New Year's Eve in Times Square: I Did the Ball Drop Once... and Once Was Enough
January 1, 2013
Confetti raining down in NYC after the ball drop
There are some experiences you only need to do once.
Standing in Times Square for the New Year's Eve ball drop was one of them.
While back home in North Carolina visiting from Arizona, I made a spur-of-the-moment decision to take a road trip to New York City and finally experience it for myself.
Growing up, I'd watched the Times Square ball drop on TV year after year and always thought it would be amazing to see it in person someday. As the years passed, that little dream drifted into the back of my mind. Then, out of nowhere, the opportunity presented itself, and I figured, "Why not?" For better or worse, I'm glad I did because it's a memory permanently etched into my mind.
A Stop in Virginia
The drive up north wasn't all about hauling arse to New York. Along the way I stopped in Virginia for a little water therapy before continuing the trip. It was a nice break from the open road and gave me a chance to center before diving into the absolute chaos that I knew Times Square would be.
Chesapeake Bay Bridge Visitor's Center, Cape Charles, VA
New Jersey
There wasn't much excitement during my time in New Jersey, other than spending the night at my hotel. Before making my way into New York City, I dilly dallied the streets with no real destination in mind. Just walking and observing until it was time to head to NYC.
New Jersey walkabout
The Cold
Before I knew it, New Year's Eve was here.
The temperature hovered around 35 degrees or even lower, and let me tell you...it was cold. I came prepared too. I layered up with stockings, leg warmers, thigh highs, and everything else I could think of. None of it seemed to matter though after standing outside for hours.
My Spot
I made my way into Times Square around 5:00 p.m. and found a place right against one of the barricades with a view of where the ball would eventually drop.
At first it wasn't crowded but that didn't last long.
The area filled up incredibly fast until people were packed shoulder to shoulder. Looking back at one of my selfies from that evening still makes me roll my eyes because you can see just how tightly everyone was squeezed together.
One thing many people don't realize is that chairs aren't allowed, so once you claim your place, you're standing… and standing. For hours.
I stayed glued to that front barricade because I knew if I wandered away for very long, someone else would happily take my spot.
This was my "crowd sandwich" moment
The Bathroom Dilemma
Eventually reality set in.
I had to use the bathroom.
I was also getting hungry.
The problem? Leaving meant risking the view I'd been standing there protecting for hours.
I finally decided to make a run for it anyway, hoping I'd somehow be able to get back to my place afterward.
Getting back through the crowd felt like trying to push your way to the front row of a concert after the show had already started. Most people aren't exactly thrilled to let you squeeze past them.
Somehow, with a few apologetic smiles, batting my eyes a little, and a whole lot of determination, I actually made it back to my spot.
After experiencing that, I completely understand why people wear diapers to Times Square on New Year's Eve. As ridiculous as it sounds, I get it now.
Crowd Chaos
As the evening went on, things got...interesting.
Some people were constantly forcing their way through the crowd even though they weren't even staying. Like why? In all the pushing and shoving, a few people were touching people's behinds, and yes, mine got touched too.
Pervs.
Then there was another unforgettable part of the evening.
Every so often you'd suddenly hear a high pitched chorus of people yelling, "Police! Police! Police!" over and over, trying to get an officer's attention for whatever was happening somewhere nearby.
Eventually one of the officers would hear them and make their way over.
It happened several different times throughout the night.
Whatever was going on probably wasn't funny, but hearing all the voices repeatedly chanting "Police! Police! Police!" in unison was oddly comical.
Everyone Wanted Six More Inches
One thing that really made me laugh happened after I returned from the bathroom.
Everyone was pushing so hard toward the barricades trying to get just a tiny bit closer that there ended up being this huge open space behind the crowd.
Nobody seemed to notice. Just ridiculous.
Everyone just kept pushing and pushing forward, convinced those extra few inches were going to change everything. At one point I was pressed against the barricade. I couldn’t really complain though, I did fight my way back to that spot.
Midnight Finally Arrived
The ball dropping behind me, Times Square, NYC
Then it happened.
The countdown began.
The ball slowly descended.
Everyone around me started hollering, cheering, screaming, and celebrating together.
And then...
Confetti.
Rainfalls of it.
It seemed like it was falling from absolutely everywhere.
I couldn't help myself.
I started twisting, spinning, laughing, and playing in the confetti like a little kid right alongside all the other grown-ups doing exactly the same thing.
For a few minutes, all the waiting, freezing, and craziness completely disappeared.
It was a total blast.
Playtime in the confetti, Times Square, NYC
One Last Rebel Photo
As everyone slowly started making their way out of Times Square, I couldn't resist taking one more picture.
I spotted another barricaded area where several NYPD police cars were parked.
I definitely wasn't supposed to be standing there...
But it was all part of the adventure.
Probably not where I was supposed to be... but it made for a great photo
The Morning After
The next day while heading back through the city, I expected the streets to still be buried under mountains of confetti from the night before.
Instead...
It was gone. All gone.
The barricades were down. The streets looked as though nothing had happened the night before.
Considering the insane amount of confetti that had covered Times Square just hours earlier, I couldn't believe that I didn’t spot one piece. Must be magic.
Central Park
Before hitting the road back toward North Carolina, I enjoyed a walkabout through Central Park. The peaceful paths and winter scenery were the perfect contrast to the chaos of New Year's Eve. I traipsed about taking photos… probably looking like an obvious tourist.
Photo Shoot in Central Park, of course
Would I Do It Again?
I'm genuinely grateful that I experienced the New Year's Eve Ball Drop in Times Square. I'm glad I can say I've done it.
That being said...
It will probably also be my first and last time doing it that way.
Between the freezing temperatures, standing for hours, squeezing through massive crowds, and all the chaos that comes with nearly a million people trying to celebrate in the same place, once was enough for me.
If I ever decide to watch the Ball Drop again, I think I'll splurge on a room overlooking Times Square from one of the high-rise buildings instead.
That sounds a whole lot warmer.
And a whole lot less crowded.
Photo Locations
Most of these photos were taken around the heart of Times Square, including:
Broadway between West 42nd Street and West 47th Street
Broadway & West 43rd Street
7th Avenue & West 43rd Street
West 42nd Street near the New Victory Theater
Would I recommend experiencing the Ball Drop at least once?
Absolutely.
Would I stand in that crowd for another eight hours to do it again?
Not a chance.
Once was enough...and I'm fine and dandy celebrating New Years from somewhere warm… like the desert.
✦ Editor's Note: This article recounts my personal experience celebrating New Year's Eve in Times Square in 2013. Event logistics, security procedures, and viewing areas may have changed since then, so be sure to check the official Times Square New Year's Eve website if you're planning a future visit.
