Folks, gather 'round! This New Year's Eve, the Big Apple's iconic Times Square is hosting a banger of a celebration, with legendary performers Paul Anka (82, "My Way") and Flo Rida (44, "Low") taking the stage. Emceeing the festivities is none other than actor Jonathan Bennett. Get ready for an evening filled with unforgettable music, shows, and more confetti than you can shake a stick at.
Nestled in the heart of Manhattan, Times Square has long hosted one of the world's most famed New Year's Eve celebrations. With performances by renowned artists like our headliners, the anticipation mounts as the clock ticks down, culminating in the legendary ball drop at midnight. Join the masses of people as they belt out classic tunes like "Auld Lang Syne" and "New York, New York."
The Times Square New Year's Eve celebration has come a long way since its humble beginnings. Originating in 1904 to mark the opening of The New York Times' new headquarters, the event has morphed into the spectacle we know today. At midnight, a dazzling light and crystal ball is lowered, signaling the start of a new year as fireworks erupt above and confetti showers down below.
Beyond the main event, Times Square New Year's Eve offers much more. Live acts grace the stage, and viewers worldwide tune in to the broadcast. Over the past century, this iconic celebration has captivated visitors and become a rite of passage for many. Don your warmest gear and join the throngs in NYC, ready to bid adieu to the old and welcome the new in style at Times Square.
Adjusting for clarity and coherence, the history and general schedule of the Times Square New Year's Eve celebration have evolved significantly:
History
The event's roots go back to 1904 when Adolph Ochs, owner of The New York Times, organized the celebration to promote the newspaper's new headquarters. The celebration included fireworks and lowering a huge glass ball at midnight. Since then, Times Square has undergone several transformations, including neon signage and the "zipper" during the 1920s. In the 1990s, the area became tourist-friendly, thanks to Mayor Rudy Giuliani and Disney Company investment.
Schedule and Traditions
Preparations begin with closing Times Square to traffic in the late afternoon, dividing the square into "pens" to manage crowds and tightening security by the NYPD. The festivities start with a 6 PM opening ceremony, featuring the Times Square Ball's raising. Live entertainment and musical performances precede the midnight ball drop, synchronizing with a GPS signal. At midnight, confetti rains down, weighing at least 3,000 pounds.
General Information
Security has become much more stringent since the September 11 attacks, with additional measures like rooftop patrols and building markers to aid officers in identifying elevated shooters. Major networks like NBC, CBS, and Fox provide extensive broadcast coverage, featuring the event's highlights and live performances.
In recent years, stars like Taio Cruz, CeeLo Green, and Bebe Rexha have graced the stage, but specific mentions of competing artists like Flo Rida and Jonathan Bennett in Times Square are sparse. Nonetheless, Times Square continues as a cultural and entertainment milestone, attracting visitors worldwide during New Year's Eve.
