Friday 31 December 2010

How to Celebrate the New Year in Times Square

How to Celebrate the New Year in Times Square

Arguably the most famous New Year's event known worldwide is
the annual dropping of the spectacular crystal ball in Times
Square, New York City, on December 31st. The celebration is
broadcast on many television channels around the world and
marks the height of New Year's celebrations. And if you're a
reveler keen to experience the spectacular event live in
person, the following is a guide to help you enjoy the
celebration in Times Square.

!! Steps !!

Wear warm clothing [1]. Wear a warm jacket, scarf, mittens, etc. if
you're going to wait to see the ball drop. Winter temperatures in
New York City can get downright chilly and brisk, especially during
New Year's Eve, so make sure to bundle up unless you want to stand
outside for many long hours in the freezing air.

* Be sure to wear adequate footwear and socks too. Cold feet can
make the occasion miserable.

Arrive early. Early can mean anytime between 1pm-5pm of the
afternoon leading into New Year's Eve. While this sounds very early,
it's essential if you want to guarantee yourself a nice view of the
ball and the entertainment stages. If you arrive later, you risk
receiving a crummy, crowded spot with no view, or, in the worst
case, you won't be permitted into Times Square at all.

* Take along things to do while you wait, like crossword puzzles
[2], phone games, some reading you'd like to catch up on.

* Go with someone. It might be a good idea to bring along an equally
stalwart family member or close friend to Times Square. Although
you may be able to chat with the revelers around you, you might
want to pass the time talking to someone you know well instead.

* It is possible to purchase guided tours at steep prices and have
people shepherd you through the crowd (some tours also provide a
dinner, etc.) This might prove easier for you if you have the cash
and less desire to be standing about for hours. Search online for
details.

Make this clear to yourself - there are no portable bathrooms [3] in
Times Square. Unless you want to hold it in for eight hours, try not
to drink excessive amounts of liquids before or while you wait in
Times Square.

If you're looking for a view of the entertainers who will be
performing in Times Square, make sure you find a spot near any of
the stages assembled throughout the Square. If you're lucky enough
to grab a spot right beside the stage, chances are you'll be able to
shake hands or even talk with the entertainers after their
performances.

* Don't be upset if you have a crummy view of the ball drop or
entertainers in Times Square [4]. Huge video screens are set up
throughout the area that display live coverage of the event, as
well as the countdown, for revelers who haven't made it to the
center of the action.

When the countdown reaches the final ten seconds, chant the numbers
with the hundreds of thousands of fellow revelers in Times Square.
And at midnight, cheer as loud as you can, kiss your spouse or date
[5], and enjoy the post-ball drop music [6].

Leave as soon as you can after the ball drops. Otherwise you risk
facing a very difficult and frustrating time getting out of Times
Square in any hurry. Millions of people will be either returning
home or to their hotels, and you can expect long lines and wait
times.

!! Video !!

!! Tips !!

* This event is very popular with the young adult age group, but you
may see families with young children or elderly people in Times
Square too. But beware that young children may become fidgety and
impatient waiting in the cold with nothing for them to do (unless
you have brought a favorite book, magazine, toy, etc. of theirs)
and they will very probably need the non-existent bathroom. You
may also want to keep an eye on your fellow elderly people joining
you, because they could become ill or faint just standing outside
in the brisk air for several hours.

* This event is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you may feel
you want to try one time, but some revelers who "survived" the
cold, crowded, noisy event have vowed not to return and instead
choose to watch it on television from the comfort of their living
room.

!! Warnings !!

* No alcohol is permitted in Times Square during the New Year's
celebration. If you are caught drinking alcohol, the police will
confiscate the drink.

* Once you leave your spot to go to the bathroom, eat at a
restaurant, or return to your hotel room, you will not be
permitted back to your spot.

!! Things You'll Need !!

* Garments to keep warm in

* Party favors (they are usually distributed for free by the event
coordinators)

* A family member or close friend

* A good spirit and good mood

!! Related WikiHows !!

* How to Celebrate a Family Friendly New Year's Eve With Your Kids
[7]

* How to Have a New Years Eve Party [8]

* How to Make Your Own New Years [9]

* How to Have Fun Without Drugs and Alcohol [10]

* How to Make Your Own Ice Cream [11]

* How to Make Hard Chocolate for Ice Cream Topping [12]

!! Article Tools !!

* Read on wikiHow

* Discuss

Links:
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[1] http://www.wikihow.com/Warm-Up
[2] http://www.wikihow.com/Solve-a-Cryptic-Crossword
[3] http://www.wikihow.com/Safely-Use-a-Public-Bathroom
[4] http://www.wikihow.com/Visit-Times-Square
[5] http://www.wikihow.com/Kiss-Your-Girlfriend-in-Public
[6] http://www.wikihow.com/Dance
[7] http://www.wikihow.com/Celebrate-a-Family-Friendly-New-Year%27s-Eve-With-Your-Kids
[8] http://www.wikihow.com/Have-a-New-Years-Eve-Party
[9] http://www.wikihow.com/Make-Your-Own-New-Years
[10] http://www.wikihow.com/Have-Fun-Without-Drugs-and-Alcohol
[11] http://www.wikihow.com/Make-Your-Own-Ice-Cream
[12] http://www.wikihow.com/Make-Hard-Chocolate-for-Ice-Cream-Topping

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