Want to experience sensory overload? Just stand anywhere in the heart of Times Square after dark and watch the masses go by. There’s no place like New York City! Neon lights, street music, the crowds, the energy. Times Square is America’s most visited tourist site. And one of the world’s most exciting destinations. It’s our favorite place in New York City to people-watch, especially after midnight. Times Square is located in the heart of the Theater District, at Broadway & 7th Avenue from 42nd-47th Streets. Times Square is home to top hotels, Broadway Shows, Off-Broadway Theaters, cinemas, restaurants, cafes, delis, and tons of specialty shops.

Times Square Pedestrian Plaza

On May 24, 2009 part of Times Square was converted into a permanent Pedestrian Plaza. Two sections of Broadway is now closed to traffic (Times Square, from 47th-42nd Streets). It’s the best thing they ever did. Today, the Pedestrian Plaza is dotted with little red tables and chairs. It’s a popular hang-out with tourists and locals alike. Grab a cup of coffee at the nearby Starbucks and relax in the middle of all the hubbub. It’s great for people-watching. The plaza also features permanent bleacher seats near the TKTS Booth. It’s a fun place to sit, be entertained, and watch the world go by.

Discount Broadway Show Tickets

If you’re interested in discount tickets for a Broadway show – and don’t mind waiting in line – be sure to visit the TKTS Booth for same-day Discount Theater Tickets. The TKTS Booth is located in the middle of Times Square.

Times Square New Year’s Eve Celebration and Ball Drop

Times Square is world-famous for its annual New Year’s Eve celebrations and its “lowering of the Ball” to ring in the New Year. The Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball is raised to the top of the flagpole at One Times Square (Broadway at 43rd Street) at 6pm EST, where it is lit. At exactly 11:59pm EST, the Ball slowly drops. And at the stroke of midnight, millions of revelers celebrate the New Year. The celebration features live entertainment from world-class performers. Over a million revelers flock to Times Square each year for this fun event. And millions more around the world watch the celebrations on TV.

Tips and Best Viewing Areas

New Year’s Eve crowds can be overwhelming. So if you plan on being in Times Square for this fun event, get there as early as possible for the best views. The best viewing areas fill up early in the afternoon on December 31st. The Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball descends from a flagpole at the top of One Times Square. Best views are along Broadway, from 43rd Street to 50th Street and along 7th Avenue, as far north as 59th Street. A sound system is set up where Broadway and 7th Avenue cross. Video screens (where the Ball is lowered) are easily visible. Additional screens are set up along Broadway at 50th, 52nd, 54th and 58th Streets. Dress warmly. It’s usually very cold on New Year’s Eve. And leave your backpacks and large bags at home. Book your hotel rooms early because they fill up fast, especially at this time of the year. Some local hotel restaurants offer great views. Enjoy! NOTE: Save money by booking a hotel outside the Times Square area.

New Year’s Eve Ball Trivia

The ball was first dropped in 1907 to celebrate the New Year. Back then, it was made of iron and wood. It weighed 700 pounds and was lit with 100 25-watt bulbs. Since then, five other versions of the ball were designed. In 1999, the “crystal” ball was introduced to welcome in the new millennium. On Dec. 31, 2007, a new Waterford Crystal Ball (with LED bulbs) was designed to celebrate the 100-Year Anniversary of the famous event. In December 2008, the new Times Square Ball was bigger, brighter and heavier. At 12,000 pounds, it was twice the size and had triple the LED lights than previous years. In the past, the Times Square Ball was kept in a vault 364 days a year. After December 2008, it became a permanent fixture in Times Square. The crystal ball is displayed all year round atop the building at One Times Square in New York City to celebrate other Holidays besides New Year’s Eve. These include Valentine’s Day, the Fourth of July and Halloween.

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