The winters might be frigid in New York, but the city’s New Year’s Eve celebrations surely make it a hot item on many people’s bucket lists. It is one the world’s biggest celebrations to ring in the new year and is televised worldwide. Sure, the crowd can get crazy, but with proper planning and preparation, you’re in for an unforgettable experience watching the Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball (or just the “Ball”) drop as everyone around you welcomes the new year together!
Photo credit @timessquarenyc on Instagram
So how do you watch the ball drop in Times Square?
Here, we’ll share some tips and information to help you plan out your trip if you will be in New York in time for the 2024 New Year’s Eve celebrations or if you’re particularly planning to be in the city just for the party!
Where is the Ball drop?
The Ball drops from the flagpole atop the iconic One Times Square building on Times Square in Manhattan, New York City. Even if you’re unsure if you’ve seen a photo of this historic building, we’re pretty sure one image search of New York City on the internet, and you’re bound to see this skyscraper.
When does the Ball drop in Times Square?
The 2024 New Year’s Eve celebrations kick off on December 31st at around 6:00 PM EST when the iconic Ball begins its climb up the pole at One Times Square. It will remain there at the top until 11:59 PM, when it starts its slow descent for a full minute, reaching the bottom at exactly midnight to officially welcome the new year!
Where are the best spots to watch the Ball drop in Times Square?
Based on the official website of Times Square, the Ball can be viewed from 43rd Street to 50th Street on Broadway, as well as along Seventh Avenue up to 59th Street. Most of the streets in Midtown Manhattan will be closed in preparation for the New Year’s celebrations, and the only access to Times Square will be from 6th Avenue and 8th Avenue. You can take note of the entry points for the viewing areas here:
- 49th Street from 6th and 8th Avenues
- 52nd Street from 6th and 8th Avenues
- 56th Street from 6th and 8th Avenues
Please remember that these viewing points are on the street and in open-air areas. New York winters can bring temperatures well below freezing, so dress warmly, as you’ll likely be outdoors for several hours waiting for the Ball to drop. You should also anticipate large crowds, so be sure to wear comfortable clothing and avoid anything too fancy (or spikey)!
If you don’t want to spend several hours standing on the street with the crowds, there are plenty of rooftop bars and restaurants nearby where you can watch the Ball drop in Times Square. Just a heads up: the convenience and style do not come cheap, with reservations usually starting around $350 USD per person. Here are some spots you might want to check out!
The Rooftop at Edison Ballroom
- Address: 221 West 46th Street, New York
- Prices start from $349
Applebee’s 50th Street
- Address: 205 West 50th Street, New York
- Prices start from $829
AMC 42nd Street
- Address: 234 West 42nd Street, New York
- Prices start from $599
The Knickerbocker
- Address: 6 Times Square, New York
- Prices start from $1,175 + tax
Where do you stay to watch the ball drop in Times Square?
If you are specifically visiting New York to watch the Ball drop in Times Square, then finding accommodations nearby can significantly enhance your experience. Of course, the closer you are to the action, the better! Plus, apart from being in the center of festivities, you won’t have to go through the hassle of local travel and escape thousands of commuters.
There are multiple hotels in Times Square that are perfect for visitors planning to watch the Ball drop. We have listed a few hotels that place you in the middle of the excitement and are all within walking distance from the One Times Square building. This way, you can get into the holiday spirit and fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of one of the world’s most famous and iconic New Year’s Eve countdowns!
Margaritaville Resort Times Square
Prices* start at USD $590 per night
Distance to One Times Square: 0.2 miles, a 4-minute walk
Click for more details on Margaritaville Resort Times Square.
New York Marriott Marquis
Prices* start at $800 per night
Distance to One Times Square: 0.2 miles, a 4-minute walk
Click for more details on New York Mariott Marquis.
Hyatt Centric Midtown 5th Avenue
Prices* start at USD $500 per night
Distance to One Times Square: 0.2 miles, a 4-minute walk
Click for more details on Hyatt Centric Midtown 5th Avenue
Hilton Garden Inn Times Square Central
Prices* start at USD $600 per night
Distance to One Times Square: 0.5 miles, a 12-minute walk
Click for more details on Hilton Garden Inn Times Square Central
M Social Hotel Times Square
Prices* start at USD $590 per night
Distance to One Times Square: 0.5 miles, a 12-minute walk
Click for more details on M Social Hotel Times Square.
Arlo Midtown
Prices* start at USD $400 per night
Distance to Once Times Square: 0.5 miles, a 12-minute walk
Click for more details on Arlo Midtown.
Ameritania Hotel at Times Square
Prices* start at USD $600 per night
Distance to One Times Square: 0.6 miles, a 14-minute walk
Click for more details on Ameritania Hotel at Times Square.
What to do in Times Square?
While a trip to New York to watch the Ball drop in Times Square is huge by itself, you simply cannot visit one of the world’s most iconic cities and not wander around! The city might be busy and a little bit more expensive during this time of the year, but with a few travel passes on hand, you’re sure to experience all the wonder, grit, beauty, and charm of New York that it is known for worldwide.
Get a handy New York City Attractions Pass
New York City is home to some of the most iconic establishments in the world, thanks to media and pop culture. From the classics like King Kong (Empire State Building) to more recent cultural phenomena TV shows like Gossip Girl (the steps at MoMA), New York played a big role in bringing these stories to life. Getting a New York City Klook Attractions Pass brings you to these establishments for a fraction of the cost!
If you’re a first-time visitor, be sure to check out our guide to all the essential things you need to do in New York.
Get on the New York Big Bus Hop-On-Hop-Off Tour
While New York is known for its subway and as a “walking city”, there is only so much you can see if you’re always traveling underground or on foot! Get on the Big Bus, and if the weather’s nice, head straight to the top level of the double-decker bus, where you can enjoy the sights of New York while you hop from one place to another!
See yourself on a billboard in Times Square!
Have your 15 seconds of fame (every hour for 24 hours!) on a digital billboard right in the heart of Times Square! Whether you are celebrating something special, surprising a loved one, or simply want to experience something unique on your New York trip, having your photo or video displayed on a billboard in the Big Apple will surely be a memory that will last a lifetime.
Watch a Broadway show or two
There might be nothing more “truly New York” than watching Broadway right where Broadway was born! Of course, you can always catch some of the best Broadway shows in New York regularly, but if you are traveling with family or simply a kid at heart, one of the most popular shows that have been running since 1997 is Disney’s multi-award winning musical, “The Lion King.”
Discover more of the Big Apple!
Need more help with planning your trip to New York? Check out our guides to make the most out of your visit to the Big Apple!
What is Klook?
Klook is a world-leading travel activities and services booking platform, covering over 400 destinations and over 100,000 travel services! Klook’s mission is to empower travelers around the world to discover, book, and experience the best things to do anywhere, anytime - including attractions, activities, car rental, tours, local transfers, wifi, and SIM cards.
✨ Follow us for more deals and inspiration for your upcoming travels
