Everything you need to know about celebrating New Year’s Eve in Times Square

An iconic Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration is not only a New York tradition, it’s a global phenomenon. Up to 1000,000 flock to the land of LED screens to witness one of the best NYC events in December and for some, ond the best things to do for New Years Eve, including star-studded New Year’s Eve parties, the inevitable surprise engagement and a chance to be featured on live television.

Here’s what you need to know about this year’s Times Square New Year’s Eve.

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Is the New Year’s Ball Drop happening?

Yes!

When is the Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration?

Sunday, December 31, starting at 6pm. 

Who will be performing and what will I see during the Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration?

The New Year’s Eve Ball coverage from the Times Square Alliance begins at 6pm, when you can see performances from Megan Thee Stallion, Flo Rida, Maria Becerra, Yng Lvcas, Paul Anka and others.

Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest begins at 8pm. In Times Square, Rita Ora will co-host while performers include: Jelly Roll, Megan Thee Stallion, Sabrina Carpenter, and Tyla. Over in L.A., Jeannie Mai will co-host with performers: Aqua, Bebe Rexha, Coco Jones, Doechii, Ellie Goulding, Green Day, Janelle Monae, Loud Luxury, Ludacris, Nile Rodgers and Chic, Paul Russell, Renee Rapp, Thirty Seconds to Mars and Two Friends. Post Malone will perform from Las Vegas; Ivy Queen will perform from Puerto Rico; and Newjeans will perform from South Korea.

Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen will once again host CNN’s New Year’s Eve show at 8pm. Catch performances from Enrique Iglesias, Maroon 5, Jonas Brothers, Flo Rida, Miranda Lambert, Darius Rucker and Rod Stewart as well as live interviews with Patti Labelle, Jeremy Renner, Neil Patrick Harris, Bowan Yang & Matt Rogers and a special appearance from David Blaine.

How do I tune in to see the ball drop?

The Times Square Alliance and Countdown Entertainment are streaming a webcast of the 2024 New Year’s Eve celebration starting at 6pm.

You can also watch the ball drop live at TimesSquareNYC.org and TimesSquareBall.net.

You can also experience a virtual Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration with live music and live celebrations from around the world on VNYE.

Or just watch it right here

How much does it cost to get into Time Square on New Year’s Eve?

It’s free!

What time does Times Square close on New Year’s Eve?

3pm. Traffic is not allowed into the square after that. Check here for street closures.

When should I arrive in Times Square for New Year’s Eve?

As early as possible if you want a good view. According to the Times Square Alliance, revelers begin to gather in the afternoon on New Year’s Eve, since the entrance to the viewing areas opens on a first-come, first-served basis.

Is New Year’s Eve in Times Square worth it?

The answer is highly subjective. New Year’s Eve in Times Square is for sure a bucket list item for many people so braving the cold, the crowds and being squished in one space for hours is worth it. But for those who don’t really care about checking this item off a list, it may not be worth it. Using the restroom and keeping yourself hydrated are difficult to accomplish. You may have heard rumors about some people wearing diapers and that’s for a reason. Once you get out of your “pen” it is often hard to impossible to get back in. Plus, there aren’t any portable toilets to use, so you’re on your own. This writer has done it once and once was enough.

How many people are in Times Square on New Year’s Eve?

Usually about 58,000 people.