Whether you’re a New Yorker or a visitor to the city, New Year’s Eve is a time to celebrate. And this year, NYC’s Times Square will welcome back crowds to view the annual fireworks show. Here’s what you need to know about the event.
Time of the ball drop ceremony
Thousands of people gather in Times Square for the Time of the Ball Drop ceremony on New Year’s Eve. It has been a tradition since 1908. In the early 20th century, a company called Artkraft Strauss designed a ball that could be seen from a distance. The first ball weighed 700 pounds and consisted of 100 25-watt light bulbs.
The Times Square Alliance is responsible for organizing the event. The sanitation crew wears bright red uniforms and distributes fun party favors to revelers.
A virtual app is also available for those who want to watch the event. You can play games, explore a virtual Times Square, and watch the ball drop live.
If you are planning to attend the New York City ball drop, make sure you are prepared for the long line and cold. You may have to wait for hours without food or drink.
You will want to arrive in the early hours of the day, preferably before 3PM. The more you arrive early, the more viewing areas will open up. You should also plan to stay at one party rather than attending multiple events.
The Times Square ball is the official New Year’s Eve Ball. It is displayed at One Times Square, which is located at Broadway and Seventh Avenue. It will be raised up to a height of 77 feet. It will then begin to ascend with special pyrotechnic effects.
The New York Times has held the Times Square Ball Drop ceremony annually since 1908. However, it was canceled for two years during World War II. Since then, it has been held every year.
The Times Square ball drop is a huge event, and it is expected to be attended by about one million people. The event is also broadcast live on television.
Socially-distant viewing areas
Organizers of the Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration have announced a series of safety measures in conjunction with health experts. This year, attendees will be required to wear a mask and fully vaccinate against COVID-19 in order to partake in the party.
A number of landmark events will be returning to New York City this year, including the New Year’s Eve ball drop. However, organizers of the ball drop have announced that it will be a scaled-down affair, with only 15,000 people allowed in the viewing areas.
The Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball will be held at 6 p.m., with the ball dropping at 12:15 a.m. On the day of the event, Times Square will be closed to the public, and there will be no access to subways or restrooms.
As part of the safety measures, visitors will not be allowed in the area after 3 p.m. They will also have to show a valid photo ID. The best viewing spots are between 48th and 42nd St., as well as the bowtie area in between 48th and 6th Ave.
In addition to the above measures, there will be a virtual participation component to the event. There will be a series of screens set up along streets farther north. This will allow attendees to participate in the ball drop on a virtual level.
In addition, the Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball will also include significant enhancements. This year’s event will be able to accommodate only a fraction of the population of last year’s event, thanks to COVID-19 vaccination requirements.
Despite the limited attendance, New York City officials are confident the city’s health department will be able to keep the celebration safe. They say there have been no reported cases of the virus in New York City, and are confident that the city can handle the crowds.
Security measures to protect health of those in attendance
Thousands of people attended New Year’s Eve parties in New York City this year, but there were some security measures to keep them safe. The New York Police Department (NYPD) announced plans to enforce public health safety in Times Square on New Year’s Eve.
On Tuesday, Dec. 31, the day of the ball drop, the NYPD announced it would limit attendance to about 15,000 people. This is down from the usual 58,000 people.
Those attending the event must show proof of vaccination against COVID-19. Those who don’t have proof of the vaccine must show proof of a negative COVID test within 72 hours of the event.
The NYPD is also making sure that people are not leaving property at checkpoints. Anyone leaving items such as backpacks, lawn chairs, and umbrellas is subject to confiscation. In addition, attendees will not be allowed to bring alcohol into the viewing areas.
The NYPD is also limiting access to Times Square. This means that attendees will not be allowed to enter the area until three p.m. They will also be required to wear masks.
Revelers attending the ball drop will be required to wear masks. The NYPD will direct attendees to viewing pens. The viewing pens will be located between 43rd Street and Central Park.
Attendees will also be required to wear masks and show proof of vaccination against COVID-19. The NYPD is also requiring attendees to bring a valid photo ID. This will allow officers to check their vaccination status and determine whether they need to be vaccinated.
The NYPD has also locked mailboxes and trash cans in the area. Anyone who sees suspicious activity in the area should call police.
Restrooms not available
During Times Square’s annual New Year’s Eve celebration, the one-time public restroom is out of the question. The event draws tens of thousands of people, but finding a public restroom on this popular event is a rare occurrence.
The Times Square NYE event is a massive affair that lasts for hours. The official viewing area is closed off sometime around midnight, meaning that those who want to get the best vantage point will have to rely on restaurant and hotel restrooms.
The city has contracted to build twenty automatic public toilets. Some are located in Fordham Plaza in the Bronx, and others are in Brooklyn’s Grand Army Plaza and Plaza de Las Americas.
The New York City Department of Transportation says that additional automatic public toilets will be installed in downtown Far Rockaway, Queens. However, the city did not confirm the exact locations.
In addition to the city’s public restrooms, there are many free bathrooms in New York City. Many are wheelchair accessible, and some are seasonal. The Parks Department lists public parks with restrooms.
The best viewing area is often difficult to find and keep. This is a gimmick to encourage people to stay, and there is a chance that you will be separated from your group.
The New York Public Library has some very nice restrooms. Their restrooms are located up the grand marble staircase on Fifth Avenue. You do not need a library card to use them. However, the library does not open on Sunday.
The Chelsea Market is another nice building with bathrooms. Theirs are on the main floor and are a nice touch.
The New York Public Library also has restrooms on the second floor. They are clean and well maintained.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade returns to pre-COVID form
Despite the cancellation of the Thanksgiving Day parade last year, the event will return in full form this year. This year’s parade will feature nine performance groups and fifteen giant character balloons. These high-flying helium balloons will be pulled by handlers. The balloons will include Astronaut Snoopy, Pillsbury Doughboy, Sonic the Hedgehog and Goku from Toei Animation’s “Dragon Ball” franchise.
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has been in New York City since 1924. It is one of the oldest and most famous holiday traditions in the country. Typically, the parade involves up to 6,500 people. It is expected to draw about three million spectators. The parade will be held on Thanksgiving Day morning. It will begin at West 77th Street and Central Park West. It will then head down Midtown Manhattan’s Sixth Avenue.
Before the parade, the city will set up dozens of street closures around the parade route. The New York Police Department (NYPD) will also issue a Gridlock Alert Day beginning at 7 a.m. Spectators should check Macy’s website before traveling.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will feature musical acts, clowns, and a parade full of giant character balloons. It will be broadcast live on network television and streamed on the internet.
Last year’s parade was modified in order to keep spectators safe. The COVID-19 pandemic had spread throughout the United States, and many participants had to be vaccinated against it. It also required that volunteers cover their face and wear protective equipment.