New Years Eve in New York's Times Square Tips
Every year, Times Square in New York City hosts one of the biggest New Year's Eve celebrations in the world. It can be an unforgettable experience to be in Times Square while the famous ball drops, But, keep in mind that you will be sharing the experience with hundreds of thousands of other people. If you're prepared, your New Years celebration will be safer and more fun. Does this Spark an idea?
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Book Early
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New York City hotels, hostels and vacation rentals get booked up months before New Year's Eve. Book your room long in advance if you're coming from out of town. The closer you stay to Times Square, the more you'll pay. New York City accommodations are expensive any time of the year.
If you would like to watch the revelry from the comfort of your hotel room, the Times Square website lists three hotels with views of Times Square: the Renaissance New York, DoubleTree Guest Suites and Marriott Marquis. However, not all rooms have windows with views.
Make Dinner Reservations
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According to the Times Square official website, there are five restaurants with views of the ball dropping: TGI Fridays, Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, Sbarro Pizza, Olive Garden and 2 Times Square. Dining in these venues as well as most other New York City restaurants on New Year's Eve is by reservation only. In addition, a number of restaurants and clubs host New Year's parties, also by reservation. Call venues well ahead of time if you want to attend.
Due to crowds filling up the designated viewing areas early in the evening, it is usually impossible to eat in a Times Square restaurant and get a prime viewing spot afterward, or to return to a spot you left earlier.
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Arrive Early
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New Years Eve revelers begin to arrive in Times Square late in the afternoon. The best way to get there is to take the subway to a nearby station and then walk. Give yourself plenty of time, because traveling on New Year's Eve can be quite unpredictable. The main 42nd Street station may be inaccessible because of heavy crowding. Other subway exits and entrances may also close, and trains may not stop at all stations due to crowd conditions. The police close many street blocks to both foot and vehicular traffic starting mid-afternoon as the revelers fill the area.
Be Prepared
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New York City on New Year's Eve may have below freezing temperatures, rain or snow. If you are planning to stay in a viewing area, you will be outside for many hours, so dress very warmly. Wear lots of layers and a winter hat in waterproof, wind-resistant materials. The police control all entry points to Times Square and will not allow backpacks or bags, so bring only what you can carry in your pockets.
Do not bring alcohol. New York City forbids public drinking, and the police will confiscate any alcohol they find. Do bring water bottles and snacks. No food or drink vendors are allowed in Times Square on New Year's Eve. If you are not going to a restaurant, you will have nothing to eat or drink all night except what you bring with you.
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References
- Photo Credit Brian Harkin/Getty Images News/Getty Images
