Every year, over one million people crowd into New York's Times Square so that they can see the ball drop and begin the New Year. If you are one of those that wants to see that at Times Square to ring in 2016, it is possible, but some precautions have to be taken. It is possible to watch the event online as well. Here are some helpful tips for NYC New Years Eve Times Square Ball Drop and Fireworks Live Stream and How to Watch Online Free, as well as a TV Schedule, Start Time, Tips, Apps, and Best Viewing Spots in NYC.
According to NJ.com, the party at NYC surrounds the official New Year's Eve ball, which will descend from a flagpole at the top of Times Square. There is no ticket required to attend, but you should arrive early as the Bow Tie of Times Square (42nd to 47 Streets between Broadway and 7th Avenue) is fully closed to traffic at about 3:00 PM. From there, the revelers are directed by the NYPD into viewing sections, and the celebration will officially kick off at 6:00 as the big ball is raised and lit. There will then be a lot of celebrations going on until midnight when the ball drops and the fireworks and confetti begin.
Of course, there will be several parties all around, and the Times Square Alliance has a complete list of these parties on their website. Keep in mind that this can cost you, as USA Today reports that an Olive Garden near Times Square is charging $400 a head at their party. You might be able to get a deal on Ball drop, which has packages for the event at certain locations like Madame Tussauds in New York.
The best viewing spots in NYC are reported to be along Broadway (43rd-50th Streets) as well as along Seventh Avenue as far north as 59th Street. You should arrive early, of course, and there will be video screens all along the way, but for the most part, be prepared to stand for hours at a time.
Also, there will be no portable restrooms, so hopefully the local businesses will allow you to use their bathrooms, assuming that you are a paying customer. There will not be any licensed hot dog/pretzel/beverage vendors in the event so perhaps restaurant food will be on the agenda for the night.
Keep in mind that the NYPD are going to take every possible precaution to ensure the public's safety, and this includes the removal of all trash receptacles, newspaper vending machines. Any large bag or backpack will not be admitted, and the police have the right to search large bags and deny any attendant that does not comply with their rules.
If you do not wish to see the event live, and watch it online, there are several options for that as well. For example, the Times Square NYC has a live webcast. The Times Square Ball has an App that is available on the Apple App Store as well as Google Play. Keep in mind the time difference when you are viewing.
We at the Gospel Herald have prepared a TV Schedule for events on December 31st that can be read about here.
