topic Re: New Year at Times Square in Community Chat

New Year at Times Square

Biftu — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 14:33:40 GMT

Have you ever been? I think it's probably a fun celebration to be there, but for me it's too much chaos especially in these times.

Re: New Year at Times Square

cjm61 — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 14:39:59 GMT

No longer my thing. My biggest issue and I think about this every year, restrooms. People I know that participated in Time Square on NYE said there were little to no bathrooms. The stores would not open up to use restrooms. So, all these people for several hours drinking and no place to use the bathroom?

Re: New Year at Times Square

LindaSal — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 14:38:39 GMT

I have never been but agree it would have been fun to experience once in your life, maybe 30 years ago?? DH is not a party person so I don't think I would ever have gotten him to go along with it! LOL........The older I get I am more leary of large crowds and today, it's just too scarey sadly.

Re: New Year at Times Square

I am still oxox — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 14:39:16 GMT

My younger brother and friends went on year after a NY Ranger game, it was over 30 years ago so times were very different. They had a great time and came back to my parents who of course fed them

Re: New Year at Times Square

Desertdi — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 14:44:19 GMT

It's FREEZING there....I wouldn't last for five minutes (!!!)

Re: New Year at Times Square

bmorechick — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 14:45:50 GMT

My three sons drove up to NY about 2 years ago and stayed in a hotel that overlooked the action. They watched it from the hotel room and had a blast. Of course, there was a party in the bar of the hotel so they were good. I might add they had a friend who worked for the hotel, so the room was booked way in advance. That's the only way I would do it.

🎊🎉🥂

Happy 2024 folks!!

Re: New Year at Times Square

charsha — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 14:46:44 GMT

Not interested in wearing a diaper, hate crushing crowds, too much germ atmosphere.

Now, if I was in a hotel room that looked over this area, perhaps. I am sure there are many that are doing that. Happy New Year to all, however you celebrate.

Re: New Year at Times Square

Marp — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 14:46:51 GMT

I don't handle crowds or noise very well so the only way I would even consider it would be from a very expensive luxury hotel room overlooking Times Square.

Re: New Year at Times Square

kaydee50 — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 14:48:09 GMT

DH and I did the NYE in Times Square several times. We would get 1/2 price tix for a Broadway show, have dinner, see the show and then plant ourselves a few blocks from Times Square. Very enjoyable each time we went.

THEN, after 9/11 everything changed. Streets were blocked off, difficult to get around. I think we went once after 9/11 but that was the end of a good thing.

Re: New Year at Times Square

On It — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 14:48:55 GMT

I do not enjoy crowds or cold weather. My only hope would be a hotel room overlooking the venue. I am sure those have a hefty price New Year's Eve.

Re: New Year at Times Square

meallen616 — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 14:52:11 GMT

Like many others, I would only go if we had a hotel room booked early on!

Re: New Year at Times Square

gizmogal — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 14:54:27 GMT

"Fun" at ages 16-25 is so much different once you get to an older perspective. I've been to this event in my wilder years and it is pure mayhem. The excitement and the pulse of anticipation, nostalgia that is present among a crowd mostly too young to be nostalgic about much, and the huge spirit of togetherness and fresh start make it all feel completely acceptable, certainly energizing.

I'm not cynical. The joys of that age are delightful,

and many crazy youthful experiences are worth their memories.

But in reality, NYE at Times Square is practically punitive. A million people are crammed behind barriers. You cannot wander about. You get a place with a view of the evening target event and you stay put on your feet for hours. If you're not there many hours before evening you can never get close enough to even see the ball drop or hear the live entertainment. There are no "facilities" for any comfort or relief so hold it or lose it or diaper yourself before leaving home . Bring no valuables--pickpocketing is rampant. It's relatively safe from violence as there is extreme police presence and surveillance. Also, no alcohol is allowed and it's strictly enforced. Lots of marijuana in the air and that might enhance the revelry. Nearly everyone takes the subway to Times Square over the course of the day but the trains are mobbed and really bad once the ball drops and everyone moves towards home or more partying. Too many people all at once!

Way too much tumult for me, certainly now, but I don't regret having done it once in my teens. I'd never recommend it as fun, but I still understand how it attracts a million happy people every year. I do so love New York!

Happy, healthy, prosperous 2024 to all! May the world's people find peace and safety everywhere.

Re: New Year at Times Square

haddon9 — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 14:58:41 GMT

@Biftu wrote:
Have you ever been? I think it's probably a fun celebration to be there, but for me it's too much chaos especially in these times.

@Biftu It might have been fun when I was in my twenties but certainly not now. I also think it could be fun if you're in an office overlooking Times Square...up in warm comfort with a restroom and maybe a small party going on.

Today however with all of the protests, etc. going on I would prefer to be in a safer location. The world seems like it's a much more angry place than just a few years ago....(pre-Covid)

Re: New Year at Times Square

wagirl — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 15:02:10 GMT

No, never been--- but if I had a nice hotel room far above the sea of humanity---I wouldn't mind. but that is not on my bucket list at any rate.

Re: New Year at Times Square

haddon9 — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 15:03:20 GMT

@gizmogal From my point of view & age it really sounds like a nighmare not a celebration!! I can't imagine standing in one spot for hours with my bad knees & back!

Now if you had asked me 50 years ago I would have thought it sounded like so much fun!! LOL!

Re: New Year at Times Square

Bri369 — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 15:06:06 GMT

You couldn't pay me. I don't even like looking at that crowd on TV. lol

Re: New Year at Times Square

amyb — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 15:25:22 GMT

I lived in NYC, for four of my younger years, in the late 80's. During which time I never went to the ball drop. New Yorkers often stay out of that crowd, and getting a cab that night is always impossible. (of course now there's Uber...back then, limo drivers would pick up extra passengers and extra cash, while waiting for their other customers to be done at their parties...you'd pay premium to get limo driven when you couldn't get a cab!)

I did get to go to an MTV Rockin' NY Eve one year, as my guy at the time was a songwriter...it was fun. The Beastie Boys were one of the musical guests...not my cup of tea even then! I forget who the other was, who I did like! It may come to me...

After I moved out, I did visit a friend one NYEve in the city, and we went down to Time Square to see the ball drop. Very crowded, of course, couldn't get completely "in it", we were on a side street. We went later and didn't really wish to be "in it" so we could come and go easily. Lol...I always say "I saw 1/2 the ball come down!"..because it was partially obscured by buildings where we were. Good enough! Once was fun, and enough. After that we went to a favorite club of mine then..."Denim & Diamonds"...a country type rustic, yet citified dance club, and danced until 4 am...at which time we came out to snow coming down. Nice memory. Early 90's.

Happy, Healthy New Year, everyone!🍾🥂🎉

Re: New Year at Times Square

amyb — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 15:23:11 GMT

@cjm61 wrote:
No longer my thing. My biggest issue and I think about this every year, restrooms. People I know that participated in Time Square on NYE said there were little to no bathrooms. The stores would not open up to use restrooms. So, all these people for several hours drinking and no place to use the bathroom?

I've always wondered about the drinking/restroom thing too! I would NEVER last! When we went we stayed on the perimeter and easily exited after it came down...we didn't go early either.

Re: New Year at Times Square

Franell — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 15:27:53 GMT

I would rather set my hair on fire.

Re: New Year at Times Square

SoCal Bred — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 15:37:58 GMT

I'll be watching New Year's Eve Live with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen on CNN tonight in the comforts of my own home. Happy New Year!