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6 Tips: New Year’s in Times Square

Travel Tips | Jim Werner | December 16, 2019

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in December 2018 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

Every year on December 31st an estimated one million people flock to New York City’s Times Square to bid a collective farewell to the departing year and express joy and hope for what’s ahead.

Well, did you know that each year some of these people (ok, a lot of these people) just flock to Times Square all willy-nilly for the ball drop, mistakenly thinking they’ll have things like tons of port-a-potties or food vendors? Guys, it’s a rugged experience, and you’ve got to prepare for it and know the rules.

Here are six tips for having a great time at the ball drop.

6. Arrive early

There is no limit on how early you can arrive and hang out in Times Square for a good spot. However, 4:30 pm is when the best sections begin to fill up. Keep in mind that you won’t be able to use the restroom for another 8+ hours if you stay put. If you actually want to see Times Square and maybe even the ball, do not arrive later than 6 pm!

5. Bring provisions

No large bags or backpacks are allowed, so try stuffing some bags of 100-calorie snacks and maybe a bottle of water or two into your coat. And bad news: no alcohol allowed. I know, the horror.

4. Eat dinner and use the restroom before heading into Times Square

There are no public restrooms in Times Square. And you can bet that even if restaurants in the area let you in, you’d be waiting in a line so long that you’re gonna miss the ball drop. We suggest having a light (but warming, like soup) meal in the vicinity and take advantage of that restaurant’s restrooms. Then head straight from dinner into Times Square.

3. Save energy for the trip home

Unless you’re paying through the nose to stay in a hotel nearby Times Square, you’ll have a tiring journey back to bed. When the Times Square festivities are over, the subways get crowded — shocking, I know. Basically, pace yourself with jumping up and down and screaming “2019 OKURRR!,” because you’ll need the energy on the clogged subway.

2. Pucker up

Whether you’re a boy kissing a boy, or a girl kissing a girl, all that matters is that you start the new year by kissing someone special. Be prepared.

1. Dress warmly

There’s a reason this is our #1 rule: this is New York City in winter after all. You’ll understand when you arrive and realize that despite being surrounded by a million or so other people, it’s freaking cold outside. And even if you work up some nice heat by making out with a hot guy around you, there is a dangerous thing called hypothermia.

Happy New Year! Be careful! Have fun! And before you resolve to volunteer more, drink less and eat healthier in the new year, improve your 2020 travel calendar by planning your next getaway with fagabond.com.

Times Square photo by Michael Stewart for Getty Images

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