The famous symbol of the celebrations of a New Year in New York is definitely the giant mirrors ball that drop from the Time Square Building.
The event that is held for more than hundred years attracts thousands of people who reach the square in order to see and shout as the ball go down.
The rotating mirrors that wrap the ball are lighted with colored lights that reflect the audience and function as a marvelous decoration for the New Year midnight kiss.
More information is present in the event website below, under “Event related information” section.
There's no wrong way to ring in the new year—whether you're planning to go all out with a fancy New Year's Eve party or go all in with a cozy
night on the couch watching your favorite New Year's movies. Either way, watching or streaming the New Year's Eve Ball Drop in Times Square is probably on your itinerary.
Watching the ball drop is one of the most cherished and longstanding New Year's traditions of all time. [That glittering ball debuted in New York City in 1907! 🤯] The 2020 celebration was mostly virtual due to the pandemic, but last year, the Times Square Alliance welcomed visitors back to New York City at a limited capacity to watch the ball drop right before their eyes.
So, you might be wondering—what's the deal with this year's New
Year's Eve Ball Drop? Read on for everything you need to know about how and where to watch the ball drop in 2023!
Can I come to Times Square for New Year's Eve in 2023?
Yes, you can! Last year, the iconic event made its return—but at a limited capacity. Attendance was capped at 15,000 people, who had to be masked and show proof of vaccination. For reference, Times Square typically saw around 58,000 visitors for NYE in years past.
There's no word yet on any specific COVID policies for this year's ball drop, but the official Times Square website notes that more information will come as the event nears.
According to the site, the historic celebration will commence just before 6:00 p.m. EST and the ball will begin making its descent at exactly 11:59 p.m. EST. Entrance to the viewing areas will be on a first-come, first served basis. So, if you intend to see the ball drop in person, be sure to plan accordingly.
Where can I watch the ball drop on TV?
While this year's full schedule has not yet been released, previous celebrations are a good indication of what's to come. It's likely that the ball drop [and all the festivities leading up to it!] will air on most of the major television networks, like ABC, CNN, NBC, and FOX.
Stay tuned for more details coming this month—and check out last year's lineup as an indicator of what's to come!
Where can I stream the ball drop for free?
No cable? No problem! A commercial-free webcast of the 2023 Times Square NYE ball drop will be available on Times Square's official website, TimesSquareNYC.org, beginning at 6 p.m. ET on December 31. You can also stream the New Year's Eve ball drop from your mobile device at TimesSquareNYC.org, NewYearsEve.nyc, and TimesSquareBall.net.
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Those with streaming subscriptions can also watch the ball drop through services like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and fuboTV.
Will there be performances at this year's ball drop?
While there are no confirmed appearances, Times Square has promised to update us as we get closer to New Year's Eve.
Kelly O’Sullivan is the senior editor for The Pioneer Woman and manages the website’s social channels, in addition to overseeing content strategy and news.
This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
Be where the world is watching on New Year’s Eve and revel in all the luxury that only NYC can offer! You and your guests will be at the phenomenal 2022-2023 VIP New Year’s Eve Gala at R Lounge, creating a once-in-a-lifetime memory in the heart of Times Square.
This exclusive party is an intimate and refined gathering. The refreshing and stylish R Lounge boasts the best large scenic windows in Times Square on three sides of the Main Room, providing an unobstructed, panoramic view of Times Square AND a frontal view of the iconic ball. Guests at the first three rows of the VIP/VVIP tables will also enjoy a spectacular view of the LIVE ball drop at midnight!
The Gala offers lavish passed hors d’oeuvres, food stations, sumptuous desserts, a premium open bar, and live entertainment with dancing. You can avoid the millions gathered in the streets of Times Square, and mingle with other sophisticated guests. Join the elite few and reserve your tickets today.
* Dress Code: Formal Attire / Black Tie Optional
Event Date: December 31, 2022
Event Venue: R Lounge and Living Room at the Renaissance New York Times Square
Start Time: 8:00 pm
End Time: 1:00 am
Duration: 5 hours
Inclusions:
- An intimate and refined experience at the New Year’s Eve Gala at R Lounge [3rd floor from the street level]. The venue is at the center of Times Square, featuring the MAIN ROOM with large windows on three sides, VIP/VVIP tables [not included in the admission ticket] and dance floor plus the LIVING ROOM with a cocktail seating area, an open bar and food stations.
