Surviving New Year's in Times Square

 

www.centralwatch.com

Over a million people celebrate New Year's Eve in Times Square, packed tighter than commuters on a 6 train during rush hour. So getting a good view and being comfortable during the long wait for midnight can prove to be difficult. If you've decided to brave the crowds tonight, we have some helpful tips to ensure that your experience is enjoyable and memorable:

1. Take the train - Public transit is the best way to reach the celebration, but detrain at a stop OTHER than Times Square and walk the rest of the way
2. Arrive EARLY - Crowds usually begin forming in the early afternoon today, filling some prime viewing spots by mid afternoon.
3. Visit the restrooms in advance - There are no portable bathrooms in the viewing area, go before you arrive otherwise you'll lose your viewing spot.
4. Wear comfortable shoes - If you arrive early enough, you'll be standing for hours. Choose comfy shoes and a thick pair of socks so your toes don't go numb.
5. Bundle up - The temperature will continue to drop as hours pass, wear more layers than you think you need.
6. Be patient and have a good sense of humor - It will be crowded, you'll get bumped into, your feet will get stomped on, people may block your view, etc. Keep calm and enjoy the New Year's Eve ball drop.

If being crowded isn't your ideal way to celebrate New Year's Eve, the city offers tons of other options. However you choose to celebrate, have a great time! Happy New Year!