Travel Tips

Where to watch the 2025 New Year countdown in New York

Discover the best places to watch the New York New Year countdown, from the world-famous Times Square ball drop to exclusive rooftop bars and free open-air viewing spots!

There’s nowhere better to be as the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve than New York City. The Big Apple, notorious for never sleeping, revels in the festivities, with all-night celebrations found throughout the city.

Details of the world-famous 2025 Times Square ball drop have just been released, and this year, the ball is even bigger and more spectacular than ever:

Date: December 31st
Entry from: 3 pm
Ball drop: 11:59 pm
Entry price: Free (first come, first served)
Ball details: Measuring 12.5 feet in diameter, and containing a whopping 5,280 Waterford crystals!

While the Times Square ball drop is LEGENDARY, there are many other incredible places to experience the New York New Year countdown.

In this article, we’re sharing exactly what to expect from the Times Square ball drop 2025, as well as other fantastic spots to spend New Year’s in NYC, with options for families, couples, and friends!

In this article

Times Square Ball Drop

Source: Shutterstock

Attending the most famous countdown in the world is one of the most iconic things to do in New York during the holidays.

The event kicks off at 6 pm, when the ball is raised up and the lights are turned on. There are then many music performances and entertainment until the official ball drop and countdown at 11:59 pm.

While the Times Square Ball Drop is magnificent, its popularity and fame mean you’ll need to arrive early and battle the biggest crowds you’ve ever seen.

Entering the event

If you want a spot close to the stage, you’ll need to start queuing around 11 am! Meanwhile, to guarantee a place in the spectator area, you should arrive no later than 3 pm. This is when the spectator area opens, and it fills fast! Considering this, the Times Square ball drop can turn into a full-day event.

Access points for entering Times Square ball drop: 49th, 52nd, and 56th Streets on 6th and 8th Avenues.

Rules & restrictions

There are also several rules you should be aware of when attending the ball drop:

Once you pass the security checkpoints, you cannot leave and re-enter
There are no toilets within the spectator pen (so plan your restroom visits accordingly)
Various items are prohibited, including backpacks, lawn chairs, alcohol, and large coolers

To ensure you stay comfortable during the ball drop, limit your food and drink intake before entering the spectator area. Some people even decide to wear adult diapers!

Bryant Park Winter Village

Source: Shutterstock

If you can’t face the crowds of Times Square or prefer a quieter evening, consider Bryant Park Winter Village.

While it’s more low-key and less chaotic than Times Square, New Year’s Eve at Bryant Park is festive and magical.

There’s no specific New Year’s event, but the winter village is open with all the usual facilities, including skating, music, Christmas lights, and enticing food stalls. It’s ideal for families looking for a low-key evening or anyone who wants to experience New York’s holiday atmosphere without the crowds.

Note that Bryant Park Winter Village closes at 8 pm on New Year’s Eve. So many people come here for a pre-countdown activity before heading elsewhere for the New York New Year countdown and fireworks.

Brooklyn Bridge / Brooklyn Bridge Park

Source: Shutterstock

If you’re looking for a beautiful open-air spot to watch the fireworks at midnight, head to Brooklyn Bridge, one of the most iconic destinations in any New York travel guide.

Brooklyn Bridge is incredibly scenic, with stunning skyline views that lit up at the stroke of midnight. While it is a VERY popular viewing spot, you’ll at least have space to move here.

If you’re looking to take some epic fireworks shots, I recommend choosing a spot in Brooklyn Bridge Park instead of the bridge. The views are unobstructed, and you’ll get awesome photos of the fireworks behind and above the skyscrapers.

It’s also one of the most romantic New Year’s spots in the city, making Brooklyn Bridge popular among couples!

Rooftop Bars

Source: Shutterstock

While the parks and bridges offer free viewing spots, they are all outdoors, and the end of December in New York is often freezing! If you want to stay warm while experiencing a lively party atmosphere, gather your friends and head to one of New York’s rooftop bars:

230 Fifth near Madison Square Park puts on a huge New Year’s Eve party with 2 DJs, two dance floors, appetizers, and a champagne toast.
Edge’s Skydeck is one of the most epic spots to party the night away with a 3-hour open bar and unparalleled views of the fireworks.
Marriott Marquis in Times Square is just steps away from the famous ball, giving you a fantastic view of the event without having to battle the crowds below. The New Year’s Eve Gala includes a dinner buffet, dessert bar, and 5 hours of open bar!
Bar 54 at Hyatt Centric also offers premium views of the ball drop, along with a 5-hour open bar and 3 hours of appetizers at their exclusive New Year’s Gala.

Tickets to New Year’s parties at the city’s rooftop bars are highly sought-after, and many venues, especially those around Times Square, sell out weeks in advance. Prices are also incredibly high, ranging from a few hundred to well over $1000!

Other great places to enjoy NYC in late December

Still not found your perfect spot for the New Year Countdown 2025 in New York? Here are some more awesome places to enjoy the festivities:

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree: Did you know the most magical Christmas tree in New York remains lit during New Year’s? You can expect a charming, family-friendly festive vibe here.
Fifth Avenue Holiday Window Displays: Take a stroll along Fifth Avenue to see the extravagant window displays at Saks, Bergdorf Goodman, and other luxury stores.
Central Park Winter Run (or walk): Every New Year’s Eve, Central Park hosts a 4-mile midnight run, starting at the stroke of midnight! If you’re on a solo trip to New York during the holidays and want to meet some locals, this is an epic way to do so!

Stay Connected in NYC on New Year’s Eve with Holafly

New Year’s Eve is NYC’s busiest day of the year, and it’s easy to lose your friends amidst the crowds and festivities. With so much to see, the last thing you want is to be stuck without data, unable to find your viewing spot.

Thankfully, with a Holafly eSIM, you’ll instantly get high-speed, unlimited data — no physical SIM card, no roaming fees, and no stress.

Make your New York New Year countdown unforgettable by grabbing a Holafly eSIM for New York City before you go!