Times Square Ball Drop 2023: In-Depth Guide

Running for more than a century, the Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball Drop is a total bucket list experience. Greet the new year beneath the shimmering Waterford crystal ball for a celebration no other city can offer! The Times Square Ball Drop is an iconic way to ring in the new year.

Year after year, all eyes are locked on Ball Drop Times Square on New Year’s Eve to witness its ever-famous ball drop, live performances by famous artists, and the midnight countdown featuring a confetti release. This immensely popular celebration is attended by colossal crowds bidding farewell to the passing year and ringing in the new year with joy and hope.

Keen on being in the center of the New Year’s Eve celebration in Times Square and participating in this global tradition? Then, follow along as we tell you how to celebrate the Times Square Ball Drop right.

Times Square New Year’s Eve Tickets

The Times Square Ball Drop is 100% free! Don’t be fooled by scalpers offering paid tickets.

Related Post: New Year’s Eve in NYC: Things to Do and Where to Celebrate

Other Attractions in New York City

Revelers in New York City have a smorgasbord of vacation spots to visit after partying and indulging in the city’s new year events.

Make the most of your Big Apple trip with these discount attractions from Tripster:

• Holiday Lights & Movie Sites – SAVE up to $6.80
• The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum – SAVE up to $4.60
• Statue of Liberty Super Express Cruise – SAVE up to $1
• Hamilton – SAVE up to $1
• Big Apple in Lights – SAVE up to $4.80
• NYC TV & Movie Tour – SAVE up to $7.10
• Sex and the City Hotspots – SAVE up to $7.60
• Sopranos Sites – SAVE up to $8.20

Nearby Hotels and Lodgings

After the countdown, the night (day) will end, and you’ll need a place to relax and rest. Lucky for you, NYC is brimming with hotels.

Book one of these discount hotels with Tripster:

• Hotel Edison New York City
• Washington Jefferson Hotel
• The Manhattan at Times Square Hotel
• Hilton Garden Inn New York Times Square North
• Econo Lodge Times Square
• W New York – Times Square
• Holiday Inn Express New York City Times Square
• Hotel Boutique at Grand Central

Times Square New Year’s Eve Live Broadcast and Webcast

Can’t make it to the Time Square Ball Drop? No worries! You can still experience the magic from the comfort of your home.

Tune in for commercial-free coverage of the event and all the festivities leading up to it, including behind-the-scenes stories and interviews with artists. The live Times Square Ball Drop 2023 webcast starts at 6:00 p.m. on December 31.

Related Post: The Most Festive Things to Do in New York City for Christmas

Stay virtually connected to the event by visiting these websites with a live webcast.

• https://livestream.com/2024
• TimesSquareNYC.org
• NewYearsEve.nyc
• TimesSquareBall.net
• Facebook.com/TimesSquareNYC
• Twitter.com/TimesSquareNYC

Major networks such as ABC, NBC, and FOX will cover the ball drop. You can also watch the ball drop live streaming if you’re staying in a Time Square Ball Drop hotel to see backstage access and more happenings up close.

Times Square New Year’s Eve Tips

With the right amount of planning, you can make this one-of-a-kind event the best it can be.

Arrive Early

While the event doesn’t start until 6:00 p.m., most folks arrive as early as 1:00 p.m. to save prime viewing areas. Show up ahead of time if you want to stake out spots that will give you the best view of Ball Drop in Times Square. Many of these get filled up by mid-afternoon!

You can call the New York Times Square Alliance to get a grasp of the crowd.

Related Post: NYC After Dark: The Top Things to Do in NYC at Night

Once you’ve found the perfect location, be ready to stick it out until the countdown. Make sure that you’ve already filled your belly, have snacks and drinks with you, and hit the bathroom beforehand.

Leaving the area, no matter the reason, means losing your space. Those who can’t arrive early but want the best view can reserve hotels in Times Square to see the Ball Drop.

Be Ready for Huge Crowds

One million people celebrate New Year’s Eve at the Time Square Ball Drop 2022, so expect to be tightly packed in, get stomped on, and be bumped into. You will need to be patient and keep your cool for hours before the ball drops.

For people with social anxiety, you may want to book hotels with view of Times Square Ball Drop instead.

Check the Weather

New York is cold in December. However, the weather still varies widely. Check the weather before heading to New Year’s Eve in Times Square to make sure you are dressing appropriately and bringing the right things.

Can’t bear the cold? There are hotels with view of ball drop NYC that you can book to enjoy the magic without the chilling wind.

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Stepping back to the Times Square Ball Drop 2022, attendees quickly learn that comfortable shoes are their best companions for this incredible experience. Unless you’re watching from a ball drop hotel view, you’ll stand and wait for a long time outside. So, keep your feet safe and cozy by wearing the right shoes.

Times Square New Year’s Eve Full Schedule

This year’s full schedule will be released in December 2023. Check out this website for updated details of New Year Eve events.

Times Square New Year’s Eve Venue

You may be asking, “Where does the ball drop in Times Square?” The ball descends at One Stop Square Broadway on 43rd Street.

Experience the Times Square Ball Drop on New Year’s Eve

No city throws a New Year’s party like the Big Apple. This New Year’s Eve, cross New York Times Square Ball Drop off your bucket list and be a part of this worldwide tradition that’s awaited all over the globe!

The longstanding Times Square New Year s Eve celebration invites everyone to join, which is different from the past celebration in which Mayor Bill de Blasio only allowed 15,000 people to participate.

Witness the giant, crystal-covered orb that is 12 feet in diameter start its slow-motion drop. The ball weighed 700 pounds and sat on the pole atop One Times Square.

Related Post: The Ultimate Guide to Hidden Gems in NYC

Whether you want to watch at any of the restaurants in Times Square with view of Ball Drop or on the street, this symbolic tradition is a must-experience.

Note: The Wishing Wall and digital submission of confetti wishes are now open. Submit your wishes to be added to the confetti that will be tossed around on Times Square New Year Eve.

Iconic performers, Mayor Eric Adams, and one million people will be there to ring in the upcoming year. You won’t want to miss it!