U.S. Travel — New York
New York City
New York City Attractions
Times Square New Year's Eve 2012

Ring in 2013!

- New Year's Eve Entertainment
- New Year's Eve Ball Trivia
- Times Square Tips/Best Viewing
- Wishing Wall

New Year's Eve Celebration
and Ball Drop in Times Square
Times Square is world-famous for its annual New Year's Eve celebrations and the "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.

Live Entertainment
Times Square's New Year's Eve 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.

New for 2012
This year's festivities will feature Taylor Swift, Carly Rae Jepsen, Neon Trees and Psy performing live in Times Square. Event will be televised at 8pm (ET) on ABC.

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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.

Times Square Tips
" Best Viewing Areas"
As you can see from the pictures above, the 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. NOTE: The best viewing areas fill up early in the afternoon on Dec. 31st.

The Times Square New Year's Eve Ball descends from a flagpole at the top of One Times Square (Broadway at 43rd St). Best views are along Broadway, from 43rd St to 50th St, and along 7th Ave, as far north as 59th St.

The sound system is set up where Broadway and 7th Ave cross. Video screens (where the Ball is lowered) are easily visible. Add'l 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, esp at this time of the year. Some hotel restaurants (like the Marriott Marquis) offer great views. Enjoy!

NOTE: Save money by booking a hotel outside the Times Square area.

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New Year's Eve
Wishing Wall
Make a wish for the New Year — Your Hopes, Dreams and New Year's Resolutions will be added to the confetti that flutters down at the stroke of midnight in the heart of Times Square on New Year's Eve.
Make a Wish Online

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Preview of the Official
"100-Year Anniversary"
New Year's Eve Ball
The "100-Year Anniversary" New Year's Eve Ball was on display in Macy's main New York Store during November and December 2007 — the first time that the Ball had been available to the public for a close-up viewing.

Year-Long Display in Times Square
to Celebrate Other Holidays:
— New Year's Eve
— Valentine's Day
— Fourth of July
— Halloween
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 bigger, brighter crystal ball is displayed "all year" atop the building at 1 Times Square in New York City to celebrate other Holidays besides New Year's Eve, including Valentine's Day, the Fourth of July and Halloween.

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