- Stunning panoramic indoor view of Times Square and the ball
- Cocktail seating and dance floors available
- Lavish passed hors d’oeuvres, hot and cold food stations from 9 pm to 11 pm, and sumptuous desserts
- Premium open bar, champagne toast and specialty cocktails
- Live entertainment: dancers and singers
- Selected VIP/VVIP tables with a glorious view of the live ball drop are available for additional purchase. Table service for beverages/cocktails included for VIP/ VVIP tables
- Hotel accommodations available for additional purchase
- All taxes and gratuities are included
NYE GALA MENU [Food, Liquors & Drinks]
Purchase your supreme NYE Experience today! Secure your tickets or table before the rates increase. Full payment is required for table reservations. All payments are non-refundable. Terms & Conditions
Contact Our New Year's Eve Concierge for More Information
Lidia Garibaldo
+1 [646] 630-8394
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]:
Q: Will every attendee have an opportunity to see the ball drop?
A: All the attendees can see the iconic ball and Times Square from the dance floor located in the Main Room through the large windows. However, the midnight ball drop view is only guaranteed for guests at the VIP/VVIP tables in the first three rows of the Main Room and guests at the VVIP table on the glass patio. Others will be able to see the ball drop from the dance floor, but the view is not guaranteed.
Q: Will this party be very crowded?
A: No! We are limiting attendance to create a refined experience for our guests. Other parties may have 1,000 or more people, but this Gala is an exclusive and intimate party.
Q : What is the age recommendation?
A : 21 or older.
Q: Do you have a table service for the VIP/VVIP tables?
A: Yes, table service for beverages/cocktails is included for VIP/VVIP tables.
Q: Do I need to bring my photo ID with me to attend the NYE Gala?
A: Yes, you need to present your photo ID to be admitted to the NYE Gala to enjoy alcoholic beverages.
Q: Do you have parking or limo service for Gala attendees?
A: Parking may be available at local garages, but in prior years the NYPD has closed entry to those garages in the “lockdown zone” early in the day. As well, limousine or private vehicle service into the “lockdown zone” is not available for the event.
Q: What is the “lockdown zone”?
A: On December 31 the NYPD closes access to the area from 40th Street up to 59th Street. The only entrances into this zone are from 6th Avenue or 8th Avenue. Everyone entering this area must pass through NYPD inspection including bag check and wanding. Usually, backpacks and large bags are prohibited. Vehicular traffic of any sort is prohibited. This “lockdown zone” is controlled by the NYPD. Guests who are attending the BTSQ R Lounge event will have NYPD-approved credentials for access.
Q: How do I access R Lounge for the Gala on December 31?
A: We will send a special pass to you before the NYE Gala. You will show the pass to security guards and police officers on site to pass the barricade and access R Lounge.
Q: Do you have security on site?
A: Yes.
Q: Can my private security accompany me?
A: Anyone attending the event must purchase a General Admission ticket or a VIP/VVIP Table.
Q: Can I invite someone last minute to join the NYE Gala?
A: If there is still availability up to 12 noon on December 31, you may purchase admission. Once the event is sold out there will be a waiting list for cancellations.
Q: Can I purchase accommodations with the NYE Gala admission?
A: Yes, we offer a 2-day or 3-day hotel stay at Renaissance Hotel for our NYE Gala guests to purchase. Please call our New Year's Eve Concierge Lidia Garibaldo at +1 [646] 630-8394 or email her at for more information.
Q: Will photos and videos from this event be shared?
A : Yes. We will send attendees a link to view photos and videos.
New Year's Eve Travel Tip
Have you ever wondered how early people come to Times Square for New Year’s Eve? The fact is that many people stand in line in the freezing cold from early morning! Once you are there and fenced in by the event organizer, you cannot leave [not even for a bathroom trip or to get food], or you’ll lose your spot. The BTSQ 2023 VIP New Year’s Eve Gala in Times Square provides you and your guests with a warm and safe space with opulent food and drinks. You will be away from the crowds and the cold weather while enjoying the stunning views of Times Square and the NYE Spectacle.
R Lounge Main Room Floor Plan:
R Lounge Main Room and the Living Room Floor Plan:
About the Event Organizer
Beyond Times Square [BTSQ] is a destination management company with a 19-year history of delivering tailormade, luxury travel programs with authentic local experiences. With its exceptional expertise and extensive network of specialists, local experts, and high-quality vendors in the travel industry, Beyond Times Square offers supreme hospitality to both individual and group travelers in New York City, Washington D.C., Boston, Philadelphia, Niagara Falls, and surrounding areas.