Your 2024 guide to NYC New Year’s Eve ball drop countdown in Times Square

NEW YORK, April 11th — Crowds numbering over one million are anticipated to gather in Times Square on New Year’s Eve, with an additional one billion viewers expected to tune in from around the world. This year’s celebration is tipped to be the largest gathering since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019. Looking to join the festivities, or perhaps to avoid the throng of people? Here’s the essential guide to getting involved.   The Iconic Ball Drop:Times Square’s famous New Year’s Eve Ball will make its descent down a flagpole situated on top of One Times Square, a 25-story building nestled in the heart of Midtown, Manhattan. The best places to view the ball drop are identified as along Broadway from 43rd to 50th streets or up to 59th Street by Seventh Avenue. Performances:There will be star-studded performances by the likes of Paul Anka, Flo Rida, Megan Thee Stallion, Jelly Roll, Sabrina Carpenter, and Tyla seen by the celebrity guests. How to Watch:Get ready to tune in to the Times Square Alliance’s live stream, commencing at 6 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. Watch the Times Square NYC show on YouTube. Additionally, being present along Broadway from 43rd Street to 50th Street, or along Seventh Avenue up to 59th Street is encouraged. Party Nearby: For a more exclusive – but costly – viewing experience, there are premium ticket packages for parties at nearby hotels and restaurants near One Times Square. These tickets range from $450 to $12,500 and most include access to food, drinks, and live entertainment as well as various vantage points for watching the Ball.   What Time is The Ball Drop?The festivities kick off at 6 p.m. with the ball being raised to the top of the flagpole and then, at the stroke of 11:59 p.m., it will embark on its 60-second descent to mark the start of the New Year. Avoiding the CrowdsMost of the time, using mass transit would be the recommendation for anyone heading to the ball drop. The 1, 2, 3, 7, A, B, C, D, E, F, M, N, Q, R, W and S trains all have stops in the Times Square area. If driving, the streets will start to close at 4 a.m. with Seventh Avenue from 42nd to 48th streets being the first to close. Further closures take place at 11 a.m. on Seventh Avenue and Broadway, shuttered between 38th and 59th streets.