New Years Eve in Times Square

[Magdalene]

Posted: 12/24/09 at 9:56pm

Okay, I'm going to Times Square for the first time, and wonder what to expect. Has anyone here gone (seems like a silly question) and what advice do you have?

I just want to do it once while I'm young enough and healthy enough to survive!

[Gothampc]

Posted: 12/24/09 at 10:44pm

Very, very, very, very crowded. You stand for hours in barricaded holding areas. Wear layers of clothing because the weather can be changeable.

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 12/24/09 at 10:49pm

I wouldn't drink anything that day. Seriously. Once you're inside the barricades you are not allowed to leave, even to go to the bathroom. I know of some people who said they could but that really is out of the norm. It's very cold, very cramped and really a very exhausting experience.

[SNAFU]

Posted: 12/25/09 at 12:46am

Sadly it is not the same these days after 9/11. I went once in the 70's and had a blast, went again in 93 and was jammed in a mob and for ten minutes my feet weren't touching the ground. The scariest thing ever. I seriously advise anyone to avoid it. not that great at all. Better vantage point from a bar or club or better yet home with friends.000000

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 12/25/09 at 11:30am

I felt exactly the same way you did and attempted last year only to leave Times Square. I do not want to discourage. You must attempt it to say that you did it, but it is like an endurance test or an Olympic event. I believe many people do it to test their endurance.

First, if you want to be anywhere near the ball drop, you will be corralled as early as 2 or 3p (thats 9-10 hours in the elements with no bathroom break). Otherwise, based on the time you get there you are assigned a pen and there are no in/out privileges. Last year it was bitter cold and I lasted about an hour.

Plus, as the night progressed the energy gets more frenetic and people can and do start sneaking substances of all kinds (even though its not allowed). This is when people start going potty in the corrals and foolish. So it is basically when you are your most run down that people start acting the worst.

However, I say go for it to cross it off your list. At least attempt it. I made it for an hour, then headed to a toasty bar and had the best time ever! Happy New year!

[Jane2]

Posted: 12/25/09 at 11:49am

yer nuts!

Happy Holidays though!

[Magdalene]

Posted: 12/25/09 at 12:02pm

Thanks for all the advice---and yes, I am nuts! But have to do it once...

Then again, a lychee martini at the Blue Room is starting to sound pretty good...

[violet72]

Posted: 12/25/09 at 12:12pm

the weathermen say there is a chance of the next major snowstorm happening on New Years Eve...the weatherman said so last night, I live near Philly but if we get hit usually NYC gets hit

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 12/25/09 at 12:16pm

Did it once & it is a madhouse.

Had the experience & no desire to do it again.

[danmag]

Posted: 12/25/09 at 2:30pm

Hmmm. Did it one time in about 1988. That was more than enough to last a lifetime.

[Magdalene]

Posted: 12/25/09 at 9:54pm

I can taste that martini now....

[nmartin]

Posted: 12/25/09 at 10:09pm

I did it one time. Never again.

[SNAFU]

Posted: 12/25/09 at 10:11pm

I seriously believe the martini is a much better idea!

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 12/25/09 at 10:40pm

Going to Times Square on New Years Eve is like lighting your fart in a fireworks factory - it seems like a fun idea when it's clearly not.
Updated On: 12/25/09 at 10:40 PM

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 12/25/09 at 10:44pm

That is the best description of New Years in Times Square I have ever heard.

[singtopher]

Posted: 12/25/09 at 11:05pm

"Going to Times Square on New Years Eve is like lighting your fart in a fireworks factory"

Put that on a t-shirt.

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 12/25/09 at 11:08pm

I will buy it.

By the way, is Dick Clark being rolled out this year? Let us remember him as he was & let someone take over the duties full time.

Updated On: 12/25/09 at 11:08 PM

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 12/25/09 at 11:25pm

Oh that's very kind of your Mr. Roxy. Old people who have survived devastating health crisis are so, so, so... unsightly! They shouldn't be "rolled out" where they remind us of vulnerability and death. I think YOU should head up the government death panels, Roxy.

By the way, how's the prostate cancer, old man?

[SNAFU]

Posted: 12/25/09 at 11:58pm

And HAPPY NEW YEAR!

[Phyllis Rogers Stone]

Posted: 12/25/09 at 11:59pm

I don't like being out and about on New Year's period. Even when I lived in NYC the thought of being down in Times Square for New Year's gave me the hives!

[Q]

Posted: 12/26/09 at 2:06am

Do you like feeling trapped? Do you like being thrown up on? Are you interested in observing the very basest of human behavior?

If you answer yes to the above, by all means GO and have a wonderful time.

If you didn't - and if those questions make you go 'hmmmmmm . . .' then I'd reconsider your options.

[danmag]

Posted: 12/26/09 at 7:37am

Q, people throw up on me all the time. That's not to say I like it though.

[Luscious]

Posted: 12/26/09 at 10:38am

If you don't mind being herded like cattle and standing for hours in the cold, surrounded by the intoxicating aromas of piss and vomit, you should love it! Happy New Year!

[TimesSquareRegular]

Posted: 12/26/09 at 10:45am

New Years Eve is probably the one and only time of the year that I regret living where I do.

[Jane2]

Posted: 12/26/09 at 11:48am

If you are the least bit claustrophobic, going there would be suicide.