NYC for New Year's Eve?

-Revelers begin gathering by early afternoon. The ball is raised to the top of the flagpole at 6 PM. You should definitely be in place by then if you expect to get even a long view of the ball. You may want to stop by the Times Square Information Center before staking out your space so you can fill out a wish for the new year. Your wish will be added to the one ton of confetti that will rain down upon the crowd at the midnight hour.

-There are no port-a-potties or public restroom facilities available within the cordoned viewing area, so go light on liquids before arriving and while waiting.

-Leave the alcohol at home or in your hotel room. It’s not allowed.

-Leave bags and backpacks at home, too. They’re not allowed either, and police manning the entry checkpoints will turn you back if you arrive with a bag or pack.

-If you’re planning on arriving by car, check out this list of street closures.

-Eat up! There are no food vendors inside the cordoned area, so unless you plan to charm your way into a seat at one of these restaurants with a view, you better make sure you eat early.

-Be patient! With a million people circulating in a relatively small space, the vast majority of them surging towards the subway once the ball drops, patience will be necessary if you plan on ringing in 2009 on a positive not.

Online Resources:

City of New York’s website.

Times Square Alliance’s website.

Other Resources:

If you have any questions at all about New York City or the New Year’s event, call the city’s all-purpose information line, 311.