GO Airlink Blog

Travel tips, upcoming events and information on all things New York City.

New Years Eve in Times Square

It doesn’t get much more iconic New York than New Year’s Eve in Times Square. This yearly celebration has come a long way since party goers started celebrating in the area as early as 1904. In 1907 the New Year’s Eve ball made its very first appearance at One Times Square. The first ball was made out of iron, 100 light bulbs and wood, was 5 foot in diameter and weighed nearly 700 pounds. It is safe to say the current ball has a few upgrades which includes a computerized LED lighting system and is covered in Waterford Crystals. Not only has the quality changed but it’s size too – it weighs almost 12,000 pounds and is 12 feet in diameter. The ball currently takes 60 seconds (which perfectly coincides with your countdown) to descend 141 feet to start the New Year.

Way down below on the city streets you can find an estimated one million people in Times Square from all over the world ready to ring in the New Year. However, the celebration wasn’t always in  midtown. In the early 1900’s people would gather at Trinity Church in downtown Manhattan where they would ring a bell to signify the new year. As more vibrant buildings were being built up in midtown, people started to make their way towards this area for celebrations.

Now tourist and locals alike gather from the early morning to find the perfect spot to take it all in. Usually in festive hats and noise makers in hand, the excitement can be overwhelming. Star-studded musical performances and appearances take black throughout the night as everyone patiently waits for the official count down to begin.

If you think one million people in Times Square is a lot, think about the one billion people who watch the events that unfold in New York City from their televisions. Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, which is now hosted by Ryan Secreast is synonymous with New Year’s Eve. Other networks you can find alternative broadcasts like New Year’s Eve with Carson Daly or CNNs’ New Year’s Eve Live. These programs allow everyone to feel part of these iconic New York City events without leaving your house.

No matter where you are this New Years, everyone here at GO Airlink NYC wishes you a very happy and healthy New Year.

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