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Sight Times Square, Midtown Manhattan

Times Square Ball Drop

A sight in Times Square, Midtown Manhattan, free to visit and worth most of a day (about 9 hours). Best time to go: Dec 31, 3 p.m. to midnight.

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Times Square Ball Drop in Times Square, Midtown Manhattan
Photo: Alex Lozupone · CC BY 4.0 · license

Why go

The ball atop One Times Square drops at 11:59 p.m., followed by confetti and fireworks over a crowd of about a million.

It is one of 9 curated places we feature in Midtown Manhattan, alongside 3 places to eat, 2 sights and 1 activity. 6 more of our picks sit within about half a mile in a straight line, so it pairs easily with Times Square and Joe's Pizza. Set aside most of a day (about 9 hours) here; it works best as the anchor of a day rather than a quick stop.

Type
Sight
Neighborhood
Times Square
Price
Free
Time needed
9 hr
Best time
Dec 31, 3 p.m. to midnight

Nearby

Our closest curated picks, including 3 beyond Midtown Manhattan. Distances are straight-line, not walking or driving.

  1. 1
    Times Square

    The billboards and Broadway theaters are at their best after dark.

    Sight · Manhattan · 0.1 mi straight-line
  2. 2
    Joe's Pizza

    Classic thin New York slice, served fast since 1975.

    Food · Manhattan · 0.1 mi straight-line
  3. 3
    New York Marriott Marquis

    Big Times Square hotel on Broadway; rooms on the right side look straight down at the ball drop.

    Stay · 0.2 mi straight-line
  4. 4
    Birdland

    Jazz club named for Charlie Parker, now on West 44th Street, with two or more sets a night.

    Activity · 0.2 mi straight-line
  5. 5
    Keens Steakhouse

    Steakhouse open since 1885, known for its mutton chop and ceilings lined with thousands of old clay pipes.

    Food · 0.4 mi straight-line
  6. 6
    Top of the Rock

    Open-air decks atop Rockefeller Center with a clear view of the Empire State Building and Central Park.

    Sight · Manhattan · 0.4 mi straight-line

On these curated routes

Times Square Ball Drop is a stop on our New York New Year's Eve route. Open it to see the full day-by-day plan.

More sights to see in Midtown Manhattan

2 more curated sights in Midtown Manhattan. See the full Midtown Manhattan guide.

When to go: weather by month, based on New York City

Our climate figures for Midtown Manhattan come from nearby New York City. Average daily highs in New York City run from 38°F in January to 79°F in July; December is usually the wettest month. For Times Square Ball Drop itself, we suggest: Dec 31, 3 p.m. to midnight.

Modelled monthly averages for New York City from NASA POWER, not a forecast. New York City weather by month (covers Midtown Manhattan).

Getting there

Map links open a live search for Times Square Ball Drop, so hours and directions come straight from the map app.

Coordinates
40.75642, -73.98649
Destination
Midtown Manhattan, New York
Website
timessquarenyc.org

Times Square Ball Drop: quick answers

How much time do you need at Times Square Ball Drop?

Plan on most of a day (about 9 hours) at Times Square Ball Drop. That is our curated estimate for a typical visit; groups that linger will want more.

When is the best time to visit Times Square Ball Drop?

Our pick: Dec 31, 3 p.m. to midnight. Insider tip: Arrive by mid-afternoon, dress in layers and bring snacks; once you leave a pen you can't get back in.

Is Times Square Ball Drop free?

Yes, we list Times Square Ball Drop as free to visit. Check the official website before you go, since special exhibits, parking or tours can carry a fee.

Which TripsCircle routes include Times Square Ball Drop?

Times Square Ball Drop appears on New York New Year's Eve, a curated route you can open on TripsCircle and plan with your group.

Add Times Square Ball Drop to your crew's plan

Save it to a shared TripsCircle itinerary, settle the timing with a quick poll, and split the costs with everyone going to Midtown Manhattan.

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Lists & regions

Also in Midtown Manhattan

Curated recommendation, not live listing data. Confirm hours, prices, bookings and access before you go.