plan out how to ring in the new year. If you’ve never spent New Year’s Eve in NYC, this is the year. The Big Apple knows how to do New Year’s Eve, no matter what your interest. Here’s how to plan for a night to remember. 

2020 New Year’s Eve NYC Ball Drop

There is no bigger New Year’s Eve NYC party than the one in Times Square. How cool would it be to say you were there? But the ball is not for everyone, so plan wisely. Here’s some survival tips for the adventurous.

Meet Up Elsewhere: It is estimated that one million people show up each year to see the ball drop. Most of those one million are trying to get into designated viewing areas that are closed off with barricades. These areas are packed tight and hard to move around in. If you want to go with friends, don’t plan on meeting there. Rally the troops at a subway station or bar and walk in together.

Get There Early: And we mean early. The city closes Times Square off to traffic and barricades viewing areas around 1:30 P.M. Getting a good spot means getting to Times Square around this time. Once the barricades are up, there are set entry points along 6th Avenue, 7th Avenue, 8th Avenue, and Broadway that are your only way into the viewing areas. Entering at 6th Avenue gives you the best chance at a straight-on view of the New Year’s Eve NYC ball dropping.

Be Prepared

While you can’t bring a lot with you to watch the ball drop, there are other ways to plan ahead. Some of these involve knowing what to wear and supplies you need. 

Bring a Coat with Lots of Pockets: Large bags are not allowed in viewing areas and all small bags are searched. All this adds up to stuffing your pockets full of snacks and drinks to get you through the night.

Buy Stock in Hand Warmers: Weather on New Year’s Eve in NYC is unpredictable. Temperatures may get below freezing and there is always the possibility of rain or snow. Umbrellas aren’t allowed in the viewing area, but hand warmers are. Pick up disposable ones at your local drug store or invest in a reusable one if hanging out in the cold is your thing. They’re easy to carry and will keep you toasty warm for hours. 

People Actually Do This: Adult diapers. Okay, this tip isn’t for everyone. But there are no bathrooms in the viewing areas and you might be getting there in the early afternoon. Some of us just can’t go that long without going to the bathroom. Adult diapers will allow you to stay hydrated and not have to worry about losing your spot due to your small bladder. If you just can’t bring yourself to going the diaper route, make sure to drink slowly. Stay away from coffee and alcohol since both dehydrate you, forcing you to drink more. 

Buy the Glasses: Yes, they are cheesy. Yes, you will never wear them again. But, the cheese factor with this event is already huge and they are iconic. What better way to show people you stood for 10 hours on New Year’s Eve in NYC without being able to eat or use the bathroom? Or better yet, bring your own and save $20. 

Parties with a View

If you love the city but feel anxious about the elements at Times Square, there are other ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve in NYC. There are all kinds of parties going on in the city ranging from Times Square restaurants to harbor cruises.

Madam Tussauds New Year’s Eve: Here’s your chance to watch the ball drop with the hottest celebs! Get pictures with all your favorite (wax) entertainers while you party in New Year’s Eve NYC style. Enjoy appetizers and drinks as you experience all that Madam Tussauds offers while counting down the year’s last few hours. Act quickly and you may even be able to grab VIP tickets to the Viewing Gallery. There, you can watch the ball drop live without having to deal with crowds and weather.

Hyatt Centric Times Square: The Hyatt’s rooftop bar is considered one of the best in Times Square. This upscale bar is a great venue to watch all the night’s events without the worries of being down on the street. The tickets are not cheap but well worth it if comfort is what you are looking for. Price of admission gets you five hours of open bar and delicious appetizers. You can also dance the year away with a live DJ on the tallest rooftop lounge in NYC.

Celebrations for the Whole Family

AMC 42nd Family Fun New Years Eve: Bring the whole family to this alcohol free NYC New Year’s Eve party. AMC Times Square blocks off the third floor for all ages fun. Watch movies all night while you wait to ring in the new year. There will also be arcade games, full movie concessions, and a live DJ for the kids to dance up a storm.

Bowlmor Times Square New Year’s Eve: Bowlmor is turning their two floors of bowling-friendly space into an all ages New Year’s Eve NYC party zone. Select packages include a private lane and all night bowling. There’s also a live DJ, dancing, and an open bar for the adults. The second floor will be a carnival with tons of arcade games and prizes.

Harbor Cruises

Manhattan II: There are other places than Times Square to celebrate New Year’s Eve in NYC. The Manhattan II offers a fun night cruising the waterways around the city. The night starts with a champagne tasting and ends with the harbor’s firework display. In between there will be hors d’oeuvres, music by the jazz trio “Sound Waves,” and wonderful views of the New York skyline. Act fast because it’s filling up.

World Yacht Princess: This is the party to book if elegance is more your thing than adult diapers. This luxury yacht offers some of the best dining in New York Harbor. Climb aboard for a delicious 4-course meal and a night cruising around the city. Of course there will be an open bar and plenty of dancing. End the night with a perfect view of the New Year’s Eve NYC Harbor fireworks display. 

Final Thoughts

Additionally, you can head to Balldrop.com or Nycnewyears.com for a complete list of parties in the city. 

Not looking to make the trip into the throng? Zeppelin Hall is also hosting New Year’s Eve festivities! Head over for: 

• the ball drop projected on massive screens.
• no cover
• a dj.
• champagne.
• free hats and noisemakers, and
• unlimited free parking.

Make 2020 a year to remember by starting off in a memorable way with friends and loved ones.