Times Square New Year's Eve Celebration

Times Square is a magnet for New Year's Eve revellers in New York. Bring a bottle and dress up warm to watch the crystal ball drop on the stroke of midnight at one of the world's biggest street parties.

You've probably seen it in countless Hollywood films and each year it is always the same. A six-foot (two metre) ball sits atop No. 1 Times Square (40 craftsmen construct the sphere, which shimmers blindingly with 504 triangular pieces of Waterford crystal) and at 11.59pm it begins its descent down a 77-foot (20 metre) flagpole. Cue frenzy. With much jostling, hugging, screaming and kissing, the ball touches bottom at the stroke of midnight and the crowd goes wild, ringing in the New Year in raucous New York style.

The crowds fill the space from 43rd and 59th Sts and between Broadway and 7th Ave to bursting. The best views are along Broadway from 43rd to 53rd and along 7th as far north as 59th. Bundle up against the icy weather and don't forget warm socks! If you've other visits to make on this epic night, allow plenty of time and don't expect to find a cab anywhere in the vicinity - all vehicular traffic flow stops at 6pm.