New Years Eve in NYC Time Square

Dating back since 1907, up to 1 million people make their way to New Year's Eve Times Square to witness the ball drop on New Years Eve (and an estimated 1 billion people witness the event on TV). Yes, that is crowded... long, loud, and cold! (Temperatures on this night average to about 33 degrees Fahrenheit at midnight.) So what is it about this ball dropping?

The notion of dropping a ball to signify time passage indeed goes back well before New Years Eve being celebrated in Times Square. Each year at midnight, we are actually borrowing a tradition which originated in Greenwich, England back in 1833. By manually observing time passage, sailors were able to use time balls to determine their longitude at sea.

Now, if you are planning on heading to Times Square for New Years Eve 2010 to see the famous 11,875 pound ball drop, here is what you need to know:

1. Get there early. By late afternoon, there will already be the formation of crowds. If you want to see anything, get there by 7:30pm.
2. It will be crowded. With 1 million people all gathered in one place, you are going to get pushed. Police will be there with barricades, but make sure you have everything/everyone with you before you go(and do bundle up!). If you leave, you won't get back in.
3. No alcohol allowed. (You will not want alcohol when you aren't able to get to a bathroom anyway). If you plan on going to Times Square, save your drinking for after the ball drops.
4. Leave yourself time to get out. It could take up to 1 hour to flee the crowds.

If you do decide to join the 1 million people in an unbelievable tradition in Times Square this New Years Eve NYC, you will be sure to have an experience of a lifetime and it is something you will never forget. Hey, this is Times Square on New york New Years Eve!

Crowds and cold don't sound too tempting? No need to miss out-chip in with some friends to rent in a hotel nearby and have your own little NYC New Years Eve party! Happy New Year!!