New Year's Eve on Times Square

[KarinBee]

Hello everyone,

I will be visiting NYC this December and I was wondering what New Year's Eve on Times Square is like.
Is it worth the wait? How is the atmosphere (casual and cosy or cramped and pushy)?
Is there any security? Are you allowed to bring food or bottles?
What's the best way to get to and from Times Square on New Year's Eve?
What time should you get there to be able to see anything and how long does it take to get back out of the crowd?
Once in the crowd, are you able to visit a restroom and come back to your spot?

Any information you might have is welcome. Thank you.

Karin

[TonyO]

Get there early, don't have a full bladder because they don't let you back in once you go out.

[Eugenius]

Going to Times Square is a crap shoot. The one time I went (in 1996) it was 16 degrees. Everyone was frozen solid. On the bright side, the crowd was _relatively_ smaller than now. You should get there at least 5 hours in advance, and maybe a full 8 hours if you want a prime space near the stage. The atmosphere probably depends on which part of the crowd you are in - those who got there early and are really psyched vs. those who got there a _mere_ 3-4 hours in advance and don't have a view of anything but the ball. As far as I am concerned, you are better off going to a party somewhere and watching the whole thing on TV.

[antinimby]

Get there early, don't have a full bladder because they don't let you back in once you go out.
What do people do if they have to go to the bathroom?
Empty bottle?

[Schadenfrau]

Depends.

[redhot00]

I wouldn't go anywhere near the place. If you have even the slightest issues with claustrophobia, stay clear of Times Square on New Years Eve.

[lofter1]

What do people do if they have to go to the bathroom?
Empty bottle?
Let's just say that open-toed shoes are not advisable ;)

[NewYorkYankee]

This will be my first year in NY for New Years, I dont plan to go to this event. I cant really stand Times Square much anymore on a 'normal' day, much less that night.

[ZippyTheChimp]

Depends.
:)

[ablarc]

I did it one year and found it thrilling. The crowd was considerate and well-behaved, though the roar of the crowd spooked the policemen's horses.

Do it once.

[ZippyTheChimp]

I agree. Everyone should go...once.

[piglet]

Hello everyone,

I have another question about NYE so I though i would resurrect this old thread rather than start a new one ;)

I had intended on going to Times Square for the ball drop but after reading some of the comments on here am thinking better of it as I really don't want to waste a day standing around in the freezing cold!!!!

So anyways, my question is what are the best places to view the fireworks on new years eve?? I have read about a guided walk across Brooklyn Bridge which takes in the displays and empire state building light show... have any of the members here tried this? is it any good?

also this may seem like a stupid question, but what are the chances of getting a cab on New Years Eve in downtown?

thanks!

[lofter1]

About the cabs: Depends what time and where downtown, but invariably later on NY Eve in and around SoHo you can find people on every corner, all trying to get a cab with few if any stopping -- and the ladies not looking too happy in their heels thinking about having to walk instead.

[piglet]

About the cabs: Depends what time and where downtown, but invariably later on NY Eve in and around SoHo you can find people on every corner, all trying to get a cab with few if any stopping -- and the ladies not looking too happy in their heels thinking about having to walk instead.

"with few if any stopping"

this is what worries me!! It probably won't be too late... around 1ish?

ETA: Don't suppose the buses will run that late on NYE???

[bubdanose]

Ahhhh the young and foolish....:)or Ahhhhh the more mature and foolish:).... I cannot imagine standing anywhere in a pair of highheels on a freezing evening, while my bow stands there in an overcoat and slacks wearing street shoes....hailing a cab....what is wrong with this picture:D....Of course if he were wearing high heels and she was wearing slacks, it might make it more even steven:):)

Good Morning

[piglet]

Ahhhh the young and foolish....:)or Ahhhhh the more mature and foolish:).... I cannot imagine standing anywhere in a pair of highheels on a freezing evening, while my bow stands there in an overcoat and slacks wearing street shoes....hailing a cab....what is wrong with this picture:D....Of course if he were wearing high heels and she was wearing slacks, it might make it more even steven:):)

Good Morning

hehehe! I shall definitely not be wearing heels after experiencing trying to get a cab, in heels, in NY, in winter once before... and ending up in one of those pedicabs!!!

ah good times!

[poppet69]

Hello everyone on Wired New York, thought i would register so i could get advice on what to do when me and my family( kids ages 19 + 10 ) come on the 28th of December , we are staying at the Waldorf Astoria and are looking to book something for New Years Eve i.e Restaurant , party to go to other than Time Sq as my youngest daughter does not like really large crowds so any ideas would be fantastic.
Thank you very much and look forward to coming to the your lovely state
poppet ( UK )

[OmegaNYC]

Maybe Midtown, or Lower Manhattan??

[lofter1]

New Year in New York

travour.com (http://www.travour.com/new-year-2007/new-year-around-the-world/united-states/new-york/index.html)

Partying and feasting hard is all part and parcel of the New Year in New York. Another great things about the New Year in New York is the spectacular fireworks at the Prospect Park and last but not the least the famous Central Park midnight marathon. Participated by thousands, the marathon has it all from music to fireworks and champagne.

Visit the links below to know about New Year in New York:

New Year Celebrations at Times Square (http://www.travour.com/new-year-2007/new-year-around-the-world/united-states/new-york/new-year-celebrations-at-times-square.html)
New York New Year Dance Parties (http://www.travour.com/new-year-2007/new-year-around-the-world/united-states/new-york/new-york-new-year-dance-parties.html)
New York New Year Clubs (http://www.travour.com/new-year-2007/new-year-around-the-world/united-states/new-york/new-york-new-year-clubs.html)_______________________________________ ________

For a "Only in New York" New Years Eve Celebration
(not sure how much the 10-year old would like this) ...

New Years Eve 2007 at the 40/40 CLUB: Pricing Options (http://209.99.31.11/index.cfm?MenuItemID=311&MenuGroup=New%20York)

The 40/40 CLUB ...

An all-American sports bar and lounge owned by
hip hop mogul Jay-Z and partners Desiree Gonzalez
and Juan Perez (6 West 25th Street between 6th
Avenue and Broadway), opened its doors to the public
on June 18, 2003. Created by the three longtime friends,
40/40 is 12,000 square feet of pure sports and
entertainment in an opulent lounge setting, providing
a unique experience not found elsewhere in New York
City.

“I love sports and wanted to create an environment
that is conducive to match my lifestyle, while watching
the games at the same time,” said Jay-Z.
The $4 million multi-level space includes a 24’ x 8’ slate
bar, a 16-foot-wide staircase furnished with sleek
seating on the steps, 15 LCD TV’s, 8 plasmas
(three of which are 60"), four 12X12 two-sided big
screen TV's, a premium Cognac Room and three private VIP
rooms. Two of the VIP rooms, the "Rémy Lounge"
(appropriately named after Rémy Martin, Jay's cognac of
choice) and "Jay's Room" (24 x 16 each), are fully
equipped with their own personal entertainment centers,
60" plasma TV's, Italian leather wrap-around couches, all
controlled by their own touch-screen remotes...

Beyonce's Surprise Party ...

http://209.99.31.11/files/IGIBP00000/134.jpg

[OmegaNYC]

Damn Beyonce is sexy.........

Anyway, 40/40 Club? That sounds like a nice place to hang out at during the Holiday season. :)