New Year’s Eve is the best party night of the year, and New York City is the best party city in the world! Combine the two, and you’re guaranteed to have a night to remember! Here’s how to brave Time’s Square for the largest NYE celebration in the world, and a few of the hippest party alternatives!

New Year’s Eve in Times Square: What You Need To Know

Join an estimated one-million people in the crowd for an event that approximately 1 billion people will watch worldwide on their televisions! Since 1904, partygoers have been gathering in Times Square to watch the ball drop, and now it’s an absolute staple of the holiday.

What exactly happens?

At 11:59PM on December 31st of each year, a giant, 12-foot geodesic sphere weighing 11,875 pounds descends from the flagpole above One Times Square, signalling the start of a new year.

What is the schedule of events?

The schedule of events will be available here in December 2017. It will include famous musical guests, and popular media personalities.

Where should you go for the best view?

The actual show takes place at One Times Square, but you’ll have the best view along Broadway Avenue, anywhere between 43rd Street and 50th Street, or along Seventh Avenue anywhere from 43rd Street to 59th Street!

Do I need to buy a ticket?
Nope! This event is as free as a trip to the public library, though it’s a lot more crowded. You don’t need any tickets to watch from the street, but some restaurants and hotels hold private parties overlooking the festivities, which may require tickets.

When should I arrive?
Experienced Times Square-goers know to arrive in the early afternoon to ensure a good view. The space crowds up FAST so don’t put it off until 11:30, or you’ll be staring at the back of a million tourist’s heads.

How do I get there?

The most convenient way to get there the day of is via public transportation. On the Subway, you can take the 1, 2, 3, 7, A, B, C, D, E, F, M, N, Q, R, W, and S shuttle trains to Times Square. The MTA advises party-goers NOT to use the 42nd Street Subway Station, as they tend to get very crowded. Instead, consider going to one of the nearby stations, such as Port Authority Bus Terminal at 42nd Street/8th Avenue.

How do I access Times Square?

Access to the square will be open at 6th Avenue and 8th Avenue. You will not be able to cross Broadway/7th Avenue once the streets are closed.

Is there security?

Yes. Every guest will be searched at one of the entrance points by a security guard. Large bags and backpacks will not be allowed, and all bags will be searched.

What should I wear?

Bust out your festive New Year’s Eve hats, but be sure and bring your winter parka. Chances are you’ll be spending hours out in the cold.

Can I bust open my bottle of champagne?

Public drinking is illegal in new York City, so a bottle of champagne or a beer could get you in trouble with the police. That said, be sure and hydrate with lots of water!

What if I have to eat/drink/use the restroom?

There will be no public vendors of food or drinks in the Square. There will also be no public restroom. However, there are hundreds of restaurants and hotels nearby, many of which are open on New Year’s Eve. Some include:

• Renaissance New York
• DoubleTree Guest Suites
• Marriott Marquis
• Bubba Gump Shrimp Company
• Olive Garden
• R Lounge
• Novotel New York Times Square
• The Knickerbocker

Alternatives to Time’s Square

Don’t want to join the most crowded New Year’s Eve celebration in the world? Consider one of these equally festive options:

New York Nightlife’s New Year’s Eve Cruise KLICK

Dec. 31st 9PM - Jan. 1st 1AM

Marco Polo Cruises
2430 FDR Drive Service Road East

New York, NY 10010

Come celebrate the New Year on a swanky cruise along New York Bay, where you’ll have a prime view of the beautiful Manhattan skyline. When the clock strikes midnight, you’ll be able to watch the city’s best fireworks burst over the Statue of Liberty.  With a delicious buffet prepared by legendary San Matteo and a well as a well-stocked, reasonably-priced bar, you’ll be wined and dined like NYC royalty. The cruise will feature one of New York City’s very best DJs spinning beats all night long. Come dance through the last hours of 2017 and welcome 2018 in style!

How to get there:

You can take an Uber, Juno or Lyft to the dock or take the subway:

4, 5 or 6 Train to  23rd Street station

A Date with Fate: New Year's Eve in Brooklyn

Brooklyn Winery

Dec. 31st 9PM - Jan. 1st 2AM

213 North 8th Street

Brooklyn, NY 11211

Tickets: $ 150.00

Brooklyn Winery is one of the borough’s hippest spots for a classy, elegant New Year’s Eve celebration, featuring a four and a half hour open bar with top shelf liquor and the Winery’s finest bottles, as well as truly delicious hors d'oeuvres. This party will transport you back to the 1940s, complete with elegant lanterns and old-school music. Pose for snapshots in a photobooth and toast with champagne in an intimate lounge. This is the perfect celebration for the romantic couple who still knows how to have fun!

How to get there:

L Train to Bedford Avenue

1 OAK Party

Dec. 31st 9PM - Jan. 1st 4AM

1 OAK

453 W 17th St , New York NY

New York, NY 10011

Tickets: $159

Table for 8- $3000

This New Year’s Eve, New York City’s illustrious 1-Of-A-Kind nightclub opens its ultra-exclusive doors for truly 1-of-a-kind NYE party that will inaugurate the New Year in extravagantly swanky style. 1 OAK is a reigning NYC nightlife VIP-spot and the favored playground for NYC’s high-living partiers, fashion and social glitterati and top-tier celebrities: Jay-Z, Beyonce, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kanye West, Bradley Cooper, Pharrell, 2 Chainz, Jamie Foxx, Nas, Chris Rock, LeBron James, Robin Thicke, Alex Rodriguez, Kate Hudson, Heidi Klum are just some of the luminaries that populate the luxurious, star-studded venue. Party with the elite and join the ranks of NYC’s rich and famous at 1 OAK’s crowning NYE party.

How to get there:

A, C or E Train to 14th Street Station.

Under-21 Crowd

For those under the American drinking age, a lot of fun New Year’s Eve activities may be off limits. Don’t despair! There are still plenty of fantastic ways to ring in the new year in NYC! Here are a few of the best:

Terminal 5

Dec 31, 10PM

610 West 56th Street, west of 11th Avenue.

New York, NY 10019

Ages: 18 & Over

Tickets: $49.50 and up

One of NYC’s largest and most epic music venues, Terminal 5 is the ultimate spot to welcome the new year! With 5 distinct room environments and multiple stories to explore, you’ll be surrounded by up to 3,000 fellow party-goers as you watch an incredible show featuring performances by legendary Gramatik, and openers Big Wild and Ramzoid.

How to get there:

1, 2 or 5 Trains to 59 Street - Columbus Circle Station

Baby’s All Right

Dec. 31st, 8PM

146 Broadway

Brooklyn, NY 11211

18 & Over

Tickets: $49.99

One of Brooklyn’s hippest music venues, generally considered to have the absolute best line-ups of artists just on the cusp of striking it big, Baby’s All Right is the perfect spot to usher in the New Year. Last year, they brought The Black Lips as their headliners, with additional performances by PMS and the Moodswings, and a DJ set from Chances With Wolves. This year, their show promises to be just as magical.

How to get there:
L Train to Bedford Avenue Station

M Train to Marcy Avenue Station

The Bowery Ballroom

6 Delancey Street

New York, NY 10002

Doors: 9PM, Show: 10PM

18 & Over

Tickets: $50.00 - $55.00

NYC punk legends Television are playing their first New York show in two years with opener Eleanor Friedberger, making this an event not to be missed! Since it first opened its doors in June of 1998, The Bowery Ballroom has been known for delivering excellent shows with a genuine, downtown ambiance.

How to get there:

J Train to Bowery Station

4 or 6 Trains to Spring Street Station

B or D Trains to Grand Street Station