An estimated one million flood into New York City to personally witness the famous ball drop at Times Square. The ball descends from a flagpole atop One Times Square, counting down the seconds until midnight. As the crowd celebrates the moment, more than one ton of confetti is released, a pyrotechnic display begins and musical performances go on throughout the night. People begin lining up to enjoy the whole show as many as eight hours ahead, but be warned: There are no public restrooms, no food and beverage vendors and alcohol is not allowed in the streets. There are also eight restaurants and hotels that offer views of the ball drop, including Renaissance New York, Marriott Marquis, TGI Fridays, Bubba Gump Shrimp Company and Applebee's. These locations, and dozens more, offer New Year's Eve parties that run into the early-morning hours, most with an admission fee.
The New York Road Runners club holds a four-mile run on New Year's Eve with a party atmosphere, complete with deejay and costumed competitors. As fireworks go off overhead, participants run the Emerald Nuts Midnight Run through Central Park, competing for prize money. The number of entrants is limited, so register early with the New York Road Runners.
The Brooklyn Bridge Walk into the New Year is a guided tour across the famous one-mile-long bridge. Learn facts about the bridge's history while enjoying fireworks launched from Central Park, Staten Island, Brooklyn and New Jersey. Also enjoy the Empire State Building light show. Included in the tour fee are various prizes, including T-shirts and postcards. Snacks, coffee and tea are provided. However, if you would prefer to have your own experience, you can skip the tour and walk the bridge on your own.
Some 45 hosted parties occur at restaurants, hotels and clubs in the Times Square area, from the extravagant to the simple. Many offer views of the ball drop, as you partake of a buffet dinner, open bar, live deejay and dance floor and party favors. Availability is limited, especially for sites in view of the ball drop, so make advance arrangements.
