People say you know you are a New Yorker if you have never seen the ball drop. If you were to tell a New Yorker that you were doing the Ball Drop they would say you’re crazy. But crazy is fun, crazy is memorable, and so crazy is what I decided to do on December 31st, 2018.
Before this crazy adventure, I was unable to find a comprehensive article or guide of what to expect. Hopefully, this post provides just that!
Prior to New Years
The first thing that is an absolute must-do before embarking on this wild New Years’ Eve day is mental preparation. You need to mentally feel excited about this insane challenge you will soon be experiencing. New Year’s Eve in Times Square is crazy and ridiculous, and you will never get through it if you aren’t excited about it.
Now, this is as far as most people get. Why would I care to see a tiny ball drop that ends in 60 seconds when I could be in a warm house or dance club? I think this is the completely wrong way to think about the experience. The experience is far more than 60-seconds. In fact, in my opinion, this is the least of what it is. The thrill of doing something insane, the wild crowd, the energetic performers, the famous kiss, lots of madness, and yes, even the struggles and hardship is what it’s all about.
This is something you’ll never believe you completed once it ends. It still does not feel real to me. So before you go, get your mindset in the right place. Get excited about the fact your about to do something utterly insane with millions of people by your side. It’s going to be cold, it’s going to be nuts, and it’s going to be insane, but you want that because insane is what you’ll remember, not just a 60-second ball drop.
What You'll Need
Once you are committed to doing this, you need to shop! First and foremost, buy warm winter gear. Suggested items include:
- Winter Hat: Ski mask is not a bad idea if it is supposed to get cold.
- Warm Gloves: Ideally, you will want gloves that have touch screen compatibility. You’ll be taking lots of videos and pictures, and the last thing you want to do is to remove your gloves each time you go to do so. The problem with some of the tech gloves is that they just aren’t warm, and the ones that are, are expensive. One idea is to layer up on the gloves. Either wear a thinner layer below it or a life hack tip is to wear the plastic cleaning gloves below. You’ll be surprised at how warm they keep you!
- Warm socks: Thermal socks are not a bad idea. Layering up on socks is also smart.
- Thermal underclothes: UNIQLO’s heat tech products are cheap and of good quality.
- A Nice Warm Jacket: You probably already have one but if not this one from Amazon worked really well.
- Hand Warmers: These are lifesavers and very cheap. You can also get sole warmers if needed as well.
- Shoes or Boots: Make sure you have boots or shoes that keep you warm but also are comfortable. You will be standing for most of the day and don’t want your feet hurting.
- Scarf
The list sounds like a lot, but chances are you will have most of the stuff already. In the end, you just want to make sure you are over-prepared when it comes to dealing with the cold:
Other things you may want to buy and/or gather include:
- Entertainment: Make sure you have a few things to keep you entertained, maybe an app, a book, or a downloaded movie.
- Snacks: High fiber foods and snacks are useful as they prevent bathroom usage!
- Meal: I made a PB&J, but pack something that won’t go bad easily. You probably will eat your meal later in the day.
- Camera: Go-Pros are handy here. I bought the El Grande Stick to get nice aerial shots of Times Square
- Extra Batteries: If you have a camera, bring extra batteries.
- Portable Charger: Your phone will probably run through two or three charges, so buy a charger that has enough power. Don’t forget to bring the wire as well!
- Tissues
You Can Not Bring:
- Umbrellas
- Backpacks (small purses are allowed)
- Alcohol (though it can be snuck in if you are desperate)
Preparation
Before the big day, you’ll want to look up the New Year’s Eve schedule. Figure out who is performing and what stage you may want to stand by. Finding out what the layout will be like online is not easy. Here is a rundown of how things were set up the year I went:
The crystal ball is lowered from the top of the One-Times Square building which stands between 42nd and 43rd street.
The kiss stage is located between 43rd and 44th street. This is where you’ll see a lot of the hosting taking place for Dick Clark’s Rockin Eve show. There are also many celebrity interviews here. To get by this stage,you have to come extremely early. I can’t tell you the exact time, but to give you an idea, I arrived at 12 pm and had to wait on 46th street (two blocks back of this).
Around 46th street, between Broadway and 7th avenue, is the Planet Fitness Stage (name may change year to year). Behind that on 47th street is what is known as the countdown stage. Both stages have an even mix of performers performing through the night. Check out the NYE schedule which is usually released a few days before, to determine which stage you want to go for.
Tip: If you are situated close to Times Square, coming the night before is a good way for you to get a sense of where you may want to stand. It’s also a cool chance to see the stages being built and maybe some celebrities!
The Day Of:
9:00AM
If you are not shooting for the Kiss Stage, this is the ideal time to wake up. Don’t worry, you won’t be standing just yet, but you’ll want some extra time beforehand to shower, gather your stuff and make a warm breakfast. Make sure to be drinking water all morning as you won’t be able to drink much while you are there.
10:30AM
This is the ideal time to eat breakfast. It sounds silly, but timing your meal is important. You don’t want to eat too early where you get hungry quickly, but also not too late where you need to use the bathroom. As mentioned, be sure to be drinking plenty of water as well.
12:00PM
If you are going to do this, you may as well do it right and go early… It is officially time to go! Before you do so, be sure to use the bathroom and purchase anything you may need.
