Times Square Ball Drop Tickets: What You Need to Know for 2026
Can you buy tickets to watch the Times Square ball drop?
The short answer: Street access to Times Square on New Year’s Eve is completely free—no tickets required. However, venue packages offering indoor viewing, open bars, food, and comfort start at $499 and provide a dramatically different experience.
Let us explain both options so you can make the best choice for your celebration.
The Reality of Free Street Access to Times Square
Watching the ball drop from the street in Times Square costs nothing and doesn’t require tickets or reservations. Millions of people do this every year. Here’s what that experience actually looks like:
What Free Street Access Requires:
Arrival & Wait: Arrival is usually around or after 2:00 PM to secure a viewing spot. Once in NYPD security pens, you’ll stand in the same location for 8-10 hours. You cannot leave and return—leaving means losing your spot.
No Amenities: No bathrooms, no seating, no food, and no shelter. The NYPD doesn’t allow bags or backpacks. Average temperature at midnight is 33.7°F (1°C).
The Experience: You’ll be shoulder-to-shoulder with hundreds of thousands in designated pens. Since the ball sits atop One Times Square, everyone looks up to watch the countdown. The energy is electric and the moment is iconic, but comfort isn’t part of the equation.
Who Street Access Works For:
Free street access is ideal for people who want the authentic, no-frills Times Square experience and are willing to endure the conditions for the bucket list moment. If you’re young, hardy, don’t mind crowds or cold, and want to say you did it the traditional way, this is your option.
The Smart Alternative: Indoor Venue Packages
Since 2004, we’ve specialized in curating New Year’s Eve venue experiences that let you witness the same iconic countdown from inside warm venues with premium amenities. Here’s how venue packages work:
What Venue Packages Provide:
Late Arrival & Guaranteed Views: Arrive between 7:00-9:00 PM. Ball drop view venues provide sightlines of the Ball Drop from indoor spaces with floor-to-ceiling windows.
Full Amenities: 4-5 hours open bars, food (appetizers to multi-course dinners), climate control, bathrooms, coat check, and comfortable seating.
Entertainment & Flexibility: Live DJs, dance floors, and the freedom to move around, sit, dance, or leave when you choose.
Who Venue Packages Work For:
Venue packages appeal to anyone who wants the Times Square ball drop experience without sacrificing comfort, amenities, or warmth. If you’re celebrating with a partner, bringing family members, want to drink and dine while you celebrate, or simply value comfort alongside the iconic moment, venues are the better choice.
Street Access vs Venue Packages: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Free Street Access | Venue Packages |
| Cost | Free | $499-$1,499 per person |
| Arrival Time | After 2:00 PM | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
| Wait Time | 8-10 hours standing | Doors open 3-4 hours before midnight |
| Ball Drop View | Look up from street level | Sightlines from indoor spaces with windows |
| Bathrooms | None (once in viewing pen, cannot leave) | Full bathroom access all night |
| Food | None (cannot bring food into pens) | Included: appetizers, buffets, or plated dinners |
| Drinks | None (cannot bring alcohol into pens) | Included: 4-5 hours unlimited open bar |
| Climate Control | Outdoors in 30-40°F weather | Heated indoor spaces with optional outdoor access |
| Seating | None (standing only for duration) | VIP table packages available, lounge areas |
| Entertainment | Countdown moment only | Live DJs, dancing, music all night |
| Flexibility | Cannot leave and return | Free movement, leave when you choose |
| Age Suitability | All ages but physically demanding | All ages (family venues) or 21+ (adult venues) |
Types of Venue Packages in Times Square
We curate venue experiences across Times Square to match different preferences and budgets:
Ball Drop View Venues ($499-$1,499)
Popular ball drop view venues include Bar 54 (54th floor view from atop, $1,499), R Lounge (3rd floor panoramic, $1,200), M Social Hotel (top viewing gallery, $899), Marriott Marquis (VIP terrace, $1,250), and budget-friendly options like Chicken Guy! ($499) and Planet Hollywood ($599). Family-friendly choices include Olive Garden Times Square ($849) and Applebee’s locations ($999).
Browse All Ball Drop View Venues →
Other Times Square Venue Options
Rooftop Penthouses – Elevated celebrations with skyline views, climate-controlled lounges, and optional outdoor terraces. Popular choices include RT60 at Hard Rock Hotel, Magic Hour at Moxy, and PHD Terrace at Dream Midtown.
Bars & Restaurants – Authentic pub atmospheres with open bars, food, and proximity to Times Square energy. Options like The Long Room, Yard House, and Stout NYC provide budget-friendly celebration ($99-$249).
Nightclubs – High-energy dance floor experiences with world-class DJs and state-of-the-art sound systems. Venues like Dramma Times Square and The Venue on Music Row at Hard Rock Hotel host 1,000+ partygoers.
Family-Friendly Restaurants – All-ages dining experiences near Times Square include Dallas BBQ, Madame Tussauds, and Schnipper’s where families can celebrate together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy tickets to stand in the street in Times Square?
No. Street access is free and does not require tickets. You simply show up after 2:00 PM and wait in NYPD security pens. However, venue packages that provide indoor spaces with amenities do require tickets, which is what we specialize in.
How much do ball drop venue packages cost?
Venue packages range from $499 (budget options like Chicken Guy!) to $1,499 (premium views like Bar 54). Mid-range options like M Social ($899) and R Lounge ($1,200) balance great views with more accessible pricing. Prices include open bar, food, entertainment, and ball drop views.
What time should I arrive if I book a venue package?
Your purchase receipt will include specific entry time instructions and your venue’s designated entry point through Times Square barricades. We recommend following these instructions carefully and arriving at least 30 minutes before your stated door time to navigate NYPD checkpoints smoothly.
Can I enter Times Square with a venue ticket after 9:00 PM?
While technically possible with a venue ticket, NYPD crowd control makes it increasingly difficult after 9:00 PM. Your purchase receipt will include the recommended arrival time—we strongly suggest following these guidelines to ensure smooth entry.
Are there family-friendly ball drop options?
Yes. Olive Garden Times Square, Applebee’s locations, Planet Hollywood, Dallas BBQ, and Chicken Guy! all welcome families with children and provide ball drop viewing access or proximity. These venues offer kid-friendly menus, family dining, and all-ages entertainment alongside adult open bars.
Do venue packages sell out?
Yes. Venues have fixed capacity and popular locations sell out or go up in pricing as we get closer to New Year’s Eve. Booking early secures better pricing and availability.
What’s included in a typical live view of the ball drop venue package?
Most packages include 4-5 hours open bar, food (appetizers, buffets, or plated dinners), live DJ, party favors, champagne toast at midnight, and ball drop views. Specific inclusions vary by venue.
Can I get a refund if I change my mind?
All sales are final. No refunds will be issued under any circumstance unless an event is canceled by NYCNewYears.com. We recommend reviewing venue details carefully before purchasing to ensure the experience matches your expectations.
Ready to Choose Your New Year’s Eve Experience?
Whether you brave the cold for the authentic street experience or celebrate in comfort with a venue package, Times Square offers the world’s most iconic New Year’s Eve countdown.
Browse our curated selection of ball drop view venues featuring guaranteed sightlines, premium amenities, and the celebration you came to New York for—without the 10-hour wait in the cold.
View All Ball Drop View Venues →
Questions about which option is right for you? Contact our New Year’s Eve specialists at 646-205-7600 or info@nycnewyears.com—we’ve been helping people celebrate in Times Square since 2004.