The entire world knows what happens in New York on New Year’s Eve. With
over one billion people watching it live, there is no surprise that New
Years in Times Square has become a worldwide tradition. To participate with
the one million or so revelers, however, is something that cannot be
experienced from a TV. With a much larger portion seeing the city from
indoors than head-on and in the action, it’s fair to say that many or most
of the people we encounter will know what it’s all about on December 31st,
but not have an idea of what it’s like to actually be there.
The unique event has changed over the years. From the first celebration in
1904 to the “dim out” years of 1942 and 1943, the current safety measures
of the 21st century and countless other obstacles, almost every year has
been a bit different. Nevertheless, no hindrance has been so great that it
keeps the more than willing and eager from coming to the most popular
destination on New Years Eve. One of the major ways Times Square New Years
Eve has changed is the amount of people that have been drawn to the area
since its conception. If you are planning on partaking in the festivities,
you should be prepared well before the stroke of midnight. With the heavy
crowd, people start grouping up on 42nd Street in the late afternoon, some
8 hours before the countdown. As the gangs multiply, the streets begin to
close going north, and by 7 pm, up to 47th is closed, between Broadway and
7th Avenue. With the number of people and street closures, you might want
to rethink any driving plans you had. Your best bet for getting to the
famous “bow tie” area of New York is definitely the subway. To get to Times
Square, the 1, 2, 3, 7, 9, A, B, C, D, E, F, N, Q, R, W, V and S shuttle
trains all service 42nd Street. After 7 p.m. on December 31st, the N and R
train station at 49th Street and Seventh Avenue may be closed until after
midnight, but to get the most up-to-date info, call or visit the MTA at
(718) 330-1234 or www.mta.nyc.ny.us. To get to New York from the tri-state
area, the LIRR, NJTransit, Amtrak, and Path trains all run on special
schedules, also.
Once you do arrive at Times Square, and early enough to choose a spot, you
will be one among the many to fight for a sight of the famous stage, the
focus of the countdown. The Waterford Ball, located on the flagpole at
Broadway & 43rd Street, is the first section to be full, but not the only
one with a view. There are screens set up at Broadway and 50th Street,
Broadway and 52nd Street, Broadway and 54th Street and Broadway and 58th
Street also. There is a designated spot for the disabled, located on the
northwest corner of 43rd Street. The area is limited, so be sure to arrive
early. If you spend the better part of December 31st finding your piece of
the pavement, and are proud with your achievement, do NOT leave it. Once
your feet are lifted from their settlement, you can’t replant them—no
exceptions. There are no public restrooms, and the ones in the restaurants
and local establishments are strict on their “for paying customers only”
policies. Keep in mind you are among approximately one million others in
one small area, as soon as even a few inches clears up, they are never free
for more than a few seconds.
Food is also an issue for the unseasoned Times Square reveler, as there
will be no vendors in the area, and since “saving” your spot is prohibited,
you won’t be able to simply leave, pick up a slice of pizza, and return to
your friends. It is recommended by Times Square veterans that you bring
food of your own; but while you’re packing, be warned: leave the bottles at
home. There is NO public drinking permitted in New York. Many people show
up to the event with alcohol only to have them taken away; the police have
no problem or hesitation confiscating anything from the sometimes-rowdy
crowds. If you do bring something to snack on, be sure to also keep it
small. Since we are in an age unlike our parents, safety concerns have
shifted. Along with the precautions, no backpacks or bags will be allowed
at Times Square, and this is a strictly enforced rule. Police, with
counterterrorism units, will be surveying Times Square and the surrounding
areas, and have little tolerance for anything “on the fence.” If they see
something suspicious, it will be removed. You really do not need much to
celebrate the New Year, so it’s easy to leave extras at home. One essential
part of the Times Square New Years is dressing warm. You should prepare to
be standing in freezing temperatures, rain, snow, or an unfortunate mixture
of nature’s elements. The festivities will be held regardless of what
Mother Nature surprises New York with at the last night of the year, and
the best thing to do is dress for all possibilities.
If you are like many of those standing below the ball on the eve of 2008,
you are looking for the night as an excuse for a vacation. There are
thousands of people not only visiting Times Square for a few hours, but
making an overnight (or few) stay. Since these preparations are usually
made well in advance, those looking for a place to reside will need to do
so before they come to the Big Apple. New York, especially a tourist
epicenter like Times Square, is not a city to just “crash” at, although the
area does contain some 16,000 hotel rooms. There are basically full
occupancies at every hotel, motel, resort or room on a night like New Years
Eve. If there are any vacancies however, the prices will skyrocket. If you
set aside time early enough however, you can find a reasonable rate in any
type or budget possible.
There are so many reasons why hundreds of thousands come to the same place
on the most celebrated holiday of the year. If you come ready and equipped
(the right way), you will be a part of what you have been watching for
years, seen by the rest of the world at the biggest party of the year.
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