For reference, I was living on 45th and 9th which is approxamiltey15 minutes from Times Square. You should adjust the time for the schedule above so that you arrive at Times Square by 12:00-12:30
12:30PM
Depending on how crowded it is, 43rd and 44th street may be blocked off already, but the rest of the blocks should be available. There are checkpoints at the end of each block where you can enter from (ask any NYPD officer where the nearest open entrance is). At the entrance, there is a body and bag search that can take some time. Once you pass this, you will be allowed to enter your designated section.
The security check we were directed to was on 47th street, but once we got through, we moved up to the near side of 46th street. It is easy to get carried away once you get through security and rush for the closest spot to the ball drop. Remember, the ball drop is very high up in the sky and thus can be seen clearly from many streets. When picking a spot, pick one that has a good view of the stage you want to be at, get as close as you can to the barricades, and make sure there are no visual obstructions. The barricades are the “fun zone” as this is where the cameramen usually are and where the free stuff is handed out. If you are unable to get a barricade spot, don’t sweat it you’ll be fine, and still get some free goodies.
1:00PM - 3:00PM
Not much happens from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm. These two hours are a pure waiting game. For me, the adrenaline got me through this stretch relatively easily.
3:00PM - 5:00PM
This is when the weather conditions start to creep into your mind. You’ll start looking at the clock and wondering how you still have over 8 hours to go. Luckily for us, it was around 40 degrees, unluckily, however, it started to rain. On the bright side, we were casually be entertained with practice run-throughs of all the performances. Don’t be surprised if you hear the same song three or four times tonight.
During this time I suggest you eat some of the food you had packed, so you do not have to hold it anymore. Don’t forget, there are no bathrooms so don’t drink too much!
Tip: This is a great time to get your pictures of performers, especially if you plan to just sit back and enjoy the “real” performances during the NYE show.
5:00PM - 6:00PM
At this point, you may be wondering what you are doing here. The practice performances aren’t super exciting, and you are cold (or wet) and not feeling like it’s a New Year’s party. This all changes around 5:00 pm. At this time, the Times Square crew begins to hand out some of the first free giveaways such as New Year’s scarves and hats. These simple giveaways, change the vibe of the place entirely. The crowd gets its energy back as the million-plus people around Times Square begin rocking their New Year’s Eve gear. The team does a great job of handing out plenty of items, so don’t stress too much about trying to get something.
At around 5:45 you’ll want to make sure your camera and phone batteries are charged and ready to go. The real fun is about to begin. At 5:59, the ball will be raised, and lights and fireworks display will fill the sky. You have officially made it to the main event!
6:00PM - 10:30PM
Times Square turns into an all-out party during these hours. You’ll see dances, performances (which you heard earlier), special videos on the big screen, and so much more. In between all of that is more free giveaways. Gloves, balloons, glasses, it all just keeps on coming. Every hour there is a countdown, which always gets the crowd more excited.
The feel of the crowd now is electric. We were in the pouring rain, but no one cared. Everyone was dancing, singing, and waving their ballons in the air. During downtime, some people in our barricade made a jump rope with their scarves, and everyone took turns jumping rope!
This is why you come; it’s not just for the 60 seconds, but the fun this crowd has together. You are all suffering the weather together, but at the same time, you don’t care. Embrace these hours with your friends and family, it’s is a lot of fun.
10:30PM - 11:45PM
The party and performances continue during this time, but I put it as its own category because for me this was the longest stretch. At this point I could feel the weather conditions affecting me, my back was hurting and my legs aching. I had danced myself out and was ready for the big moment. To keep your mind off of it, just keep dancing and having fun with all who are around you. You’ll never do this again and you want no regrets!
11:45PM - 11:59PM
This is it! The featured performer will perform at this time, and then it’s only a matter of minutes. Make sure you have your cameras ready, figure out what you want to record. The drop? Yourselves? Both? Above all, don’t worry too much about the videos. Make sure to enjoy the moment when it happens!
12:00AM
10..9..8..7..6..5..4..3..2……1……..”Happy New Year!”
So much happens in these last 60 seconds. It is probably the most difficult 60 seconds you have ever worked for, but that’s what makes it one full of emotions and joy. At midnight you’ll see tons of fireworks, confetti flying everywhere, and hopefully, a New Year’s kiss.
The joy in everyone’s faces for making it through this day together is indescribable. The night ends fittingly with Frank Sinatra’s “New York New York” blaring on the speakers as everyone sings atop of their lungs.
Start spreading the news…you just completed the Times Square New Year’s Eve ball drop!
Personal Experience
I loved this more than I thought I ever would have. It was a special and memorable day that I will remember for the rest of my life. Was it tough? Absolutely. The day was not easy by any stretch, especially not with the rain we faced. But after 6 pm, the feel of Times Square and the million-plus people is magical. Dancing, singing, and being absolutely crazy with a million other people is what it’s all about.
And those last 60 seconds? Well, there’s no way to describe what it feels like after a whole day of waiting. Making it through with your loved ones and new friends are the thrill of a lifetime. The last-minute of your year will be the one you earned the most.
The pain ends the minute you are back home in the warmth, but the memory lasts forever. Once it’s done, and you look back at what you did, you will be glad you had this story to tell for the rest of your life.
Pingback: Unique Date Ideas-NYC | Earth's Corner
Pingback: Cancun: The Ultimate Guide for the Number One College Spring Break Experience - Earth's Corner