New Year's Eve Times Square in NYC

Times Square is the epicenter of the world's most famous New Year's Eve celebration. While a million people brave the cold on the streets for hours, you can experience the same iconic energy from inside warm venues with premium amenities. The concentration of party options in Times Square is unmatched—within a few blocks, you'll find ball drop viewing venues, rooftop penthouses, nightclubs, bars, lounges, and restaurants all celebrating the countdown. The atmosphere is electric, the location is legendary, and you're literally at the center of a global celebration watched by millions around the world. Whether you want a direct view of the ball drop or simply to be part of the Times Square energy, this is New York's most iconic way to ring in the new year.

The 21+ BallDrop and Family BallDrop Passes are multi-venue party hopping experiences that give you access to multiple Times Square parties throughout the night with one ticket. Instead of committing to a single venue, you receive an itinerary with several participating venues in and around Times Square. Move freely between locations, experiencing different atmospheres. The 21+ BallDrop Pass (starting at $169) includes premium open bar access at participating venues, complimentary food, DJs, champagne toasts, and party favors. The Family BallDrop Pass (starting at $149) offers the same multi-venue access with open bar access for adults and soda/juice/water for kids at family-friendly locations. You'll receive your venue itinerary closer to New Year's Eve. Both passes have different start times available. Note that BallDrop Passes provide general admission access to venues on your itinerary—not front-of-line access.

Times Square offers something for everyone. Ball drop viewing venues like R Lounge, Bar 54, M Social, Marriott Marquis, and Planet Hollywood provide indoor views of the iconic countdown. Rooftop penthouses like RT60, Magic Hour, PHD Terrace, and The Edison Rooftop offer elevated celebrations with skyline views. Bars like The Long Room, Stout NYC, Yard House, and The Independent deliver authentic pub atmospheres with open bars. Nightclubs like Dramma, The Venue on Music Row at Hard Rock, and HK Hall bring high-energy dance floor experiences. Multi-level lounges like Haswell Green's, Tanner Smith's, Vida Verde, and Sir Henry's provide upscale sophistication. Restaurants like Acadia NYC, Applebees, Chicken Guy, Planet Hollywood, and Dallas BBQ welcome all ages with dining and celebration. Unique experiences like The Rockefeller Gala, Madame Tussauds, RiseNY, Frames Bowling, and SPIN offer interactive entertainment alongside the countdown.

Premium ball drop viewing venues with indoor sightlines to the Times Square ball include R Lounge (panoramic 3rd floor view, $1,250), Bar 54 (54th floor guaranteed view, $1,599), M Social Hotel (top viewing gallery, $899), Marriott Marquis (VIP terrace, $1,250), Olive Garden ($799), AMC 42nd Street ($599), Applebee's locations ($799), and Planet Hollywood ($499). Note that the BallDrop Passes do not guarantee ball drop views—they focus on multi-venue party hopping experiences. If watching the actual ball drop is your priority, book a dedicated ball drop viewing venue. Street-level venues like Chicken Guy, Pink Taco, Olive Garden, and Dallas BBQ offer 42nd Street access to step outside and experience the street energy, though not direct indoor ball drop sightlines.

Single venues provide a dedicated home base for the entire night—you know exactly where you'll be, what amenities you're getting. This works best if you want consistency and don't want to move around. BallDrop Passes offer variety and flexibility—experience multiple atmospheres, venues, and crowds in one night. You're not locked into one space if the vibe doesn't match your mood. Passes work well for adventurous groups who enjoy exploring and want the freedom to move. The trade-off is you won't have reserved seating (general admission only) and won't know your exact venue lineup until closer to the event. If ball drop views matter, choose a dedicated viewing venue. If variety and exploration matter, choose either the 21+ BallDrop Pass or the Family BallDrop Pass.

Many Times Square venues welcome all ages. Family-friendly options include Dallas BBQ (all ages, $199), Madame Tussauds (largest all-ages party, museum setting), Acadia ($349), Utsav (iconic Indian restaurant), Schnipper's (comfort food classics), RiseNY (4D skyline experience), and the Family Ball Drop Pass ($149) which provides multi-venue access for families. Most bars, nightclubs, and ball drop viewing venues are 21+ due to open bar formats and restrictions. Always check specific venue age policies when booking. Family-friendly venues offer appropriate entertainment and atmospheres where children can celebrate alongside their families.

Times Square venues see the strongest sales momentum of any NYC neighborhood due to the iconic location and global recognition. Value ball drop viewing venues with guaranteed sightlines often sell out early as guests prioritize securing those bucket list spots. Household name restaurants like Olive Garden, Applebee's, and Planet Hollywood move quickly due to brand familiarity. Rooftop venues and nightclubs in Times Square sell steadily through December. Budget bars under $200 offer more availability but still see December sellouts. BallDrop Passes have limited quantities and sell out as itineraries fill. If you have your heart set on Times Square—especially a specific ball drop view or premium rooftop—booking early ensures availability and best pricing.

NYPD barricades Times Square streets on New Year's Eve, creating controlled access points. You must enter through designated entry points with your ticket. Your receipt confirmation will include the exact event start time—we suggest allowing at least a 30-minute buffer to navigate crowds, locate your venue, and pass through security checkpoints. BallDrop Pass holders should plan extra time since you'll be moving between multiple locations throughout the night. Check your specific venue or pass information for exact timing and entry instructions.

Inclusions vary by venue type. Check your specific package details as amenities differ by venue and ticket tier.

NYPD establishes street barricades throughout Times Square creating controlled pedestrian flow. You must enter through designated entry points—your venue will provide this information with your ticket. Bring physical tickets (paper or mobile) as you'll need to show them to NYPD and security personnel. Plan your route in advance and arrive early. Public transportation is your best option—subway stations near Times Square remain accessible. If you're using a BallDrop Pass with multiple venues, understand that moving between locations means re-entering barricaded areas and potentially waiting at security checkpoints. Build extra time into your plans. Once inside a venue, you're in a controlled comfortable environment, but getting there requires patience and planning during the world's biggest street celebration.

You'll receive your venue itinerary via email in mid-to-late December when routes are published. This allows you to plan your evening and understand which venues you'll have access to throughout the night.