Anyone who knows about New Year's Eve celebrations also knows that Times Square is the epicenter of it all. No one quite puts on a holiday show like New York City does, and it's all thanks to decades of tradition that include crowds, a flashy ball drop, and entertainment that brings it all together.
For obvious reasons, that celebration has looked drastically different over the last two years. It was the hope of many that the ball drop would be back to in-person celebrations in time to ring in 2022 and this year, their wish came true. Here's what to know about New York City's official New Year's Eve Celebration now that it's back on the street and off the screen.
The Return To A Traditional Celebration
It's been confirmed by Mayor Bill de Blasio that Manhattan's famed New Year's Eve celebration will be back, in person, and better than ever following the end of 2021. With restrictions in place, of course, the celebration will happen as it usually does, complete with beefed-up security and live entertainment as promised. On average, the Times Square New Year's Eve celebration usually sees upwards of tens of thousands of people who flock to the city to take part in an all-day and all-night party. According to NBC, there will not be a cap on the number of people who are permitted to celebrate outdoors this year; however, there will be restrictions when it comes to who can celebrate and how.
The 2022 New Year's Eve Restrictions
Since Times Square is usually gated off with security allowing people in and out, restrictions this year are minor but still exist. The only requirement needed to gain entry to the celebration is proof of a full vaccination for all attendees ages five years and older. Children who are under the age of five must attend with an adult who has proof of full vaccination. Negative tests will be permitted only for those who have a medical reason that prevents them from being vaccinated, and the PCR test must be administered at least 72 hours prior to December 31st. For those who are unable to be vaccinated due to a disability, masks are a requirement and are also needed for children under the age of five.
Those attending will need to pass through one of many security checkpoints that will be posted around the city, where they'll have proof of their vaccinations checked. As the date nears closer, the city is planning to release more details about how these checkpoints will work.
Mayor Bill de Blasio was quoted as saying, "Everyone come on down. We are proud to announce the ball drop, everything, coming back full strength, hundreds of people there to celebrate. We can finally get back together again. It's going to be amazing." It's clear that he gave plenty of incentive to take advantage of this year's 'full-strength' celebration in a show of support for New York City.
Tips For Attending The New Year's Eve Celebration In Times Square
Not only is the New Year's celebration in Times Square absolutely massive, but it's also one of the most crowded events the city sees each year. For those who are unfamiliar with the city and its crowds, this can be pretty overwhelming for newcomers to Times Square, in general. However, there are some tips on how to get a good viewing spot as well as how - and when - to avoid most of the crowds during travel.
Consider Booking A Hotel Early
If one can witness the celebration from their hotel then that already eliminates the need to even be on the ground. Even for those who want to be in the midst of the action, having a hotel within walking distance is a true life-saver when it comes to fighting off crowds at the end of the night. There's nothing worse than a packed train or subway after what's already an extraordinarily long day, so booking a hotel early - and nearby - is a great idea.
Go Early, And Get There Earlier Than You Think You'll Need To
There's really time that's too early to get down to Times Square for the ball drop. The crowds start gathering in the afternoon so visitors should plan on getting there early, and then maybe even plan to arrive an hour or so earlier than that. The good news is that Times Square is home to an infinite number of cafés and restaurants, so grab a coffee and some food during the wait.
No Bathrooms And A Late Start
Visitors should also be aware that there are no bathrooms for the Times Square celebration. For hours on end - especially for those who get there early - it's a long day, so be sure to use the bathroom beforehand because not every restaurant will be open for a bathroom break. This is also a perk of having a hotel room nearby because a quick bathroom break can be taken while someone else saves a spot. The entertainment in Times Square starts around 10 PM, so use that as the timeline.