The best hotels near Times Square
These hotels near Times Square are the best for a vacation in the heart of NYC. And they’re non-touristy, too!
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.
RECOMMENDED: Full guide to New Years Eve in NYC
Is the New Year’s Ball Drop happening?
Yes!
When is the Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration?
Friday, 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 begins at 6pm with live performances from Chelsea Cutler, JVKE, the Sino-American Friendship Association and dance group ANEW, plus the USO Show Troupe, as well as an array of special activities and appearances that will happen throughout the evening.
Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest begins at 8pm with performances from Duran Duran, JAX, J-Hope, and New Edition in Times Square; Ciara, Aly & AJ, Bailey Zimmerman, and Ben Platt, Fitz and the Tantrums, Halle Bailey, Lauren Spencer Smith, Maddie & Tae, Shaggy and TXT from Disneyland; and D-Nice hosting with Armani White, Betty Who, Dove Cameron, Finneas Nicky Youre and Wiz Khalifa from L.A.; and more.
Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen will once again host CNN’s New Year’s Eve show at 8pm.
Miley Cyrus will co-host NBC’s event with Dolly Parton and Miley Cyrus are hosting theirs on NBC starting at 10:30pm.
How do I tune in to see the ball drop?
The Times Square Alliance and Countdown Entertainment are streaming a webcast of the 2022 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.
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 Time 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.
