New Years Eve in New York City?

Question

I want to go to Times Square for New Years Eve. Has anyone ever gone here for New Years Eve? If so, what are some things I should know before going regarding the minimum amount of money to bring and planning?

Answer 1

Don't listen to them up there, it's a fun thing to do, if you're prepared!! You can see the ball from any location in the square, and it's a crazy thing to do once in your life.

I went last year. Be prepared to stand around for a very long time (we got there at 2,) and be ready to be told to move to different locations at the drop of a hat. They start systematically shutting down side streets, so don't get discouraged if one street is closed, just keep running (and I mean running) down the streets until you find one that is open. Also keeping warm is so important. You have no idea what cold is until you've stood in 22* with a windchill of 17*. I wore 4 layers and that wasn't enough. You've got to have thermalwear on with several layers more... chapstick... nuff said. Bring something to keep your face warm, big muffler would be good (my nose started to turn shades of blue...) Those little camping warmie packs are great!

Also, make sure you bring snacks, especially protein bars, and stuff high in sugar. Once you're in your "pen" you're stuck there, so definitely come prepared.

Go with someone you can talk with for hours, because there's nothing to do. You can't really see any of the musical acts (oh, you can stake out a place near them, but you're going to be asked to move.) And a lot of the "live" stuff is taped earlier on in the evening.

DO NOT DRINK DOWN THERE, it makes it harder to actually keep warm (you might "feel" warm, but your body temp will drop and you won't know it until it's too late,) and you will annoy everyone around.

Honestly, if I had it to do all over again, I would have gotten a hotel room that overlooked Times Square. Great experience, but I'd never do it again, but I get to tell people, "I did that once!"

Have fun though, be safe!!

Answer 2

I agree the only way you will get to see that stupid ball is if you start camping out at Times Square at noon on Dec. 31. I was there last year it sucked to be surrounded by tourists and non- New Yorkers, if you're going to NY do it up go to some bars, walk the streets, but stay away from times square! It is a tourist trap and not worth it.

Answer 3

you are crazy. times square is mobbed and you wont get close enough to see the ball drop. not to mention watch your personal belongings as it can be pickpocket heaven. you cannot park anywhere near there, as streets are all closed off. even cabs cannot come too close to the area. youd have to take public transportation. any club will be over $100 just to get in the door (and thats low). they are way too crowded. drinks are way overpriced, like $10 a drink. it probably wont be easy finding a cab afterwards either.

Answer 4

in case you opt to get everywhere close to it, you've were given to be there tremendous early. there'll be more desirable human beings than favourite this 365 days using hotter temps envisioned. favourite crowd is about a million million. there shall be an addition a million/2 there on sat evening. The level i imagine is on the south aspect. The ball drops on the north. They block the streets, yet Im no longer constructive what time. U going with friends? only deliver some money and rather warmth outfits. i'd be there too.

Answer 5

I have done it.
The best advice.. be there before 8 PM and be prepared to stand in the exact same spot till 1 AM.
No buying anything, no going to the bathroom. no shelter from the cold.
if you get a chance ... do it... you will never forget it for the rest of your life.

Answer 6

It's the pits!